It’s hard to believe that summer is already almost gone. Where does the time go? Luckily we have a plethora of great music to look back at that came out during this amazing summer of 2015. One of those albums is from 25-year old prodigy of soul and rhythm and blues, Leon Bridges. Hailing from Fort Worth, TX, Bridges released his debut record Coming Home in late June, and quickly became one of this summer’s most buzz-worthy new artists.
Bridges’ retro technique unearths a classic sound that harks back to the songwriting styles that dominated the R&B music scene of the late sixties and early seventies. However there is not one moment on this romantically reminiscent rhythm and blues record that doesn’t come across equally contemporary all while retaining its archetypal aesthetic. Nowadays, it feels like chaos is always just outside our windows at all times, and this classic artistic approach is a poignantly appropriate soundtrack to compliment these turbulent times. Like a warm blanket or a crackling fire, this record provides shelter and sanctuary. It is a soothing and sincere musical creation with cavernous depth and an extraordinary knowledge of some of music’s greatest years. Leon applies that artistic quality and translates it to present day audiences with an impressively refreshing outcome.
The album starts off with the scintillating title track, which swiftly grew to become one of this summer’s greatest hits. Immediately it is apparent that Bridges is extremely well-versed in the musical crafts of the past, and delivers this with impeccable authenticity unmatched by any other modern-retro artist of today. We haven’t heard soul like this since 1972, and it certainly is invigorating. The classic ingredients only continue on the second track, “Better Man.” The band is tight and the female backing-vocals are simply brilliant.
At the start of “Brown Skin Girl,” the band vamps on an introduction that almost comes across like an early Tom Waits song, with its deliciously loungy vibe. Soaked in that old-styled crackly resonance, this smoke-filled bluesy jam delivers the goods tenfold. From the upbeat sounds of the ever-so-cheerful seventh track, “Flowers” and the Chuck Berry-styled, Little Willie Littlefield-inspired “Twistin’ and Groovin’,” to the slow and romantic vibes of “Shine” and “Lisa Sawyer,” this record truly covers all the dynamic sides of this exciting new artist.
While most are love songs, there are darker moments throughout the record as well. One of these examples is the impassioned eighth track, “Pull Away”, which digs deep into your mourning soul. Recalling the approach of Little Anthony & The Imperials (Tears on my Pillow), “I was wrong. I was wrong”, sings a heartfelt Bridges as he uncovers all the hurt, regret and heartbreak that burns within all of us at one time or another.
The spirit of New Orleans is alive and well throughout the record. You can truly hear the roots of rhythm and blues and the old-school sensibility harmoniously coinciding with fresh new stylings of a true artist on the rise. 2015 was quite a summer for new music. We should only expect more to come in the fall. But as the sun sets on those few remaining moments of summer that we have left, I recommend pouring yourself a drink, cozying up beside the one you love while the soothing sounds of Coming Home flow gently from your speakers. Personally, I couldn’t think of a better way to end this unforgettable summer. Cheers, folks!
By Joseph Conlon