Evolver is the follow-up to two previous R&B/hip-hop studio albums: the Grammy winning Get Lifted released in late 2004 and Once Again from October 2006. John Legend, born John Stephens, is a multitalented R&B singer/pianist with deep roots from gospel to old soul and neo-soul, He follows in the footsteps of legends Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, whom Legend will be performing with this summer. Legend is joined on many of the songs by some very talented performers, the eclectic results of which are breathtakingly romantic.

Evolver is more modern and uptempo compared to earlier CDs, which were more 70’s soul inspired, but it still has a cornucopia of highs and lows. The album begins with the sleepy ecstasy sounds of sea gulls slowly bringing you awake with “Good Morning Intro”. The next song, and first single on the album, is the far more upbeat “Green Light” with the rapper Andre 3000. Then the funky “It’s Over” with Kanye West a notorious syntho-pop rapper. That’s followed by the second single “Every body Knows,” and my guess is it’s the most widely popular. There is also a duet called “Quickly” with Brandy, then “No Other Love” features reggae with Estelle. This uplifting album could charm a snake.

Legend seems to be everywhere at once in only a matter of years; a legend in his own time, if you will. It’s too late to claim him as your protege Quincy Jones! I’d say he has a bright future, but his career so far has been pretty bright already. He’s everywhere: the Academy Awards, NBA games, helping the poor; however, I have to admit that I first encountered Legend on The Colbert Christmas Special where he sang a song about the importance of nutmeg.

He has collaborated with far too many artists, and appeared in too many places to even mention here. He perhaps first got his big start, after playing nightclubs in New York when he signed with Kanye West’s music label. His accessible sounds have made the last song on this album an anthem for Barack Obama. He sang “If You’re Out There” at a Democratic convention last summer.

There are many people within the rap/hip-hop/ R&B universe that are calling John Legend one of the best singer/songwriters out there now. His prodigious efforts make Evolver one of the very best currently available. Legendary!

Track Listings
1. Good Morning (Intro)
2. Green Light featuring Andre 3000
3. It's Over featuring Kanye West
4. Everybody Knows
5. Quickly
6. Cross The Line
7. No Other Love featuring Estelle
8. This Time
9. Satisfaction
10. Take Me Away
11. Good Morning
12. I Love, You Love
13. If You're Out There