John Legend - Once Again

[nc0ffey]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

I got it today...love it. Not as much as get lifted, but its still early, and I dont see it leaving my CD player for a while.

[ehh]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

How is his first album?

Uhhhhhhh, probably the best R&B album since the '70's?

[Kruza]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

I have it. Once Again is a really good album. I wouldn't compare it to Get Lifted because they're so different. GL is more of a traditional R&B soul record while OA is more experimental and focuses on blending more variety of musical styles in along with the tried-and-true R&B elements. As for me, I would pretty much rate them equally. And for that reason I can see the first album being easier for people to get into than this latest one.

But with all that said, I have to say neither album from John Legend are as good as the ones from Van Hunt, who's just flat out ridiculous. Can't say anymore than that about him.

Kruza

[Brandwin]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

Another Again is probably my favorite track.

On the downloaded verson I had, Again and Another Again were titled wrong and in the wrong spot...caught me off guard on the retail verson.

[Flyboy]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

Uhhhhhhh, probably the best R&B album since the '70's?

Okay, that was a hyperbole.

[Mr. JimmyFly]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

I read a review of this album yesterday and I was floored at how much this guy takes the old school approach to soul/RnB. I'm also VERY interested in hearing "Coming Home" as the reviewer said it's very reminiscent of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On".

The first single "Save Room" was described as something that Nat King Cole would do. So needless to say i'll be buying this album. I'll be buying it on tuesday. You'll get my opinion sometime next week.

The first time I heard 'Save Room' on the local R+B station I immediately reccognised the melody in the verse as 'Stormy', which was written and recorded by Dennis Yost and The Classics IV (sp?) in the late 1960's...

I don't mind 'influence' but this is quite blatant...

If you can sue George Harrison b/c 'My Sweet Lord' references 'He's So fine' by The Shirelles, well...

Sounds like Mr. Legend owes somebody some publishing $$$ to me...

[HMcCoy]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

The first time I heard 'Save Room' on the local R+B station I immediately reccognised the melody in the verse as 'Stormy', which was written and recorded by Dennis Yost and The Classics IV (sp?) in the late 1960's...

I don't mind 'influence' but this is quite blatant...

If you can sue George Harrison b/c 'My Sweet Lord' references 'He's So fine' by The Shirelles, well...

Sounds like Mr. Legend owes somebody some publishing $$$ to me...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who caught that. I love the album, but there are some blatant style rip-offs on this one. "Where Did My Baby Go" is a Sam Cooke ripoff, and Maxine is straight-up "The Girl from Ipanema".

Still love this joint though, especially the vocals on "Again". Right now I feel it a little more than GL.

[Kruza]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

"Again" is also my favorite track from OA. Reminds me a lot of the standout "Ordinary People" track from GL that mostly showcases his vocals and piano skills on the song. I also like "Another Again," "Maxine Interlude" and "Each Day Gets Better" a lot. It's a very good album overall that growing even more on me with each listen.

And to me, JL seems to be more mature lyrically on this album than he was on GL. On the first half of songs from that album he was being more of a playboy/clubber, whereas in OA he's on the relationship/love vibe throughout the entire album except for the obvious last song.

I read a review of this album yesterday and I was floored at how much this guy takes the old school approach to soul/RnB. I'm also VERY interested in hearing "Coming Home" as the reviewer said it's very reminiscent of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On".

The first single "Save Room" was described as something that Nat King Cole would do. So needless to say i'll be buying this album. I'll be buying it on tuesday. You'll get my opinion sometime next week.

If you're into old school R&B, then you absolutely must check for Anthony Hamilton and all of his albums (Ain't Nobody Worryin', Soulife and Comin' From Where I'm From). Even though he's a younger guy, his voice screams nothing but old soul. Fantastic singer.

Kruza

[Flyboy]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

If you're into old school R&B, then you absolute must check for Anthony Hamilton and all of his albums (Ain't Nobody Worryin', Soulife and Comin' From Where I'm From). Even though he's a younger guy, his voice screams nothing but old soul. Fantastic singer.

Don't even get me STARTED on Anthony Hamilton. *shudders*

[nc0ffey]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

The first time I heard 'Save Room' on the local R+B station I immediately reccognised the melody in the verse as 'Stormy', which was written and recorded by Dennis Yost and The Classics IV (sp?) in the late 1960's...

I don't mind 'influence' but this is quite blatant...

If you can sue George Harrison b/c 'My Sweet Lord' references 'He's So fine' by The Shirelles, well...

Sounds like Mr. Legend owes somebody some publishing $$$ to me...

He acknowledged that its a sample from Stormy, its no secret. Its also in the book with the CD.

[pistonpete]

Re: John Legend - Once Again

i'll have to pick this up this week. get lifted was a sleeper upon its release, because nobody expected john legend to be as good as he is... the boy can sing (coming to america reference) and he can play keys too. saw him in concert here in stl about 2 years ago with alicia keys at the fox theater and he tore it up... in fact he stole the show from alicia keys, had the whole audience (especially the ladies), in the palm of his hand. doesn't surprise me though that his 2nd release is good, he's a talented guy. doesn't hurt that he's got snoop dogg as an uncle, helping him launch his career in its infancy.