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29 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing at best, November 5, 2008
Being a big fan of John Legend's previous two albums, it's really hard to imagine this being his third album. Whatever happened to the passionate piano pieces that were found in "So High", "Ordinary People" and "We Just Don't Care"? The cheeky themes and lyrics found in "She Don't Have To Know" and "Number One"? The smooth tunes of "Save Room" and "Slow Dance"?
'Evolver' feels like a manufactured compilation of samples and beats which play in the background while Legend tries akwardly to fit in with his soulful crooning. While the previous albums lacked the big name collaborations featured in this album, this album lacked the originality and passion that made John Legend a star. And that, at the end of the day, is really what music is about.
The album title may be named 'Evolver', but this seems like a step back towards manufactured Pop/R&B that's playing on the radio. Stick with Legend's previous albums.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Hit, Another Legend, October 28, 2008
The minute I heard "Ordinary People" from John Legend, I was instantly a fan! I had Evolver on preorder and received it the day before it's official release on Amazon. From the pictures online, I wasn't too impressed with the album cover, but upon receiving it, the cover has this metallic shiny cover. Pretty fancy. ;-)
"Greenlight", the first single is catchy and great to dance to. It sounds like Legend and Andre' 3000 are both just making a song and having fun. "It's Over" sounds like a straight throwback to the early `90s (the hip hop cooley sound). It could be just me...Legend even does a little run at the end of the song that sounds like Teddy Riley. "Everybody Knows" is such a sweet song. It talks of working on relationships and the hardships and puzzlement that it brings. "Quickly" takes it to a pop level with a long-time, no-hear artist, Brandy. Her voice is a lot different and I have to take a little time to get used to it...like she's all grown up all over again! :-) The song itself will have to grow on me. "Cross the Line" is my *first listen* favorite. The vocals and beat just flow in a nice contemporary fashion. This would be a great single--but for some reason my faves never make the singles lists! "No Other Love" is okay and features Estelle, who folks are comparing to Lauren Hill. I wish they wouldn't do that--she's unique on her own and if she doesn't reach the level Hill reached, will end up with an unfair bad rap. That would be like if someone compared Rihanna to Beyonce...(!!!) "This Time" is okay, it will grow on me like "Again" did on his second album. "Satisfaction" is a pretty nice groove--I can also see this being a single (but I don't produce records, so I'm no expert!). "Take Me Away" has a nice island beat and has Legend's vocals shining through--high ranges. This is a great song! "Good Morning" is a wonderful lover's song. Something to listen to when it's just you and your significant other. There is an awesome set of trumpets that fit well with this jam. Reminds me of something by Earth, Wind, and Fire. "I Love, You Love" has been on repeat since playing the cd. It's Stephens' most wonderful ballad since Ordinary People. This song is absolutely wonderful! I wished it would have lasted longer! Finally, the last song, "If You're Out There", I heard a few times during the presidential campaign, and I would compare with "Coming Home" from Once Again.
The only negative thing I would say about this album is the amount of slow songs versus fast on this album, but it works for this album and it flows well. Overall, this album is another hit by John Legend, and once again, I'm glad I purchased from Amazon!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
True Legend. Defines Talent, November 30, 2008
Speaking as someone who actually saw John Legend live, i can honestly say that this man has talent and that his latest album Evolver was a collection of great songs. Seems he always welcomes diversity and has the ability to project a sound that is welcome by ears all over the world. Simply he is classic. I loved every song he wrote or co-wrote on the album (95%). I read reviews that are trying to rip Evolver of its true essence. Listen people, John delevered on this album. He has Evolved, and i'm excited for this ablum. Is it not enough that he writes his own songs? and sounds even better live than in a studio where the walls soak up the smoothness of his voice. 'i love you love', 'this time', 'everybody knows', 'green light', 'quickly', 'good morning','cross the line', 'no other love', are my favs. John is, and has been keeping music alive and classy. So to the haters out there or to those who would belittle his music and song writting abilities, perhaps you wont be satisfied until John collabs with a trashy Pop artist like Ms. Spears, or does a lame remix of 'Bartender' with t-pain....(even though John could probably pull it off with his vocals and thus make me actually like the song). Lets hope though that it never happens, but if it does, no worries. He's doing it, and doing it, and doing it well.
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