Music Review

Evolver (2008)

John Legend

Reviewed by Simon Vozick-Levinson | Oct 22, 2008

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EW's GRADE

B+

Details Release Date: Oct 28, 2008; Lead Performance: John Legend; Genre: R&B

$NEXT GENERATION JOHN Legend\'s new album shows the singer\'s naughty evolution$

NEXT GENERATION JOHN Legend's new album shows the singer's naughty evolution

John Legend's voice is constitutionally incapable of veering off-key, much less cracking or hiccuping. That kind of polish can give his music a certain adult-contemporary flavor, which he tries to escape on his third album Evolver by flirting with flashier synths and randier lyrics. The makeover works for the most part — even if there's something a little absurd about hearing him proposition a platonic friend (''Cross the Line'') or someone he's met moments before (''Quickly'') in that barbershop-quartet croon. Turns out Legend is still at his best when he plays to his voice's strengths with clean-cut ballads like''Everybody Knows.'' B+
Download This: Listen to a clip of ''Everybody Knows'' on imeem.com

Originally posted Oct 22, 2008 Published in issue #1018 Oct 31, 2008 Order article reprints

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