John Legend is an outstanding American singer, songwriter, pianist, possessing three Grammy awards. His new album Once Again is a collection of immensely melodic compositions, inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder. According to Legend’s words, his music is much influenced by such styles as soul, R&B, hip-hop and gospel. His debut album Get Lifted, featuring such well-known personalities as Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Slum Village, was released in 2004 and immediately went platinum. Kanye West also produced his second album, while will.i.am and Raphael Saadiq were among the guest-stars. In his interview to MTV Legend stated that the album features his favorite song Again, the idea of which visited him during his ride on a subway and prompted the name of the future album. Once Again is a really stunning work: the powerful and exquisite piano sound accompanied by stylish synths is ideal for the soft and sincere Legend’s vocals. These highly positive thirteen tracks have already been tagged by the critics as the future classics of the music genre, an appraisal given to a limited number of artists.
Recording Once Again, John Legend created the music that came from the heart, ignoring the criteria that are inseparable from the commercial success of the record. The first single Save Room is based on the powerful piano crescendo with harmoniously joined organ chords towards the end of the composition, creating an inimitably emotional love song. The composition features sample of the 60s’ hit Stormy, again proving the musician’s reluctance to follow the mainstream or stick the boundaries of a musical genre. One of the highlights of the album is the track P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care), bright and inspiring, leaving the impression of a sunny summer day, despite the gloomy weather outside. Show Me resembles Jimi Hendrix sound, representing a rock ballad with an unusual arrangement, positive lyrics and Legend’s charming falsetto. Stereo is a marvelous composition, close to drum’n’bass, disclosing the musings of the performer concerning the new gained fame, accompanied by peculiar notes resembling those of the snake-charming ritual.
With the help of his long-time friend and producer Kanye West, Legend created an album, full of intellect, sensuality and creativity. Once Again ignores the style boundaries, drawing inspiration from such eminent musicians as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole. Despite the uniting topic of love, linking nearly all the songs of the LP, the singer also touches upon one of the political aspects of the American life. The track Coming Home is a moving ballad of a soldier, who thinks the war is never going to cease. The emotional atmosphere is created by Legend’s superb piano sound, as well as the wind and string instruments in the true tradition of Marvin Gaye’s music. Throughout the whole album Legend’s performance, vocal, as well as instrumental, remains flawless. However, awards and critics’ appraisal are not the things he wants to achieve – his main desire is to gain the sincerity and trust between him and his audience, which is of immense value for any performer. There is no need to say that John Legend achieves it masterfully.
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