Famously known for his worldwide hit “Get Lifted,” American soul singer and pianist John Legend dropped his third album on October 28^th.  

John Legend’s third album, Evolver, follows his two successful albums Get Lifted (2004) and Once Again (2006).  Although Get Lifted proved to move Legend into the spotlight, he was no new comer to the music industry.  Legend worked with well-known artists such as Lauryn Hill, playing piano on her hit “Everything is Everything,” and also provided vocals on singles for Kanye West and Jay-Z.  With connections already established within the industry, Get Lifted was an inevitable success. Collaborations with Kanye West on the upbeat “Number One” and Snoop Dogg on “I Can Change” showcased Legend’s ability to fuse R&B and hip-hop with classic melodies penetrating his piano.  His single “Ordinary People” proved to be an anthem of 2004 and reached the US top 30.

Expected to be just as fulfilling as the crowd pleaser Get Lifted, Legend’s second album Once Again reached the top spot on The Billboard’s top 100 R&B and Hip-hop albums chart.  Featuring Kanye West as well as Mary J. Blige, the album went platinum keeping John Legend at the top of the R&B game. 

With Evolver out on October 28^th, Legend has proven to bring both soulful melodies and hot club-hits together on the same album yet again.  The first single “Green Light” has already hit the 12^th spot on U.S. Billboard Hot R&B and Hip Hop songs.  The hit features none other than the funky, high-energy Andre 3000 from Outkast. One of the few fast-paced songs on the album, it proves that Legend does not solely rely on his piano and mesmerizing vocals. 

 The album is a compellation of songs discussing love and relationships.  Although this subject matter is expected by Legend, the album does not prove to bore the listener.  However, as you approach the end of the album some of the songs seem to fuse together. The album starts with a good mix of fast and slow paced tunes but switches to a strict R&B mood towards the end. “It’s Over” “Satisfaction” and “Everybody Knows” will keep his audience interested, but unfortunately, some may get lost towards middle of the album. 

3/5 Wooves