It's Good, But Is It Great? Leon Bridges' 'Good Thing' Album Review
Start writing a post
Entertainment

It's Good, But Is It Great? Leon Bridges' 'Good Thing' Album Review

A track-by-track review of soul singer Leon Bridges' sophomore album.

166
It's Good, But Is It Great? Leon Bridges' 'Good Thing' Album Review
Youtube

Leon Bridges has been one of my favorite artists since his debut album "Coming Home" in 2015.

"Coming Home" had a refreshingly retro vibe, channeling the soul music giant Sam Cooke with an effortless crooning style. Every track was a hit, from the appropriately titled "Twistin' & Groovin'" to the album's finale, the beautiful gospel song "River."

I saw Leon in concert in 2016 and he opened his encore by playing Ginuwine's 90's hit "Pony." From this fun cover, I could tell his style was evolving.

Leon's 2018 release of "Good Thing" shows he won't be pigeonholed into one era or one style.

1. "Bet Ain't Worth the Hand"

Leon kicks the album off with a Curtis Mayfield-esque harp and strings intro. He opens with a brilliant falsetto, and it works wonderfully. The vocal layering throughout the track really enhances the catchiness. "Bet Ain't Worth the Hand" is a brisk song, barely reaching the 3-minute mark, but it successfully sets the tone for the rest of the album.

2. "Bad, Bad, News"

If I had to sum up "Bad, Bad, News" in one word, I'd say "funky"... wait, no, "FUNKY." Love the bass line on this one, and the gorgeous guitar work is reminiscent of the great George Benson.

A highlight of this track is the call-and-response verses:

"Why you tryna hold me back (I ain't)"

3. "Shy"

"Shy" has a groovy, repetitive mid-tempo beat. The lyrics aren't that memorable, though, and they kind of melt together. Overall, "Shy" is a good track, but not a stand-out like the first two.

4. "Beyond"

"Beyond" is a fitting title for this dreamy tune. The layered vocals, paired with the acoustic guitar and bass-heavy beats, really enhance the tenderhearted lyrics.

"I'm scared to death that she might be it
That the love is real, that the shoe might fit
She might just be my everything and beyond"

5. "Forgive You"

"Forgive You" immediately reminded me of Usher, which can never be a bad thing.

I don't love the drum machine, but other than that, the production is really great. This song really didn't "click" with me until the chorus, where the synthy backing music really works with Leon's vocals.

6. "Lions"

"Lions" is the first misstep on "Good Thing." I appreciate the experimentation, but the minimalist approach just does not work for me here. The rhythm is choppy and the clap-machine feels awkward.

7. "If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)"

"If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)" has a solid beat, and the vocals are good, but it's missing some of the soul of the album's opening track.

It feels commercial, but the guitar and vocals work enough to make it a solid track.

8. "You Don't Know"

"You Don't Know" has a similar vibe to the previous track, except this one works more for me. I really like its disco style: synth and falsetto-heavy, but the MVP might be the bass guitarist.

9. "Mrs."

"Mrs." is a sentimental, even saccharine slow jam, but it's a nice change of pace on the album.

10. "Georgia to Texas"

The album's conclusion "Georgia to Texas" is an effective, jazzy ode to his mother. The countermelodies incorporated are a bit crowded and muddled, but Leon's textured voice more than makes up for it.

Overall, I'd give Leon Bridges' "Good Thing" 3.5/5 stars.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52356
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33637
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956413
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181274
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments