Leon Bridges will release his next album, Happiness Anytime, on September 26, via Columbia Records. Produced by J Lloyd-Watson and Lydia Kitto of the British trio Jungle, Happiness Anytime is said to be a return to the “warmth of [his breakthrough] Coming Home” while “embracing the groove and adventurous spirit of his celebrated collaborations with Khruangbin.” Bridges has been slowly rolling out the album with pop up performances in Paris, Cannes, Los Angeles, Montreux Jazz Festival and London’s The Jazz Cafe.

In advance of the LP’s release, Bridges recently dropped the first of three four-song EPs that will, ultimately, complete the 12-song album. The initial installment includes 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 while announcing 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.”  

Leaning into his desire to dance more on stage, a signature element of his early shows, Bridges has also unveiled Leon Bridges Presents Happiness Anytime—a reimagined stage production featuring a vinyl DJ, horn section, three backing vocalists and Bridges himself back out front. The shift in approach was partially inspired by the communal spirit of classic Jamaican dance hall culture, and the performances will mirror the album’s emphasis on movement.

Bridges crafted Happiness Anytime across three fast and furious sessions with Lloyd-Watson and Kitto. After crossing paths at various festivals around the world, the musicians decided to attempt a low-pressure writing session. Four days later, they emerged with six songs—half of the completed album. The core creative team was also joined by bassist Pino Palladino (D’Angelo, Adele, John Mayer) at Los Angeles’ Chaplin Recording Studios to complete the record.   

The singer’s most recent pop-up performance was at London’s Jazz Café last Friday. He offered a career-spanning mix of songs, including two numbers from his work with Khruangbin.