• Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jul 23, 2021
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Jul 26, 2021
    100
    Seriously impressive, unashamedly grown-up songs from, and for, the soul.
  2. Jul 22, 2021
    90
    ‘Gold-Diggers Sound’ is an effortless and easy listen thanks to the high production value, Bridges’ velvety-smooth vocals, and the strength of his songwriting, it’s set to be one of the albums of the year.
  3. 80
    Not only is Gold-Diggers Sound the most cohesive release Bridges has put out to date, it’s also the most distinctive.
  4. 80
    he record is a confident immersion into a genre he’s only toyed with before. And just as Good Thing never fully sacrificed Bridges’ style, neither does Gold-Digger forget his roots.
  5. Jul 22, 2021
    80
    Gold-Diggers Sound” — named after the Los Angeles studio where the album was made — is more confidently single-minded [than his previous albums].
  6. Jul 22, 2021
    80
    While more of a slow burn than his previous efforts, ‘Gold-Diggers Sound’ sees Leon Bridges shine brighter as a songwriter, as an artist and as a man than ever.
  7. 80
    Bridges’ latest offering maintains the traditional elements of old-school soul heard on his previous work but introduces a new, vibrant, almost luminous aesthetic, comparable to the likes of Snoh Aalegra and Brent Faiyaz.
  8. Jul 22, 2021
    75
    On first listen, Gold-Diggers Sound may pass you by like Bridges’ lane changing motorbike and could even be mistaken for being on the slighter side. But it’s the “quiet storm” power of keeping things hovering just above neutral that gives the album its after hours glow and silky appeal.
  9. Jul 22, 2021
    75
    Gold-Diggers Sound is yet another graceful, often captivating deviation from the retro path most critics probably expected him to stick with.
  10. Jul 29, 2021
    70
    Only on a couple occasions does Bridges let loose a touch while in the moment. ... Even in those moments, there is never an indication that Bridges could possibly lose his composure. The unswerving self-control he has demonstrated across three albums both impresses and mystifies.
  11. Jul 23, 2021
    70
    On this album, every time it feels as if he’s close to breaking out—and the album’s best songs are replete with moments in which Bridges seems a hair’s breadth away from true passion—he recedes into the background and lets the technical expertise of his studio players, or that timeless-seeming studio itself, take over.
  12. Jul 23, 2021
    70
    Bridges loves a good love song, and nails a few here.
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Sep 17, 2021
    8
    Almost a nine out of ten. Definitely fulfilling and very pleasant album to listen to. Terrific instrumentals, movements, vibe and production.Almost a nine out of ten. Definitely fulfilling and very pleasant album to listen to. Terrific instrumentals, movements, vibe and production. All tracks are varied and Ricky Reed and Nate Mercereau made an incredible work here by giving this LP its own particular pace, sound and artistic direction. Bridges' voice is as amazing as compelling and soft. Featured artists are great, especially both piano and saxophone from Terrace Martin on 'Sweeter' and Ink's feminine voice on 'Don't Worry'.

    What made me unfortunately lower the score is the subjects approached in 'Gold-Diggers Sound'. Almost all tracks are about that R&B broken-hearted lover-type of lyrics. If the instrumentation and atmosphere surrounding the record is immaculate (and I didn't even write anything about the marvelous instrumental outro of 'Born Again' nor the sweet 'Gold-Diggers (Junior's Fanfare)' tracks), it somehow felt like lyrical content was honestly underwhelming. Significant efforts are to be expected on this side. Still this remains a solid and impressive album.
    Full Review »
  2. Sep 7, 2021
    9
    Deftly weaving elements of jazz and R&B into his established neo-soul sound, Bridges' honeysweet voice proves as much a match for this moreDeftly weaving elements of jazz and R&B into his established neo-soul sound, Bridges' honeysweet voice proves as much a match for this more sultry, low-key and almost noir-ish experience as his more spirited previous releases and suggests an interesting, more introspective new direction to come from him moving forward. Full Review »
  3. Jul 29, 2021
    10
    Leon fez o seu melhor álbum em questão de lírica até aqui com um perfeito perfeccionismo sônico.