Coming Home
by Leon Bridges
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2015
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Jun 23, 2015
    95
    With all the hype and fast tracking to fame, it’s astounding that the rest of the Coming Home holds up to such unreasonable expectations. Bridges pays homage to an era so judiciously and so personally that it’s hard to fault him as derivative.
  2. Exclaim
    Jun 23, 2015
    90
    Coming Home is a star-making vehicle that is solidly crafted, robustly traditionalist and palpably soulful. This is not just a nostalgia act; this is music from the heart, and the soul.
  3. PopMatters
    Jul 8, 2015
    80
    The majority of the 10 songs are in the three minute range and the album only lasts about half an hour. That’s actually a benefit.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 30, 2015
    80
    Accessorised with Staxy horns and handclaps, the resulting album has a genuine groove and glow.
  6. NOW Magazine
    Jun 25, 2015
    80
    All the emphasis on getting the realness down doesn't distract from Bridges's butter-smooth vocals and inventive phrasing. Instead, the understated arrangements allow us to really hear his voice, unadorned by excessive studio shaping.
  7. Boston Globe
    Jun 22, 2015
    80
    His richly contoured, slightly raspy voice and the production work of Austin Jenkins and Josh Block (of the scruffy Texan rockers White Denim) give the album heft.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 22, 2015
    80
    Coming Home is, perhaps, a healthy reiteration of the classic sounds of succour in a time of need; a principled and mellifluous nay-saying.
  9. Clash Music
    Jun 16, 2015
    80
    A hugely accomplished debut album.
  10. Q Magazine
    Jun 12, 2015
    80
    He rarely slips into simple pastiche. The real deal. [Jul 2015, p.112]
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  11. Mojo
    Jun 12, 2015
    80
    Coming Home has a timeless quality. [Jul 2015, p.87]
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  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 12, 2015
    80
    The vibrant ‘Shine’ is filled with languid horns and sweet doo-wop backing vocals. Rolling ragtime piano (‘Flowers’) and hip-shaking melody (‘Better Man’) pick up the pace and there’s bluesy sass in the shape of the upbeat ‘Twistin And Groovin’.
  13. Uncut
    Jun 12, 2015
    80
    There's both [commitment and respect] in spades on Coming Home, a throwback album that's also blessed with modesty. [Jul 2015, p.74]
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  14. Austin Chronicle
    Jul 9, 2015
    78
    10 songs over 35 minutes at first feeling slight--yet not a sax bleed, organ snap, or female choral echo combs out as less than true-blue.
  15. Consequence
    Jun 18, 2015
    75
    On Coming Home, Bridges solidly aligns with the latter, his soulful R&B studied and nostalgic, but also immediate and emotionally true.
  16. Spin
    Jun 24, 2015
    70
    What it does best is address the simple lament of not having anything to twist to in too long.
  17. Pitchfork
    Jun 24, 2015
    70
    While he obviously has good intentions, at times, Bridges can't help but come off as an imitator.
  18. Rolling Stone
    Jun 23, 2015
    70
    His smooth, Sam Cooke-esque croon makes Coming Home the best kind of nostalgia trip.
  19. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 24, 2015
    67
    The album is one giant, immaculate anachronism, unimpeachable, but rarely brave.
  20. DIY Magazine
    Jun 22, 2015
    60
    This debut sets a nice, if mostly safe, blueprint.
  21. AllMusic
    Jun 19, 2015
    60
    It's all a pleasing time warp without turbulence, one with songs built more to evoke the past than to last in one's memory.
  22. The Guardian
    Jun 18, 2015
    60
    Bridges has a fantastic voice, but you sense he’s also yet to truly find it.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. falconer24
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    I first heard Leon on NPR about 6 months ago. Instantly became a fan. Yes, the comparisons to Sam Cooke are accurate, and to be fair, he'sI first heard Leon on NPR about 6 months ago. Instantly became a fan. Yes, the comparisons to Sam Cooke are accurate, and to be fair, he's embracing it. There's nothing not to like here....this album is short and sweet, and packed with melody and soul. I'm also a sucker for doo-wop background singers;) It's the perfect summer record.
    Leon Bridges has loads of talent, and I wish him nothing but the best in his career.
    Buy this album. You won't regret it.    … Full Review »
  2. Textfeud
    Jul 4, 2015
    9
    Bought this record on vinyl in a whim when I heard the single Coming Home. I just loved the soul I heard and he reminds me of artists like SamBought this record on vinyl in a whim when I heard the single Coming Home. I just loved the soul I heard and he reminds me of artists like Sam Cooke. I'm very glad I bought the record, he is a truly talented artist and quite refreshing although this style is of course well known.… Full Review »
  3. Vitorss
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Ioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove it,I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT… Full Review »
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