The epitome of class…an old school style album cover for a man who’s bringing soul back to the radio. Also, that album’s leaning all cool like on that crate. #suave
Coming Home by Leon Bridges
J- During a time of the year when many of us are coming home for the holidays, or wishing they could, I felt it appropriate to share this gem of an album. Released about 6 months ago, Leon Bridges has impressed darn near everyone who’s heard him sing. If you type “Leon Bridges sucks” or “Leon Bridges is a bad singer” into your preferred search engine, you will find only results on how wonderful and talented Leon is. This is the kind of album that can be enjoyed as a listening experience unto itself, for a chill evening with a friend or loved one, even for a dance party. There’s a fine mix of uptempo, swingin’ tunes, waltzes and ballads. Although there are definitely a few songs that stand out from the others, I fully recommend appreciating this album as a whole. It only clocks in at about 34 minutes and you will not tire of listening to this 21st century crooner’s voice, blessed by many comparisons to Sam Cooke, another amazing r&b singer from the 50’s and 60’s.
My top 3 on this album include: “Smooth Sailin’”, because of the rhythmic verse melody and the infectious groove, “Lisa Sawyer”, Leon’s ode to his mother, and “River”, the final song where he truly bears his soul in a stripped-down, Gospel-influenced prayer.
This guy is such a breath of fresh air amidst a pop landscape where so many artists are trying to write the same song. Leon Bridges has no contemporary comparisons and, in this case, that’s a compliment. For fans of great singing, soul & r&b, live or analog recordings, and timeless songcrafting, go get yourself a copy of this album.
Watch the music video for the single: Leon Bridges- Smooth Sailin’
You can buy this album at an awesome local business called Odds and Sods Record Shoppe