Leon Bridges is bringing joy to the world with new music. The progressive R&B singer will release a new album, Happiness Anytime, Sept. 25 via Columbia Records.
The Fort Worth, Texas, native joined forces with J Lloyd-Watson and Lydia Kitto of British trio Jungle to produce the 12-track collection. Even though the album won’t be out for another couple of months, Bridges isn’t letting that stop him from spreading positivity upfront. Along with his announcement, he has unlocked the album’s first four tracks: “Light the Way,” “Tears of Joy, “Illusion” and “Your Love Is Electric.”
“For me, happiness is not a feeling that you chase,” Bridges said of Happiness Anytime. “I want this album to be something that lingers with people and lingers in people’s bones. There’s this feeling that we have to fix the problems of the world; you feel inadequate or it can be debilitating. My role is to be light. I hope that comes across with this album.”
Happiness Anytime is said to have “echoes of Fela Kuti, the wanderlust of Paul Simon’s The Rhythm of the Saints, and the warmth of Jorge Ben,” all blended to create something that pushes Bridges into sonic territory without feeling too referential.
According to press materials, the album was created across three studio sessions with Lloyd-Watson and Kitto after they kept crossing paths at various music festivals. “We’ve been such big fans of Leon,” Lloyd-Watson said. “We were keen to hit it off.”
Happiness Anytime is the follow-up to Bridges’ 2024 album, Leon. The project debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. Of the latter album, Bridges shared, “It’s soulful music in the truest sense – it’s imbued with my soul. I’m excited to share these stories about my home, about nostalgia, about my upbringing, about where I’m from, with all of you. I hope this music brings you back to your roots and your journey.” Bridges supported his fourth album on The Leon Tour.
Bridges’ Happiness Anytime is available for preorder and presave. The album will be released digitally, as well as on CD, vinyl and cassette. The vinyl is available in Fanta Orange (signed) and White Sand.
See the album’s tracklist and stream the first four tracks below.
Leon Bridges’ Happiness Anytime Album Tracklist
- Light the Way
- Tears of Joy
- Illusion
- Your Love Is Electric
- Talk It Over
- Happiness Anytime
- All Day, All Night (feat. Lydia Kitto)
- Fly Baby
- Watch Yo Dance
- The Way It Goes
- Take My Hand
- Please Don’t Say Goodbye
Preorder and presave Leon Bridges’ new album Happiness Anytime here.