John Legend

Some of soul's finest performers specialize in cutting loose; their vocals roar with authority. But just as many of the genre's talents focus on control, synthesizing their emotions into a smooth confection that makes everything from infidelity to heartbreak taste as sweet as sorbet. John Legend falls into the second...

By Michael Roberts

November 16, 2006

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Some of soul's finest performers specialize in cutting loose; their vocals roar with authority. But just as many of the genre's talents focus on control, synthesizing their emotions into a smooth confection that makes everything from infidelity to heartbreak taste as sweet as sorbet. John Legend falls into the second category, and if Once Again seems modest on first listen, it ultimately proves that sophisticated reserve can be just as powerful as chest-thumping rawness.

The ubiquitous will.i.am has indulged in cheesy over-sampling of late (e.g., Fergie's solo debut), but his touch is blessedly light on "Save Room," in which he and Legend effortlessly alter the forecast of "Stormy," a Classics IV oldie. "Heaven," produced by Kanye West, and "Maxine," a luxuriant samba, are just as strong. Granted, "Again" feels too much like "Ordinary People" redux, and "Coming Home" doesn't quite hit the "What's Going On" heights for which it's clearly aiming. They don't miss by much, though, and as long as "Each Day Gets Better" is spinning, its title rings true.

Play it Again.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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