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Leon Bridges Coming Home Artwork Squarea
Leon Bridges Coming Home Artwork Squarea

Leon Bridges Channels Sam Cooke On Heart-Rending New Single "River"

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY.

There's a certain power in classic soul music--a blend of gospel, blues and folk that can heal the soul in a very real way. That's exactly what's at work in "River," the spacious love song from Texas songwriter Leon Bridges. Built of acoustic guitar, tambourine and (most importantly) Bridges incredible vocals, "River" sings of redemption in the waters of love. It might be a baptism, it might be a first kiss, or it might be the moment when the world heals its wounds--whatever Bridges might be seeking on "River," it's a heaven that all of us hope for.

Bridges has been rising in stature for some time now, thanks in no small part to his incredible voice and knack for arrangements that transport us to a bygone era. The 25 year-old singer is often compared to Sam Cooke--and it's a fair point: his work holds that same soothing quality that's kept "A Change is Gonna Come" playing strong after all this time. "River" will appear on Bridges's upcoming debut LP, Coming Home, which is due out June 23rd.

At a time when music's healing qualities feel more necessary than ever, "River" is a piece of perfect timing from an artist who seems destined for greatness. Listen to it below and give yourself up to sound.