As a long, hot summer begins to come to a close, it’s natural for listeners to opt for something a bit calmer after months of parties and hitting the dance floor. If that sounds like your current vibe, then Leon Bridges has just what you need. The Texas-born singer is readying the follow-up to 2021’s Gold-Diggers Sound, the self-titled Leon, for release this October. Heralding the set’s arrival is lead single “Peaceful Place.”
“Peaceful Place” once again finds the singer experimenting with sound and genre, this time incorporating elements of blues, folk, soul and rock as he sings of finding a place to retreat. The song begins with bass and drums before a spirited guitar and backing vocal usher us into Leon’s sanctuary. He then uses the verses to tell us of what his life was like before and how it’s changed since he found a center.
The chorus, however, is both a statement and a rejoicing as he lets us know that he’s finally found peace. “I’m in a peaceful place / I found something no one can take away,” he sings. “I’m in a peaceful place now / I’m in a peaceful place.”
The song’s video takes us to just outside of Mexico City, where Leon was recorded, as he showcases some of the peace he’s found. We watch him and his band as they record the album, with the sessions seeming rather therapeutic for Leon. But we also see the singer taking in the sights and sounds of his surroundings, including a gorgeous-looking hot air balloon ride and communing with some of the locals.
Leon seems to mark a big moment for Bridges, as he feels it’s a culmination of his life’s experiences. “In many ways, Leon has been in the works since my childhood,” he said in a press release. “This record is about simpler days. It’s about time spent in my beloved Fort Worth and the experiences that made me the man I am today. It’s soulful music in the truest sense — it’s imbued with my soul.”
A Leon Bridges album is always an experience, and we’re sure that his Leon opus will rank right up there with his other work. The project is set for release on Friday, October 4th and is available for pre-order now. Check out the stream and video for “Peaceful Place” right here and then head below for a peek at the album’s cover and tracklist.
Leon Bridges Leon tracklist:
1. When A Man Cries
2. That’s What I Love
3. Laredo
4. Panther City
5. Ain’t Got Nothing On You
6. Simplify
7. Teddy’s Tune
8. Never Satisfied
9. Peaceful Place
10. Can’t Have It All
11. Ivy
12. Ghetto Honeybee
13. God Loves Everyone
