John Legend – “LEGEND” – Album Review

So after releasing 2 years ago during COVID period “Bigger Love” , John Legend dropped a new album Named “Legend” this week ,and it has been a labor of love that was inspired by not only the artists who came before him but his ancestral lineage. In a press release, Legend explained how he has “never [felt] divorced from” his ancestors, and that includes his “musical heritage.”

“I don’t feel like I need to leave it behind to be adventurous, or creative, or to try something new,” said Legend. “When I’m creating something new, I’m still hearing the voices and influences of Stevie, Marvin, Curtis, Aretha, Nina, Donny, and Prince. Black musicians have always been at the forefront of innovation in music.”

“But where I think Hip Hop is always about what’s new, with Soul music, we are a bit more nostalgic,” he continued. “And hopefully, what we’ve been able to do with LEGEND is that synthesis of looking forward, but also connecting with where we come from.”

The Album is so soulful , emotional and funky as well with features on the record that includes : Rick Ross, J.I.D, Free Nationals, Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Jazmine Sullivan, Saweetie, Jada Kingdom, Muni Long, Rapsody, and Ledisi.

Recommended Tracks :

• Dope – Legend features Dreamville’s rapper JID to a funky song
• Love – The song itself brings a vibe that we all missed that influenced by the spirit of legendary Prince R.I.P, soulful feeling with the vocals of both Legend & the lovely Jazmine Sullivan .
• Strawberry Blush – The Home Group band of Anderson Paak Free Nationals & Legend on a new joint that won’t disappoint anyone else makes you just vibin’ to it.
• Honey – R&B soulful song with the lovely “Hrs and Hrs” soulful R&B singer , Muni Lung .
• The Other Ones – Rapsody features on this song , Legend talk ’bout people that faded away from life .
• Good – It reminds me the spirit of the legendary Aretha Franklin that floating on this song that features soulful lady Ledisi.
• Wonder Woman – can feel the soulful in here ’bout imaginin’ the wonder woman in life.

Executive Producers : Ryan Teeder , John Legend .

Tracklist

ACT I

1. Rounds ft. Rick Ross
2. Waterslide
3. Dope ft. JID
4. Strawberry Blush ft. Free Nationals
5. Guy Like Me
6. All She Wanna Do
7. Splash ft Jhene Aiko, Ty Dolla $ign
8. You
9. Fate ft. Amber Mark
10. Love ft. Jazmine Sullivan
11. One Last Dance
12. All She Wanna Do ft. Saweetie

ACT 2

1. Memories
2. Nervous
3. Wonder Woman
4. Honey ft. Muni Long
5. I Want You to Know
6. Speak in Tongues ft. Jada Kingdom
7. The Other Ones ft. Rapsody
8. Stardust
9. Pieces
10. Good ft. Ledisi
11. I Don’t Love U Like I Used To
12. Home