Gold-Diggers Sound
by Leon Bridges
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jul 23, 2021
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. clem666
    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. 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, especiallyAlmost 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.    … Expand
  2. MusicGuyMack
    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 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.
  3. joshuatan
    Jul 29, 2021
    9
    Overall a great body of work! Such a different vibe from Leon's past projects as this one has more pop-r&b elements but the old soul and blues in Leon's vocals have always been there.
  4. Viniciusleles
    Jul 29, 2021
    10
    Leon fez o seu melhor álbum em questão de lírica até aqui com um perfeito perfeccionismo sônico.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. AllMusic
    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.
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  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 29, 2021
    80
    Not only is Gold-Diggers Sound the most cohesive release Bridges has put out to date, it’s also the most distinctive.
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  3. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 26, 2021
    100
    Seriously impressive, unashamedly grown-up songs from, and for, the soul.
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