John Legend released his seventh studio Album, ‘Bigger Love’ last month. The album was very joyous and filled with love, which isn’t unexpected coming from the R&B star. As a fan of R&B and Neosoul, I’ve always been a fan of John Legend’s music. But I usually choose a song or two rather than the whole album to include in my everyday playlist. His albums are always cohesive bodies of work. But some of his songs are so grandiose that they overpower or simply just don’t align with my mood.

However, this album was different. It took me back to the old John Legend vibes while still including a modern twist. ‘Once Again’ is my favorite John Legend Album. I can play the whole thing through with little to no skips. I feel the same about ‘Bigger Love’. Many expect so much complexity from John’s music. But real R&B fans will be able to enjoy this album for what it is. Good R&B music.

“The R&B star’s latest ode to the power of love bursts with positive energy, but there’s an emptiness beneath.” -Pitchfork

I see why Pitchfork would make this claim. And you may feel the same way, especially If we’re comparing this album strictly to his others. But this project in itself is a good representation of making old school R&B feel new again. He managed to pair mainstream, old school, and a new version of himself altogether. John describes it as “vintage sounds with a modern sensibility.” And that’s exactly what it is. Nothing more or nothing less.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/bigger-love/1512885758

Fav’ Songs

1. Ooh Laa- It’s not rated a favorite but it is by far my favorite. This song set the foundation for the album’s concept of old & new. The beat hits. The words are catchy. It’s just a good vibe.
2. U Move, I Move (feat. Jheńe Aiko)- This song gives those classic and grandiose chilling vibes that we all love and expect from John. And adding Jheńe to the mix amplified it and made it new.
3. ‘One life’ & ‘I do’ – You guys might not understand but the dancer in me is attracted to both of these tracks. Simply, because we love a good celebratory love song that we can pretend we’re performing to.
4. Wild– I see why this song is everyone’s favorite. It’s a great production. I would love to see him perform it live. These are the songs that keep him mainstream.
5. Don’t Walk Away (feat. Koffee)– This track is a great marriage between classic R&B/Soul and reggae. And I like just about any song that can accomplish such a balance.