Leon Bridges – ‘Leon’ album review: a beautifully constructed contradiction
THE SKINNY: When you talk about an album, there is an unwritten rule that you should discuss every aspect of it. You can’t just talk about one aspect; you should be discussing the different elements that bring a record to life. Instrumentation, vocals, tone, narrative, and theme combine to make a piece of work what it is. However, some albums have one specific aspect that stands out so beautifully that it can be hard to focus on anything else. This is the issue with Leon Bridges’ new album, Leon. In all honesty, it’s not a bad problem to have.
There are a lot of things that make this album spectacular. Many genres play their part in putting together this sweet-sounding smattering of soul. Contradicting themes of love, religion, peace and sex are all spoken about, and yet, it’s hard to appreciate any of them, as Bridges’ voice stands out amongst every other aspect of the record.
From the outset on the opening track ‘When A Man Cries’, Bridges’ voice is overwhelmingly beautiful. There is good singing, and then there’s this. It seems ridiculous to put the sound of his voice into words when in the same amount of time it takes to read a sentence describing it, you could just listen to it. Every second spent away from his singing feels like a second wasted, and on the new album, he creates something warm, loving and entirely addictive.
There is nothing else to say about this album other than: listen to it. It’s one of the most moving records of 2024. Perfectly performed and utterly irresistible. It is as smooth as sanded silk, and as effortlessly moving as a leaf in the wind.
For fans of: Ascending. Clouds are pavement when music lifts you this high.
A concluding comment from a cup of velvet hot chocolate: “Oh damn, and I thought I was smooth. Run it back.”
Leon track by track:
Release date: October 4th | Label: Columbia Records | Producer: Ian Fitchuk
‘When A Man Cries’: The album starts. Smooth. Serene. Stripped back. Drops of water are heard in rhythm as Bridges provides his iconic vocals over sporadic chord hits on a piano. The soul embedded within his vocals is displayed from the word go, and it’s a privilege to listen to. This is an album you should strap yourself in for, as there likely won’t be a dry eye by the end of it. [4/5]
‘That’s What I Love’: It’s a good job that music can’t reach high temperatures. If it could, a song this hot would start fires. Those soulful vocals are on display once again, but instead of leaning towards sorrow, they step into sexy. This R&B track is a modern take on ‘My Favourite Things’, sung by the Von Trapp family if they were replaced by a set of cool mother fuckers. [4/5]
‘Laredo’: Classic guitar plays gently in the background as Bridges glides over this beat seamlessly. It’s going to become repetitive talking about the magnitude of his voice, but it’s so unrelenting and such a huge focal point in this album that it’s impossible to listen to a song and not feel the need to comment on it. He sings in an infectious way, and one album simply isn’t enough. [4.5/5]
‘Panther City’: This is the most stripped-back song on the album so far. It consists of a simple strumming guitar, noughties indie in its conception. It relies slightly less on heavy bass and smooth rhythm and instead feels shimmering in how it is performed. It’s upbeat and encourages a singalong while not compromising on its lyrics, which are incredibly descriptive in how they talk about strange parts of different cities and a first glimpse of love. [4/5]
‘Ain’t Got Nothin’ On You’: A song layered and deep enough to swim in. Small plucks of electric guitar in the background of a bass-heavy, steady beat provides a gorgeous atmosphere. This is a song to ascend on, one that feels like falling in love personified, packaged up and played perfectly. [4/5]
‘Simplify’: Piano keys, windchimes and nature sounds put the listener in the most serene landscape imaginable. Bridges voice blends into the background as naturally as birdsong. He ponders over regrets in love in a series of “what ifs” and asks why love can’t be made simpler. With such a question, it makes sense for the lyrics to exist in this stripped-back, natural-sounding world. It’s a joy. [5/5]
‘Teddy’s Tune’: A sweet-sounding instrumental number. At less than a minute long, there’s only so much you can analyse of this pretty plucking of a guitar. Just enjoy it. [n/a]
‘Never Satisfied’: One of the funkier numbers on the album. The slapped bass means that a lot of the song feels as though it could have been written decades ago, but the merging of different genres, with elements of funk, R&B and rock in there, give it away as a modern piece. Either way, it’s fantastic to listen to and a real triumph. [4/5]
‘Peaceful Place’: I don’t know where the peaceful place is, but apparently there are bongos. This is another funk-infused song on the album that puts a lot of energy into the production. There are a few different means of percussion at play that give the track an inescapable beat. Despite the heavy reliance on drums, Bridge’s vocal still fits perfectly in an innately transportive track. [4/5]
‘Can’t Have It All’: A truly soulful number. There is a lot of gospel influence on this track, as a choir in the background contributes towards the chorus, repeating, “Can’t have it all.” The song builds a truly beautiful atmosphere, divine in its inception. [4/5]
‘Ivy’: The way that this album incorporates different genres while still being true to itself is a real testament. ‘Ivy’ is the best example of how Bridges manages to use various styles of music in a way that remains cohesive with his style. ‘Ivy’, with a different singer, is an indie track. The plucking guitar and rhythm of lyrics on the chorus are undeniable, and yet, with Leon’s vocals, it comes across as soulful. [5/5]
‘Ghetto Honeybee’: Though it can be difficult to work out whether “Ghetto honeybee, I want you for your sting” is a good lyric or a poor one, when it’s sung by a voice this angelic, it all becomes slightly irrelevant. This straight-up R&B track, equal parts wholesome and sexy, is a song with corners, one easy to get lost in. [4.5/5]
‘God Loves Everyone’: Leon Bridges ends this beautiful album with a number dedicated to faith and comfort. His voice and the overall feel of this album are a joy from start to finish, so concluding with a track which is an ode to the world at peace seems fitting. [4.5/5]
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