Album: Evolver
Artist: John Legend
Label: Sony
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Similar to politics, in this eventful game of R&B, listeners often times place artists into categories: the idealist, the realist, the pragmatist, or in John Legend’s case- the classicist.
Unlike the idealists with their gimmicky themes and over-the top image alterations or the realists with their uncut, often times guttural approach to R&B, the classicists are straight forward, musically trained, and predictable. And that is John Legend.
You’re not going to get anything unexpected- no sudden changes of image and no experimenting in outlandish music genres to create a new sound. He is just John- black leather over beckoning chords and a saccharine vocal delivery. Easy and classic.
But just like in relationships, the same things that attract us to an artist, are the same things that make us later question our devotion. And with that, Legend’s problem surfaces: he is safe, maybe a little too safe. In fact, he seems to have aged right before our eyes.
His first album was equally as classic, but it was much riskier in content. With songs like “Number 1” and “She Don’t Have to Know,” R&B listeners fell in love with this R&B classicist, who was still provocative. I mean- what’s more attractive than a good boy talking about bad things?
But maybe he’s just growing up or perhaps he’s “in a different place.” Either way, Evolver is a solid salute to classic R&B equipped with all the good things love stories are made of.
“I Love, You Love” is a beautiful tribute to that ever-desired emotion. With a strong acoustic presence and Legend’s vocal shuffle between falsetto and tenor, this song is lovely enough to make you wish you were in love just so you can sing honestly and affectionately like he does on this track.
“Cross the Line” is Legend’s attempt at the always-relevant theme of friends turned lovers, where he sings, “Not just a homegirl. It’s time to take you home girl.” The song is relatable and catchy. Still, it is lukewarm at best. The album heats up with “Everybody Knows”- a questioning look at lost love. The song is honest- full of regrets, doubt, and the concluding feelings of confusion and unavoidable acceptance.
The height of the album comes in the form of “No Other Love,” Legend’s sultry, reggae-ish duet with Estelle. In this song, he is begging for the affection of his lover, while proclaiming her touch and kiss irresistible. Estelle’s swagger only enhances the track, as she responds to Legend’s beseeching with a flirty rap verse.
Of course Kanye also makes a guest appearance on the album, along with Andre 3000, who was featured on the lead single, but even these heavyweights are not enough to keep the listeners from yawning occasionally. Overall the album is good. Legend certainly doesn’t disappoint in the love song department. We just wish he had a song or two we couldn’t play for our grandmothers. Bring bad Johny back.
Overall Rating: B+
Be the first to comment on this article!