Leon Bridges – “Watch You Dance”

Leon Bridges doesn't need an introduction from us. “Watch You Dance” needs approximately eight seconds. Beach party. Vacation. Vintage convertible. An excursion with questionable return plans. The calendar is irrelevant. Mentally, we've already put the top down. J. Lloyd and Lydia Kitto of Jungle produced Leon's new album Happiness Anytime, drawing from Afrobeat, Brazilian music, soul, disco and South American rhythms in pursuit of something warm, coastal and built to move.

Mission accomplished. “Watch You Dance” has the kind of beat that makes whatever you're currently doing feel suspiciously like the wrong use of your time. Leon wanted this album to get him back out front dancing again, and there's something refreshingly uncomplicated about the invitation. Put the guitar down. Get on your toes. Find a little romance. Make some good trouble. The itinerary can remain loose.

Then, tucked inside all that sunshine, Leon gives us “Only lightning knows.” Three words that somehow contain an entire summer fling. Where is this going? How long does it last? Are we making an excellent decision? Only lightning knows. For once, perhaps we don't need the forecast.

Leon says his role is “to be light.” Consider the week illuminated.