John Legend

In the two years since he released his chart-topping, platinum-selling sophomore album, Once Again, John Legend has gone on to perform at some of the biggest events on the tube. He's played the Super Bowl, NBA and MBL All-Star games, and he even graced the stage at this year's Wrestlemania. In addition to the slew of commercials and television one-offs, it's safe to say that you've heard the voice of John Legend a time or two in the last couple of years. Media exposure aside, Legend is back with his newest drop, Evolver and doing what he does best; playing music that you can dim the lights to.

The upbeat and light funk of "Greenlight" (which features Andre 3000) and the political ramblings heard on "If You're Out There" might be a slight departure from Legend's norm, but it's one that is well-received and welcome as well. The neo-soul ballad "This Time," the jazzy and suave "I Love, You Love" and his reggae-laden duet with Estelle promise to grow into timeless classics over the years, while the quirky, hip-hop jam with Brandy, "Quickly" carries more of immediate impact. None, however, can top the excitement built around the collaboration of Legend and Kanye West; a hype, which exceeds expectations with a single listen to the grandiose "It's Over."

An expressive and emotional songwriter, John Legend fails to disappoint on Evolver. While we still can't call him this generation's Barry White, this one would still be a highly recommended choice next time you've got company and a candlelit room.

—Ryan Ogle
10.31.08

Evolver is more clever and appealing as an album title than Dabbler, yet the latter would be much more emblematic of John Legend's third studio album. Legend is up-front about his lane changes, which begin with the album's lead single, "Green Light," decked out in giddy synthesizers à la Paul McCartney's "A Wonderful Christmas Time" (or, OK, the glitziest part of Kanye West's "Flashing Lights") while benefiting from André 3000's off-the-cuff appearance. Following it is "It's Over," a relatively characteristic breakup song that continues to set the tone for the album's anything-goes nature. There's a show-stopping ballad, a reggae-flavored Estelle feature, flashes of tropical lushness, a couple throwbacks to soul-informed soft rock, a track full of chunky synth riffs, a brave topical message song to close, and a couple other diversions throughout. Legend often sounds like he is occupied by the satisfaction that comes with hearing what his vocal cords are capable of achieving. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi