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Who's Turning John Legend On?

© Mecca Donna

The word is out and people are buzzing. They're asking if you've done it. You know, put him in. That is to say inside your stereo. Have you had the chance to "Get Lifted"? Excuse the implication, but the new album from new R&B/Soul singer John Legend is indeed addictive like a drug. So,are you turning him on? We've all been waiting for someone to break up the monotony. Sometimes all it takes is talent. John Legend (born John Stevens) is abundantly gifted. He started honing his craft at the tender age of five by learning to play the piano in his home in Ohio.

Now you can catch him on his 14 tracked album entitled "Get Lifted". How appropriate, right? Those of us that are incredibly tired of the studio vocals have been smiled upon. John Legend has lifted the bar of standard with his simple and well put together endeavor. How well put together, you ask?

John Legend's "Get Lifted" is laced with laid back simple instrumentation. The piano is Legend's instrument of choice. The beat plays sidekick to the young Ohio native's retro and gospel-esque voice. His voice breathes fervor into the tracks. It's robust sound gives off a 70's smokey room Hennessy feel. The combination yearns to be played on the crackle and hum of an old vinyl record. It's all love as they say.

John Legend never lets you down on "Get Lifted". How long has it been since you played an album completely through without a skip button? Forget about it. The album is a stellar example of how far true talent can take you. Tracks like 'Alright' and 'Get Lifted' gives the album danceability. In the interest of diversity 'So High' and 'Stay with you' counterbalances all the cheatin' goin' on! Some of the other tracks like 'Ordinary People' and 'It Don't have to Change' gives the album an infectious degree of appeal. John Legend very naturally connects with you with the simple wording of each song.

Simply put, this album is simple yet catchy. Groovy, laid back, and infectious. Part of it's beauty is the same energy, emotion, and raw talent can easily be transferred to a live version of the album. Many times when a live album is released it loses that element of the song that attracted you to it on the original album. What you loved about the song gets lost in the transition to LIVE. John Legend can sing each song,track by track, LIVE and STILL get you high.