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73 at his usual hometown hangouts (Lula B's, Dolly Python, and Doc's Records are favorites), spending time with the people with whom he grew up; supporting local musicians, DJs, and artists; and acting remarkably normal for someone who has quickly shot to musical stardom. "It's crazy, being on the road so much," Bridges tells me on the phone a few weeks before the May release of his latest album, Good Thing. "It's a special thing to come back to a place where people are very pure as far as their intentions. It's very different compared to being in L.A. or New York. I love hanging out in Deep Ellum and in Fort Worth, going out to Seventh Street — just good ole local hangs." Since releasing his debut album, Coming Home, in 2015, Bridges has become a modern icon of soul music. That album earned him his first two Grammy Award nominations: Best R&B Album and Best Music Video. He performed at the White House for President Obama, and has shared stages with Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. The hit HBO series Big Little Lies dedicates an entire scene to his song "River." The velvety voice, wholesome lyrics, and nostalgic melodies make Coming Home easy to love. From his high- waisted trousers to his finger-snapping dance moves, Bridges built an entire persona around it. Now, with the release of Good Thing, the singer is breaking away. "When I wrote Coming Home, that's what I wanted to say and the sound that I wanted to make at the time," he says. "But that sound doesn't totally define me. I wanted to be able to evolve the sound and go a little further with it." With Good Thing, Bridges dabbles in '90s R&B, jazz, even a little '80s pop. He was inspired by everything from hip-hop to folk music. The new album doesn't have the cutesy, sock-hop charm of Coming Home, but it's just as soulful. "I knew I wanted to make something different," Bridges says. "But in the process, I didn't really know exactly what that was." He started making new music as soon as he got off tour, but he kept returning to the sound of Coming Home. "I felt like that wasn't enough for me, so I wrote more songs, and those turned into '80s- and '90s–style R&B songs," he says. "I felt that was a little bit too far of a jump, so I went to work with [music producer] Ricky Reed, and he was able to help me bring my sound to something that was reflective of Coming Home, in a way — but forward." Reed, an industry vet who's worked with Maroon 5 and Meghan Trainor, Tony Duquette and his wife, Beegle, 1940s. "IT'S A SPECIAL THING TO COME BACK TO A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ARE VERY PURE AS FAR AS THEIR INTENTIONS. — Leon Bridges oversaw production of the album. "I have the privilege of working with some really talented people, and it went in directions that I didn't think I could go as a songwriter and a singer," Bridges says. "So, I'm definitely surprised by the whole thing." Good Thing ranges from celestial and somber tracks ("Bet Ain't Worth The Hand") to sexy jams ("Lions"). Bridges' personal favorite is "Shy," the third song on the album. "It's kinda a love-making- style song," he laughs. As for his signature retro style, Bridges has begun branching out his fashion aesthetic, as well. His new wardrobe embraces both the future and the past. "I like my style to look timeless, so lately I've been incorporating newer vintage and vintage-inspired pieces," he says. "You put it together, and it looks like it could be from any era." Just like his new work on Good Thing.