February 01, 2005 @ 12:55 pm
John Legend- Get Lifted (Columbia)
R&B the way it was meant to be—legendary.
R&B the way it was meant to be—legendary.
After playing a backup role to Kanye West on the omnipresent “Jesus Walks,” John Legend begins his own legacy with his major label debut, Get Lifted. Produced mostly by West and Legend, the album takes a soulful approach to R&B. Sonically touching all the bases, Legend recalls an era when less was more and talent triumphed over theatrics.
The lead single, “Used to Love U,” is a clever example of Legend and West’s underlying strength as a songwriting team. Just as ingenious is the mid-tempo groove “She Don’t Have to Know,” which tells the tale of two sensitive cheats whose mutual infatuation justifies their dishonesty.
While “Live It Up” and “I Can Change,” featuring Snoop Dogg, are reminiscent of the Curtis Mayfield jams on the Superfly soundtrack, Legend is equally adroit when the tempo is reduced to a simmer, as on “Ordinary People” and “Stay With You.”
By showcasing Legend’s multiple talents, Get Lifted advances the kind of genre-pushing spirit that made D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar so sweet. It’s refreshing to hear a male vocalist who has enough talent to be more than a legend in his own mind.
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2005/02/john_legend_get_lifted_columbia/
Top 25 Stories
Featured Galleries
50 Cent in 50 Shots
With his gritty album Before I Self Destruct dropping Nov. 16, VIBE shows 50 Fif faces.
With his gritty album Before I Self Destruct dropping Nov. 16, VIBE shows 50 Fif faces.
Raekwon and Murs are Ninja Assassins
Check out these on-the-set flicks of Raekwon's new video, "Legacy," off the Ninja Assassins soundtrack. Hai-ya!
All photos shot by Azul "213" Amaral
Turnin' Me On: Keri Hilson
Keri's click-snap game is on point. Check out this 20-plus photo gallery for proof...
Keri's click-snap game is on point. Check out this 20-plus photo gallery for proof...
Soul Train Awards 2009
Photos from the Soul Train Awards Pre-Party at La Pomme
Photos from the Soul Train Awards Pre-Party at La Pomme
Lady Gaga's Paparazzi
Pop music's most eccentric had a Monster year. Check out some highlights.
Pop music's most eccentric had a Monster year. Check out some highlights.
Halle Berry Gallery
One look at this photo gallery will show you why Hurricane Chris dedicated a song and dance to Halle.
One look at this photo gallery will show you why Hurricane Chris dedicated a song and dance to Halle.
Halloween 2009 In Pictures
Stars in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Las Vegas show their true colors on Halloween.
Stars in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Las Vegas show their true colors on Halloween.
Chris Brown
Peep these snapshots fresh off the video set of Chris Brown's second single, "Crawl." Look out for the Cassie cameo, too!
Peep these snapshots fresh off the video set of Chris Brown's second single, "Crawl." Look out for the Cassie cameo, too!
Precious Premiere
The premiere of Tyler Perry's critically acclaimed motion picture brought out the biggest and brightest.
The premiere of Tyler Perry's critically acclaimed motion picture brought out the biggest and brightest.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is now “Sleeping With A Broken Heart," but we keep you awake with a gallery of her pics.
Alicia Keys is now “Sleeping With A Broken Heart," but we keep you awake with a gallery of her pics.
Rihanna: R U Ready?
With Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" heating up airwaves, we take a look at RiRi's best shots--all 56 of them!
With Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" heating up airwaves, we take a look at RiRi's best shots--all 56 of them!
Lebron James Photos
On and off the court, Lebron shows his savoir-faire.
On and off the court, Lebron shows his savoir-faire.
Chris Brown Pics
Chris Brown is on the comeback trail. Check out these snapshots of CB in his element.
Chris Brown is on the comeback trail. Check out these snapshots of CB in his element.
Beyoncé Gallery
From Destiny's Child to Dreamgirls to top diva, Beyoncé is the baddest B.
From Destiny's Child to Dreamgirls to top diva, Beyoncé is the baddest B.
home