Leon Bridges - Coming Home (LP)

Leon Bridges' debut studio album, "Coming Home," is a captivating journey into the golden era of soul music, released on June 23, 2015, under Columbia Records. This 46-minute retro-soul masterpiece is a testament to Bridges' ability to channel the essence of legendary artists like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, while also drawing inspiration from contemporary soul revivalists. The album, written by Leon Bridges alongside Austin Michael Jenkins, Joshua Block, and Chris Vivion, and produced by Niles City Sound, is a seamless blend of gospel, blues, doo-wop, and soul, capturing the spirit of the early '60s.

"Coming Home" features a collection of 14 tracks that showcase Bridges' velvety vocals and impeccable songwriting. The album opens with the title track, "Coming Home," a soulful ballad that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include "Better Man," a heartfelt plea for redemption, and "Brown Skin Girl," a tribute to the beauty of Black women. The album also includes the singles "Smooth Sailin'" and "Lisa Sawyer," both of which highlight Bridges' smooth vocals and knack for crafting memorable melodies.

The album's production is equally impressive, with Niles City Sound's expert touch bringing out the best in Bridges' vocals and the album's instrumentation. The result is a record that sounds like it could have been recorded in a vintage studio, yet feels fresh and relevant.

"Coming Home" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Bridges' ability to capture the spirit of classic soul music while also putting his own unique spin on the genre. The album's success has solidified Leon Bridges' status as one of the most exciting new voices in soul music, and "Coming Home" is sure to be a favorite among fans of the genre for years to come.

This LP was released in 2025.