LEON BRIDGES

Hi. I’m Becca, the English Expert at El Autobús. (i.e. I’m the go-to native English speaker around here who helps with things like copywriting, translation and editing). When I gave up my home office to start working for El Autobús, I noticed a lot of slight, seemingly insignificant changes to my daily routine. I drink coffee at my desk instead of in bed. I wear pants that match my shirts. The most significant change, aside from actually seeing other humans, is that I can listen to music again. Music wasn’t an option at my home office because the work required absolute silence. I loved the job but I missed the music. Today’s Bus Pick is dedicated to my latest favorite sound: Leon Bridges.

"Coming Home" from Leon Bridges' new album 'Coming Home'

I stumbled upon Leon Bridges as I was listening to a genre on Spotify called ‘Dark Southern Gothic,’ a name that amused me and ended up hitting the spot on much of the music I listen to and cannot for the life of me categorize.

Let me tell you about Mr. Bridges. He’s a twenty-five year old soul singer from Texas. His voice smooths effortlessly over his lighthearted romantic tracks. His songs are bluesy and honest yet hopeful, rooted in Southern charm and a respect for an era of music that I haven’t seen reproduced like this until now. He sends you straight to the early 60s; I almost can’t believe he was born in 1989.

What amazes me even more is that he seems to have almost randomly stumbled upon his own music, much like how I found him. He grew up on Ginuwine and Usher. This is not a kid who stayed up late at night listening to his parents’ old Sam Cooke vinyls. This might spark criticism from those expecting Bridges to be more genuine, or to have deeper R&B roots, but I’m not interested in questioning his integrity. For now, I’m just happy (no, thrilled) that someone is making this music.

This is what I’m certain of: Leon’s first album, Coming Home, is really good.. I can’t stop listening to it. I play it at work. I put it on repeat at backyard barbecues. I dance to it when I’m cooking dinner. Leon’s sweet R&B is just as right for a lonely night sipping drinks on the porch as it is for a dancefloor warmer at a wedding. It’s definitely playing at mine.

‘Coming Home’ was released last week and I’m pretty sure there’s a reason I’m not his only fan. Have a listen for yourself. It’ll be honey for your soul.

"Smooth Sailin" from Leon Bridges' new album 'Coming Home'

Let us know what you think in the comments!

Post by Rebecca Wagoner

SOURCES
Leondbridges.com
npr.org
fwweekly.com

PHOTOS
Rambo Photography (Erin Margaret Alison)

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