Number of Tracks: 14
Rating: 9 out of 10
By: Quinton Link
John Legend had already established a major buzz within the music industry due to his session work on prominent tracks released by various top artists of R&B and Hip-Hop. So when it came time for John Legend to release his first studio album, a natural buzz of anticipation was immediately created. Executively produced by Kanye West, Get Lifted not only lives up to the buzz-worthy hype it was predeterminedally stamped with, but also exceeds it in becoming one of the finest R&B/Soul albums in recent memory.
Get Lifted sets an impressive tone out of the gate with the prelude, which gives listeners the first sample of Legend’s mesmerizing soulful vocals, along with his first-rate piano skills. Then the album flows seamlessly into two of the album’s several highlights: the ultra-melodic, “Let’s Get Lifted,” and the stunning “Used to Love U.” Produced and co-written by West, “Used to Love U” is a joyful mix of R&B, Soul, and Gospel that takes the aforementioned genres to electrifying new heights. The vibe of the subsequent track, “Alright,” takes an approach surprisingly more skewed towards Hip- Hop, but Legend pulls off the song cunningly and effortlessly. Two other songs that showcase Legend’s versatile Hip- Hop appeal are the cheerful “Number One” (featuring Kanye West) and the exceptional “I Can Change.” (featuring Snoop Dogg) “I Can Change” emerges as another album highlight with Legend sounding superbly soulful, (with just a hint of stylish grittiness) and features stirring lyrics. Snoop Dogg makes a concise but admirable rap, while a full gospel choir backs the track.
Get Lifted reaches its pinnacle with two awe-inspiring ballads showcasing all of Legend’s talents (vocals, piano, and songwriting) to astonishing levels. “Ordinary People” is simply breathtaking, and will be among the small selection of current day songs to withstand the tests of time. Possibly the quintessential answer to “Ordinary People,” “So High” is another soaring ballad that pushes Get Lifted into an untouchable universe. Nearly as impressive as “Ordinary People,” “So High” sets the stage as Legend delivers his most climatic, and riveting performance on the album. Other notable tracks on Get Lifted include the neo-soul gem “Stay With You,” and the gospel-festive “It Don’t Have to Change.” (featuring the Stephens Family)
Get Lifted is void of any tremendously weak moments, but there are few tracks that don’t live up to the elevated standard set by its contemporaries. “She Don’t Have to Know” ends up being somewhat lethargic, while the songs “Refuge,” (When It’s Cold Outside) and the album closer, “Live It Up” (featuring violinist/producer extraordinaire Miri Ben Ari) deliver great messages, both eventually fall short overall.
From beginning to end, music fans will be hard pressed to skip over any of the 14 songs on Get Lifted. Even the two minute plus “Let’s Get Lifted Again” (which could be seriously considered as an interlude) is oddly an enjoyable listen. John Stephens adopted the last name, ‘Legend’ as his stage name; given to him by a friend in Chicago who stated that John sounded like one of those ‘old school’ singers. With Get Lifted, John Legend is certainly on his way to living up to that moniker. Not only is Get Lifted an absolute crowning achievement in R&B/Soul, but a crowning achievement for music in general.
Who is Quinton Link?
Hey! I'm 21 years old, 6'0, weigh 165, brown hair, brown eyes... ehh... wrong site! (haha)
I'm just your typical 'average Joe' from the lovely state of North Carolina. I have a huge passion for music. I love listening to music of all kinds (favorites are R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, and Rock/Alternative) and not scared to sing out tunes anywhere. (Mostly when I'm home alone though!)
Along with being a music fanatic, I'm also a huge sports fan. I like to watch and play: Basketball, Tennis, and Football. When I'm not on the job, (Dry Cleaners) l love to: write, read, play the occassional video game, and being around the people I care about. (Family, and friends)
Even though it usually doesn't show through my writing; (unless I'm doing an opinion column or something along those lines) I have a very sarcastic sense of humor, and love cracking jokes regularly.
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