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One other thing of note: John Legend's
name is almost like saying 'John Lennon.' And it is not that
surprising since one was a great singer/songwriter with an amazing
history; the other is a promising newcomer establishing his future
and living up to his moniker. Although Kanye West's stamp is
all over his protégé's debut album as executive
producer, it doesn't mean John Legend can't be his own artist.
And he succeeds in spades. Get Lifted is gospel-inflected
neo-soul devoid of the 'playa hater,' 'bitches and ho's' attitude
that is sometimes prevalent in the hip-hop genre. Against convention,
Legend puts the music and the words before the beat and the rhymes,
and the results sound like vintage '70s Marvin Gaye and Stevie
Wonder. Legend's lyrics are mainly meditations on romance whether
it's playful ("Alright," the sly, l'et's-keep-it-on-the-down-low'
"She Don't Have to Know") or complicated and serious
("Ordinary Love," "Number One"). The majority
of the album's tracks are ebullient and elegant (the title track,
"Stay With You," "Refuge (When It's Cold Inside)")
as they are thoughtful. The unique aspect of the material is
that they don't sound like run of the mill pop or R&B hits
(although almost all of them can be certified chart hits), but
they are essentially spirituals (e.g. "It Don't Have to
Change"). The aforementioned West, who also guest raps on
"Number One," puts a smooth and elegant, almost cinematic
touch on the album without the overbearing clutter; this gives
Legend the room to croon all the way with his heart on his sleeve
and seductive promises.
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