The third album from Grammy award winner Leon Bridges and its a suitably sunny, soulful and sumptious affiar. With beautifully flowing, organic song writing, complimented by lush and live instrumental tracks; its got green gardens, sizzling BBQs and long hot sexy nights eminating off practically every single track! The production is sublime - balancing the traditional instrumentation with just a flurry of electronic umph; adding a brand new sheen and energy to what could easily, otherwise, be mistaken for a classic late 70s soul album.
Opening with a juicy collaboration with Robert Glasper, the album drips effortlessly through its opening quarter, a delicate mix of jazz-informed drumming, picked guitar lines and a liquid gold, syrupy deliver from Bridges. "Steam" arrives, three tracks in with a resplendent chorus and subtle, anthemic qualities.
Opening side B with the title track, garnished with fluffy horns and a slo-mo MPC beat its an instrumental side akin to some of Madlibs more laid back beats. Thankfully the LP shows little willing to get carried away; sittig beauitfully nestled on a nearly-horizontal plane; sun lounge angle lets say. With soulful droplets woozing languidly off the record, theres little to worry about other than the temperature of your margarita in the sunshine... Its rather something special indeed; intimate, unhurried, as fragile as a flower and simply perfect for timeless and serene afternoon in the garden. Recommended!
STAFF COMMENTS
Barry says: Beautifully bridging the gap between traditional soul and more modern beat-heavy electronic music, Gold-Diggers Sound brilliantly illustrates Bridges unparalleled ability as a songwriter and mastery of his wonderfully understated and horizontally cool output. An exciting and fitting follow-up to his excellend collaborative LP with Khruangbin and 2018s wonderful Good Thing.
TRACK LISTING
1.Born Again (feat. Robert Glasper)
2.Motorbike
3.Steam
4.Why Dont You Touch Me
5.Magnolias
6.Gold-Diggers (Juniors Fanfare)
7.Details
8.Sho Nuff
9.Sweeter (feat. Terrace Martin)
10.Dont Worry (feat. Ink)
11.Blue Mesas