Spring Break
New from John Legend, Ry Cooder and more
MCT
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: Features
John Legend, Evolver, 4 out of 5
There are a raft of guest stars on Evolver, John Legend's follow-up to 2006's Once Again.
Fortunately, Legend's own considerable talents form the foundation for these 13 songs, which don't really need any additional boost from A-listers such as Kanye West, OutKast's Andre 3000 and Brandy.
In an era of histrionic American Idol types, Legend is one of the rare singers willing to approach his work with restraint. That easy style is well suited to mid-tempo love songs such as "Everybody Knows," with its sweet melody that unfolds above a mannered rock beat and soft cushion of backing voices.
When Legend does collaborate, he has a knack for matching the visitors with material. Andre 3000's rap lends a nice edge to the ultra-cool dance groove of "Green Light," while West provides a more boisterous presence in the sassy yet slick "It's Over." Brandy injects some nice harmonies on "Quickly."
On the album's second half, Legend goes it alone on songs such as the majestic piano ballad "This Time," the lilting "Take Me Away" and others. Despite the occasional bump, such as the repetitive, uninviting hook in "Satisfaction," Legend shows that he is still a master of pretty, gently delivered R&B. When it comes to that, he doesn't need any help.
Ry Cooder, The UFO Has Landed, 5 out of 5
God bless the archivist assigned to pin down the eclectic contributions of Ry Cooder.
After all, Cooder's four-decade career spans early blues and roots music to film soundtracks to Buena Vista Social Club to recent genre-benders such as My Name is Buddy (2007) and the new I, Flathead. It's a lot of ground to cover.
Produced by Cooder's son and collaborator, Joachim, The UFO Has Landed admirably blends old and new in a two-disc, 34-song collection. There's only one unreleased track, a version of "Let's Work Together" with Buckwheat Zydeco, but the collective effect is still stunning and enlightening.
There are a raft of guest stars on Evolver, John Legend's follow-up to 2006's Once Again.
Fortunately, Legend's own considerable talents form the foundation for these 13 songs, which don't really need any additional boost from A-listers such as Kanye West, OutKast's Andre 3000 and Brandy.
In an era of histrionic American Idol types, Legend is one of the rare singers willing to approach his work with restraint. That easy style is well suited to mid-tempo love songs such as "Everybody Knows," with its sweet melody that unfolds above a mannered rock beat and soft cushion of backing voices.
When Legend does collaborate, he has a knack for matching the visitors with material. Andre 3000's rap lends a nice edge to the ultra-cool dance groove of "Green Light," while West provides a more boisterous presence in the sassy yet slick "It's Over." Brandy injects some nice harmonies on "Quickly."
On the album's second half, Legend goes it alone on songs such as the majestic piano ballad "This Time," the lilting "Take Me Away" and others. Despite the occasional bump, such as the repetitive, uninviting hook in "Satisfaction," Legend shows that he is still a master of pretty, gently delivered R&B. When it comes to that, he doesn't need any help.
Ry Cooder, The UFO Has Landed, 5 out of 5
God bless the archivist assigned to pin down the eclectic contributions of Ry Cooder.
After all, Cooder's four-decade career spans early blues and roots music to film soundtracks to Buena Vista Social Club to recent genre-benders such as My Name is Buddy (2007) and the new I, Flathead. It's a lot of ground to cover.
Produced by Cooder's son and collaborator, Joachim, The UFO Has Landed admirably blends old and new in a two-disc, 34-song collection. There's only one unreleased track, a version of "Let's Work Together" with Buckwheat Zydeco, but the collective effect is still stunning and enlightening.
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