One of the brightest performers of the present days John Legend who has been going in for music since the early childhood has released two studio albums that are Get Lifted and Once Again each of each contains at least one song that has become a hit, and to date he has received already five Grammy Awards. His music is known to be born at the bottom of the heart and is always touching the main topics he dwells on being love in all its manifestations. Last year John has given several concerts around the world which came as part of his The Show Me Tour, but far from all who wanted has made it to see their favorite singer in flesh and blood. Thus as a compensation for them and for all those interested in the creative work of the artist the recording of one of the most effective performances, that in Philadelphia is released giving quite a full idea of what was going on in the concert hall. Live From Philadelphia are nineteen amazing songs on which John Legend has proved to be a splendid live performer and the audience's favorite even more honest and soulful than on his studio albums.
It is clear that the viewers recognize the songs from the very first sounds of the piano or John's voice, and the shouting of the crowd make the listener feel the presence effect. Do You Wanna Ride is a piano crescendo based song with an unusual tune that ends on the most powerful note. A mid-tempo ballad Heaven reminds of a gospel due to the backing vocals provided by the choir and the oriental music elements on Stereo make it a more danceable number. Composition Let's Get Lifted on which the singer promises to give the joy to his beloved pleases with an unforgettable tune, and Alright is a more serious composition with an orchestra accompaniment that combines greatly with Legend’s vocals driving the crowd crazy with delight. Of course the single Save Room is obligatory on the concert program for it has become the favorite of many due to its memorable chorus with a beautiful sensual tune. New song Where Is The Love which is a duet with Corinne Bailey Rae whom John presents to the audience as a very special guest, sounds really breathtaking. The Beatles' song I Want You (She's So Heavy) impresses with powerful guitars and John's magnificent vocals, and another new creation Slow Dance is sure to be appreciated by all fond of romantic R&B songs especially when performed in the special charming manner of the artist who invites a girl from the audience to dance with him. The singer's personal favorite Again from his latest album and the successful composition Ordinary People can be easily called the peaks of the concert for here John gives his vocals full swing and most probably makes the viewers cry full of emotions. At the end the crowd is reluctant to let go the singer and makes him prolong the songs Show Me and So High, and the sincere performer cannot but satisfy his fans' demands.
John Legend has managed to obtain a reputation of an artist who does not seek commercial success making a really beautiful music full of positive emotions. The reaction of the audience on Live From Philadelphia speaks for itself: each song is welcomed with loud ovations. The musicians, the back vocalists and the artist himself have done their best so that those who have come to see the concert get the strongest and most pleasant impressions, and listening to the audio recording provides just the same effect. At most sensual moments the singer's voice becomes especially soft and when the accompaniment gets its greatest power the vocals continue playing the leading part. Listening to Legend's love ballads one can realize why the soundtrack for love ballads can be always easily found, and more danceable songs are sure to heighten your spirits in no time. There are a couple of new wonderful compositions on Live From Philadelphia, whereas the largest part is composed of the songs from the two studio albums. The record has become a kind of conclusion in the twenty-nine year old singer's professional career that started rather recently, and most probably his new works will not make us wait too long.
Evolver
Once Again
Pull The Pin 2007
Stereophonics have once again outshone themselves, for the music on Pull The Pins is several times more powerful than the most part of modern rock creations, and the lyrics of the tracks are more topical, simplistic and direct than ever
