Miranda Lambert and Leon Bridges collaborate for “If You Were Mine”
The recent collaboration between country music sensation Miranda Lambert and R&B singer Leon Bridges is nothing short of extraordinary. What's truly remarkable is not only the remarkable sound they create together on their latest duet track but also the fact that this brilliant pairing hadn't been considered until now.
These two iconic figures in Texas music, who have dominated the industry over the past decade, unveiled their newest single titled "If You Were Mine" on Tuesday, making it available on all major streaming platforms. Accompanying the release is a captivating studio recording video, capturing the essence of their collaboration.
The Grammy-winning artists have crafted a heartfelt love song that gracefully blends the nuances of their respective genres. This is no contrived "blend of country and rock 'n roll," where both artists vie for attention. Instead, their voices effortlessly intertwine, creating a captivating harmony that is simply beautiful to behold.
The track was recorded and released by Lambert's Vanner Records label. Lambert collaborated with songwriters Ashley Monroe and Jesse Frasure to write the lyrics for the song. However, some may consider this collaboration a missed opportunity. Bridges, since his debut in 2015, has established himself as one of Texas' most influential songwriters in recent decades, crafting beautiful musical compositions like "Coming Home" and "Bad Bad Thing." The early comparisons to Sam Cooke were a testament to his undeniable talent rather than solely relying on his vintage style.
Both artists have gained a reputation for their intriguing choices in duet collaborations throughout their careers. Bridges, hailing from Fort Worth, has joined forces with an array of musicians, including DJ Diplo on the track "Horixon," New Orleans-born singer Lucky Daye on "All About You," and an impressive lineup ranging from Robert Glasper to Noah Cyrus. Notably, his recent EP, Texas Sun, featured a soulful and rock-infused journey through the desert, crafted alongside the musical trio Khruangbin. Moreover, Bridges has demonstrated his versatility by venturing into country crossovers, exemplified by his 2016 holiday duet "Present Without a Bow" with fellow Texan country singer Kacey Musgraves.
Lambert, on the other hand, has been teasing potential collaborations through her social media and press releases. She has proven her prowess in duets with renowned country music superstars like Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, as well as venturing beyond her genre to collaborate with blues and country-style singer Elle King. This indicates an exciting new direction for Lambert, as she explores uncharted territory and expands her duet repertoire.
The timing of this collaboration also holds significance for Bridges' hometown, Fort Worth. The introduction of the Hear Fort Worth program seeks to tap into the city's rich underground music scene, offering grants, funding initiatives, and programs to elevate Fort Worth into a thriving music hub within the Lone Star State. Bridges, as an ambassador, perfectly embodies the aspirations of this venture, aiming to position Fort Worth as a premier music destination, rivaling the likes of Dallas and even Austin.
I would give this a 4 out of 4 stars.