DARKNESS AND LIGHT

AlbumDec 02 / 201612 songs, 45m 56s
Neo-Soul
Popular

Sing what you know or sing what they want? *Darkness and Light* shows that John Legend knows the answer to that tricky question. The R&B singer wraps his magnificent voice around issues of the day, hearkening back to Curtis, Stevie, and Marvin. “I Know Better” speaks to that time, promising to use his voice for good. This mindset applies to slow jams—“Love Me Now,” “Overload,” and “What You Do To Me”—ringed with shades of pain. Producer Blake Mills (responsible for Alabama Shakes’ *Sound and Color*) fills the album with incredible, pulsating touches.

409

7.0 / 10

On Darkness and Light, John Legend pushes beyond his comfort zone for something a bit more ambitious.  This is a love record about navigating the bleak world and finding happiness in dark times.

Plus The Orchestra Of Syrian Musicians, Louise Bichan, Blue States and a country compilation

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7 / 10

Now that he's on his fifth solo album, John Stephens, aka John Legend, has nailed down who he wants to be. After starting out as a promising...

(Columbia)

7 / 10

Emulating his idol Marvin Gaye, the singer has fashioned the personal and the political into a heartfelt musical statement

70 %

John Legend adds a little hitch into his decade-long formula of soft pop piano tunes on Darkness and Light and it’s a welcome departure.

JOHN LEGENDDarkness and Light ***Columbia