Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
BY MARIANA GARRICK
In Leon Bridges’ first album since 2018, Gold-Diggers Sound shows an entirely different side to the R&B/Soul artist. Bridges flourishes on this newest installment by addressing his insecurities and showing his sensual side—all in a way that will get just anyone moving to the signature sound of his soul-filled lyrics and beats. Written and recorded primarily in West Los Angles at the Gold-Diggers Sound bar and hotel, the singer worked closely with American musician and rapper Terrace Martin and Grammy-winning music producer Ricky Reed, who also produced 2018’s Good Thing. Resembling the smooth sounds of Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar, Bridges’ newest body-swaying album has truly pushed him out of his comfort zone, and into a more transparent era.
The 32-year old Georgia-born songwriter worked tirelessly for two years to perfect the seductively honest album. The work seems almost effortless (in the best way) as he sings about a love he yearns for, while also covering the crucial topic of racism. “Sweeter” describes his fear as a black man with words that allude to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s beliefs of equality. The song covers the unsettling feeling of the George Floyd murder, which occurred during the making of the album (“Hoping for a life more sweeter // Instead, I’m just a story repeating // Why do I fear, with skin dark as night // Can’t feel peace // I thought we moved on from the darker days”).
While the album is filled with more impassioned love songs, Bridges’ voice and sensual lyrics are intoxicating. “Sho Nuff” and “Why Don’t You Touch Me” are so honest, transparent and overall naked, that it feels a little intrusive to listen to. His smooth voice has the ability to make anything sound beautiful, even the most passionate of lyrics.
One of the more memorable songs from the album is “Don’t Worry,” a duet between Bridges and Ink, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Georgia. The track tells the all-too-familiar story about a person’s regrets about giving up on a relationship that they now want back. Ink sings the soothing chorus, “Don’t worry about me” and for most of the song, they harmonize while an acoustic guitar and piano create a relaxing feel among the heartbreaking situation and lyrics. As Bridges discusses how he regrets his decision, Ink’s soulful vocals jump in to tell her point of view of the relationship they’re singing about.
Gold-Diggers Sound is the perfect mix of romantic, heartbreaking, and transparency that many artists aim to achieve. Bridges’ honesty regarding his feelings of love and justice throughout the collection has the ability to create a bridge of connection between him and listeners. With the mixed sounds of synthesizers, pianos, saxophones, trumpets and acoustic guitars, Bridges’ creation truly has a jazz-filled tone that works for any mood that you’re in. It’s a rare occurrence that every song on an album is close to perfect, but somehow, the Georgia native did it. The 37-minute-long album wasn’t too long or too short, and it brings you back wanting more after each listen.
