With the reputation of a serenading king to uphold, multiplatinum, Grammy Award-winning recording artist John Legend fully satisfies his fans on his third studio album Evolver.
Legend's album epitomizes what a groovy R&B album should entail. From blues, to jazz, to gospel, every aspect of emotion is captured. Similar to his debut studio album, Get Lifted, the singer-songwriter/pianist collaborates with many guest artists. including Kanye West, Brandy, Estelle and Andre 3000.
In contrast to most other R&B productions, Legend is endearingly passionate as he conveys a polite lover. Even in the album's first single, Green Light,"" when singing, ""Dying to meet you / So let's mess around / I've got an obsession / Of us getting down,"" his delivery is that of a gentleman.
The album starts with a tranquil introduction, but Legend wastes no time jumping into a couple of playful dance numbers. ""Green Light"" and ""It's Over"" are both top picks that let listeners get their groove on. Andre 3000 adds a splash of fun in the former, and Kanye West brings a sense of self-confidence to the funky latter.
Asking his lover to take him back is a theme for a couple of the songs on Evolver, as ""Everybody Knows"" and ""This Time"" - the album's main ballad - both tug at those sensitive heart strings of pleading men.
In addition to the new material adequately displaying Legend's sultry vocals, a variety of instruments add color throughout. Whether it's solely piano melodies, tambourine breakdowns, violin orchestras, soft electric guitar riffs or trumpet blasts, Evolver covers a plethora of unique sounds.
As is expected from such a rhythm-and-blues inspired musician, Legend leaves no shortage of sexual interpretations. Songs such as ""Quickly,"" ""Cross The Line"" and ""Satisfaction"" erupt with passionate ideas about escaping into ecstasy, hooking up with a best friend and yearning for fulfillment from a partner. The melodies paint a sense of urgency, while at the same time soothing and relaxing listeners with their hip-swaying tempo.
Legend also throws a few wildcards into the mix. ""No Other Love,"" has a reggae, island backbeat. And, ""If You're Out There,"" a gospel tune about inspiring a generation and encouraging change, sounds strangely like a tribal song out of ""The Lion King.""
""I Love, You Love,"" an emotional, longing lullaby that mimics some of Aaron Neville's greater works, is an excellent contender for one of the strongest songs on the album.
Other sensual tracks, such as ""Take Me Away"" and ""Good Morning,"" feel like a hot air balloon ride on a sunny summer day; they're that blissful.
In a nutshell, John Legend nailed his third studio album. In fact, Evolver's listeners are changing their alarm clocks to wake up to ""Good Morning"" at this very moment.
