“We don’t have singers like the ones we had years ago”. I have constantly heard those words uttered over the past eight years. Do they have real meaning? Of course they do. Music fans know what they like. However, there are times when some music and musicians deserve a fair chance. At least that’s what I say. One of those artists who should be a favorite of nostalgic fans is this weeks’ featured artists. This week, Weekly Music Commentary features neo-soul singer Leon Bridges.
Todd Michael Bridges was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 13, 1989. He was a young singer who started out singing in open-mic nights until he was discovered by Columbia Records in late 2014.
Bridges began writing and performing 1950s and ’60s-style soul music that was described by Austin 360 as “a transmission straight from the heart.” He began to attract followers, and his break into the music industry has been attributed to meeting guitarist Austin Jenkins and Joshua Block of White Denim. It was Bridges’ performance of “Coming Home” that caught the attention of the two. Bridges worked on his first few tracks with Jenkins and Block as producers. They recorded an album with vintage equipment, using local musicians affiliated with White Denim. Bridges released two demo songs on Soundcloud in late 2014. “Coming Home” received airplay from local radio stations including KKXT. It attracted the attention from a number of record labels with Bridges eventually signing with Columbia Records.
What kind of sound got the attention of music industry executives? Well, Leon Bridges was called a “throwback to ’60s soul à la Otis Redding and Sam Cooke” by the Wall Street Journal. Those are lofty comparisons and huge shoes to fill for any singer. Leon Bridges is not the singer to accept the huge comparison to such soul giants. He says while growing up in Fort Worth he wasn’t influenced by Sam Cooke. He was just trying to get by and fit in after his parents split when he was 7, he told Billboard. “If I try to recreate retro music or classic soul music or whatever, it might come off as gimmicky,” he told Pigeons & Planes. “I grew up on Ginuwine and Usher, and I like country and folk music. Whenever I look at it, I can consume this classic R&B and country music and all that type of stuff and whatever way it comes out, it’s going to come out fresh based on my influences.”
When I really look at the words of Leon Bridges, it is refreshing to hear from a musician. The reason I say that is because it shows a musician who is influenced by music. Regardless the style or genre. Perhaps Leon Bridges looked to the wide range of music because of his geographical surroundings, in Fort Worth, Texas. Ginuwine and Usher were international R&B stars, therefore they were can’t miss artists in his radar. Of course, country and folk music could readily be found around him in Texas. It’s just great that he allowed himself to be influenced by all the music, and provide his fans a fresh sound.
Bridges first official single, “Coming Home”, was released on Columbia Records in February 2015. The song continued the success of the demo version and became a Top 10 Most Viral Track on Spotify the same month as its release. Bridges toured with Jenkins and Block until they resumed work with White Denim. He also played at the Sundance Film Festival and played at the SXSW festival in 2015. His début album was released in the summer of 2015 and has been referred to as a 2015 “Album to Look Forward to From Texans” by The New York Times. Bridges made the cover of Fort Worth, Texas magazine in May 2015 for his vocal accomplishments and his distinctive retro style.
Coming Home seems to be much more than just a début recording for Leon Bridges. Throughout the album he exhibited music that is crafted just for the discerning music fan. Ryan Patrick of Exclaim! said, “Coming Home is a star-making vehicle that is solidly crafted, robustly traditionalist and palpably soulful. This is not just a nostalgia act; this is music from the heart, and the soul.” There was another review that seemed to sum up Leon Bridges’ entire career start. Jonathan Hatchman of Clash gave the album a positive review stating, “Texas has always been a state synonymous with pioneering musical innovation. Yet, with the release of Fort Worth native Leon Bridges’ debut album, an anomaly has arisen which sends the listener back into the past. Having begun his career with a string of open-mic night shows, his rich blend of soul and rhythm ‘n’ blues influences peppered a demo of Bridges’ album title track, which received an overwhelming level of success after its appearance on SoundCloud.”
The album gave Leon Bridges some great performance opportunities. Bridges was the featured musical guest on Saturday Night Live on December 5, 2015. He performed “Smooth Sailin'” with a full backup band, and sang “River” with only backup singers and organ, accompanying himself on guitar. I got a chance to view his performance, my first time seeing Bridges other than music videos. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking his performance was unique, interesting, and very good. Leon Bridges was now ready to become a household name, everywhere.
On May 4, 2018, Leon Bridges released his second studio album, Good Thing. Would his followup be as good as his début album? Yes, but it might be different for his fans. Luke Fox of Exclaim! wrote: “Leon Bridges’ sophomore record rings as an endorsement of his range. And that’s a great thing for Good Thing, which tempers its pop-radio ambitions with unique bends on the age-old love song in this super-tight, 35-minute ride.” Reviewing the album for Pitchfork, Olivia Horn said that “On Good Thing, Bridges has kept his heart on his sleeve but updated his parlance to something a little less affected, a little more believable.”
Should you stream or download Good Thing? Most definitely! Even though I feel Good Thing is different from Coming Home, it is still a formidable work. Go get it, and hear Leon Bridges’ heart and soul.