Amazon.co.uk Review
Like a fresh breeze in the sometimes-arid landscape that can be R n B, this album amply illustrates that John Legend is up to being mentioned in the same breath as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, by way of R. Kelly and Jay-Z. Direct comparisons are redundant however as
Get Lifted is a sparkling diamond of an original. Legend blends soul, R n B and hip-hop with a dash of Motown and gospel that will, as the title suggests, lift your spirits and revive your faith in beautifully crafted lyrics and talented musicianship. Legend's reputation precedes him, having worked with artists such as Alicia Keys and Kanye West, and he seizes this moment in the spotlight with both hands.
Get Lifted is a sort of relationship rite of passage. It encompasses the strutting, boastful unfaithfulness of a lad-about-town in "She Don't Have To Know" ("When I meet you/ Got my shades on to cover up my eyes/ Hoping that no-one sees me passing by") to a man who grows a conscience in "Number One" ("I've been playing around but now I'm coming home") and a repentant "I Can Change" ("I gave up all those girls I used to know
Take me to the river and baptise my soul."). On the way are such gems as "Ordinary People", a haunting piano ballad that soars with its heartfelt melody, and "Stay With You"--a perfect showcase for Legend's vocal versatility.
Get Lifted pulls off that rare feat of being both upbeat and thoughtful and Legend's audience will no doubt echo the sentiment in the last track "We're flying high/Don't want to come down" after hearing this sublime debut. --Amy Anderson
From the Label
You know more about John legend than you think. His music and talent are known and respected worldwide. A musical protégé from an early age, 23 year old Legend has worked with some of the biggest names in music, and now he is to release his debut album, Get Lifted. Legend's talents made him BMI's sole choice to receive one of the five 2002 Songwriter's Hall of Fame Scholarships, just check out these accolades: Featured as a vocalist, pianist and co-writer on several tracks from Kanye West's debut album, The College Dropout; Vocalist and pianist on tracks from Jay-Z's The Black Album; Vocalist and co-writer on "You Don't Know My Name" and other tracks, from The Diary of Alicia Keys; Co-writer & pianist on Janet Jackson's single "I Want You"; Lead vocalist and co-writer on the Black Eyed Peas song "The Boogie That B" from Elephunk; Pianist and video appearance on "Slow Jamz" by Twista & Kanye West and Jamie Foxx plus many, many more.
Watch out for John legend. He is set to be one of the hottest new acts of 2004.
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