John Legend: Artist Profile
John Legend’s musical artistry can be kind of inconspicuous in the sea of talent and opportunists in the music industry. But once you encounter it, you are taken by the ocean of influences that transpire in his work. It takes quite a musician to create their own sounds with so much diverse inspiration and while never remaining quite the same. Every song has its own individuality albeit the touch of the singer-songwriter’s own brand, own style, own timber.
R & B, Jazz, Gospel, pop, a touch of funk and a bit of fusion nothing is forbidden in this musical adventure. But the clue remains throughout his oeuvres: they are very much grounded in soulfulness and open to experimental sounds. It is sometimes easy to forget that the talented pianist, composer, lyricist, singer and producer has been active since 2000. The likes Kanye West, Dave Tozer, and will.i.am have appeared in the notes of his early music propelling it to the heights that he has maintained if not surpassed since. The journey through this artist’s music definitely pokes the music lover’s interest. Even more interestingly, the touches of musical romanticism spread throughout his pieces are never lost even when he collaborates with hip-hop or sings of cheating.
John Legend in ten songs
- All of Me
- Made to Love
- Bridges – John Legend has featured and co-written or fully written quite his share of songs. He features in this track performed by the powerful and unique vocals of Rebecca Ferguson blending two eras in one song.
- If you’re out there
- Show Me – A touch of uncomplicated beauty with subtle contretemps absolutely flowing and blending in like a soul getting peace from expressing his reflective turmoil.
- Stay With You: A touch of Gospel for this promise song
- Preach
- Glory: Rapper Common and Legend perform the perfect soundtrack for the motion picture “Selma”. This strings-accompanied anthem supports the film theme about the epic non-violent 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. (portrayed by David Oyelowo) which led to President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The track is penned by the two music artists and Rhymefest.
- Used to Love you
- Ordinary People