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.
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