Music review: Leon Bridges – ‘Coming Home’
Whenever my daughter suggests that I check out specific material from newer artists, I always make it a point to listen to her recommendations. Leon Bridges is the latest talent she has directed my way.
The Texas-based singer蘑菇视频 debut release possesses a vintage style that evokes the classic R&B sound of the 1950s as well as elements of blues and gospel.
The 25-year-old sensation successfully reinvents the classic soul sound with sincerity and grace.
Clocking in at a little over 34 minutes, the brevity of the material is the only noticeable flaw found on 鈥淐oming Home.鈥� Following in the successful footsteps of Fitz and the Tantrums and Raphael Saadiq, Bridges delivers a cool, sophisticated flavoring to the 10 stellar arrangements accentuated by his soulful vocals reminiscent of Sam Cooke.
鈥淚鈥檇 swim the Mississippi River if you would give me another start,鈥� sings Bridges as he desperately attempts to win back his true love蘑菇视频 heart on 鈥淏etter Man,鈥� while 鈥淏rown Skin Girl鈥� details the excitement of discovering love at first sight and the anticipation of a budding new romance.
鈥淪hine鈥� is a moving ballad about seeking forgiveness for past sins and moving forward from out of the darkness and into the light. The album蘑菇视频 signature moment arrives as a tender ode to Bridges鈥� mother on 鈥淟isa Sawyer.鈥� The grateful son proudly displays his love and respect for his mother with this engaging tribute.
The album comes to a stirring gospel close with Bridges offering a spiritual-cleansing sermon about transgression, repentance and rebirth as a backing choir helps to bring the message home on 鈥淩iver.鈥�
Indeed, Bridges has triumphantly come home.