Not two years after ‘Leon’, the most elegant soulman in current music is back. Leon Bridges has announced a summer-themed album, ‘Happiness Anytime’, and has already released four of the twelve cuts it will contain. All of them are produced by no less than two members of Jungle: Lydia Kitto and Joshua Lloyd-Watson.
Jungle’s hand can be seen in the treatment of the choruses and guitars, especially visible in ‘Your Love Is Electric’, the song that comes closest to a classic fusion of R&B and disco.
In the others, the influence of Nigerian highlife is palpable, above all, both in the rhythms and in the vocal arrangements, with group choruses such as the “oh, don’t worry” of ‘Tears of Joy’ or the chants of ‘Illusion’. Very rich in instrumental arrangements of percussion, winds and guitars, these four songs demonstrate Leon Bridges’ craft in composing songs that go beyond the easy hook.
And that doesn’t mean they lack hook. Especially ‘Light the Way’, which with its intertwined percussion, funky plucked guitar, psychedelic synths, “da, da, da” chants and trumpet riffs creates a vibrant, nuanced atmosphere. On it, Leon Bridges sings with the naturalness and calm that characterize his style, in a chill and relaxed interpretation that makes the song an ideal companion for this heat wave.
The instrumental sophistication of ‘Light the Way’, however, coexists with an intention of lightness, as Leon said in an interview. And pay attention to what he explains: «There is this feeling that we have to solve the world’s problems; That can make you feel inadequate or even paralyze you. My role is to provide lightness. I hope that is reflected in this album. In these four songs, it certainly seems that way. ‘Happiness Anytime’ is out September 25.
