Leon Bridges, with his velvet voice that so delicately blends soul, R&B, and gospel, returns to the studio with his new album ‘Gold-Diggers Sound’, taking listeners back to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. The album marks a return to its roots, capitalizing on the essence of the city that helped shape it.
For Bridges, the album is a deeply personal reflection of his upbringing in Fort Worth and the cultural influences that have defined his sound. “I wanted to pay tribute to where I come from, the people, and the energy that’s always been a part of me,” he explains. Fort Worth-bred singer-songwriter Bridges’ album is saturated with influences: gospel hymns sung in church counterpose to the smooth sounds of soul and blues that reverberate through the city’s streets. The result is the development of unusually melodious, intimately lyrical music with lush arrangements to back it all up.
‘Gold-Diggers Sound’ is a fully mature and evolved Leon Bridges, who has expanded his musical scope while staying true to the bluesy spark that first brought him to fame. The classic soul sounds on this album layer over more experimental elements, showcased through lush instrumentation and silky production and all complemented by Bridges’ emotive vocals. “It’s about blending the old with the new,” Bridges says. The city of Fort Worth has always had a hand in shaping my voice, and with this album, I wanted to show how far I have come musically while keeping the heart and soul of what makes me who I am.
The standout track from the album is probably “Motorbike,” a track that captures the essence of youthful freedom and rebellion in Fort Worth, with Bridges reflecting upon his own maturation and experiences in the city. Rich storytelling and emotional depth from the album show there’s more to Bridges, known for years as a great raw emotion teller through his music.
For Bridges, going back to his Texas roots has given him grounding, as the places and people he had drawn inspiration from kick-started in the very way he relates to his artistry. According to him, “Fort Worth has always been home, and this album is a love letter to it.” ‘Gold-Diggers Sound’ is more than a music project; it is how Leon Bridges celebrates where he originates from and testifies to music as a mirror to the personal journey.
