John Legend – Once Again Album Review

ukevents · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 1941

2004 marked the entrance of John Legend into the solo spotlight as a premier-singer-songwriter-pianist performer in his own right with his critically acclaimed album Get Lifted. 2006 the release of his second album, Once Again and the modest man of R&B has excelled once again.

Save Room opens the album and shows exactly what Legend is all about, the 60’s soulful beat, the breezy and sexy nature of the lyrics and his unique soothing vocals. These are heard in tandem throughout the four minute track and makes for one of the songs of the album. Heaven is a breezy track, which offers listeners a side of his gospel, church orientated up-bringing throughout the three and a half minutes. Show Me is much in the same vein, originally written as a homage to God, it is hushed, haunting and somewhat deliberately ambiguous. Legend describes Show Me as a ‘Gift’ and he’s not far wrong. Stereo is where Legend rekindles his Get Lifted roots, the funky electro-soul beat is back, and so are the fantastic personal lyrics, which clearly offset the tone of Legend’s voice and is my personal favourite. The heavy drum beat, booming bass and sensual piano melodies and vocals on P.D.A (We Just Don’t Care) blend harmoniously into a beautifully crafted song and make for a stand-out track. Slow Dance, created with will.i.am, again has an unconventional blend of sounds. With a slow instrumental which would be at home at a 1930’s New York ballroom, Legend manages to provide the soulful, R&B style that the track needs, the thundering piano melodies and the sensual vocals make this appeal to its audience. Get Lifted had Ordinary People, Once Again has Again, a piano orientated track, with which Legend’s talents are fully showcased. The booming ballad vocals and perfect piano playing are here, much like Ordinary People. On Another Again Kanye West’s presence is clearly evident, with the electro-soul beat and hip-hop style drums. And then Legend’s signature piano piece hits the ears from afar and somehow you feel home again.

Three years ago John Legend was a highly regarded session musician. And now, two fantastic albums later, he’s an artist who proves that even in an age of expediency and crass commercialism, real talent not only still matters but will be acknowledged.

Written by Matthew for UKEvents.net