John Legend Get Lifted
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Introduction
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I was introduced to John Legend by listening to a Talib Kweli song Around My Way. When I heard that particular song for the first time I just had to check out the singer featured on it - the ... Read review
Get Lifted - John Legend
Like a fresh breeze in the sometimes-arid landscape that can be R n B, this album amply ... more
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 redu...
Get Lifted - John Legend
Like a fresh breeze in the sometimes-arid landscape that can be R n B, this album amply ... more
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 redu...
A review by oi_nutter2000 on Get Lifted - John Legend (1) April 17th, 2005
Author's product rating:
Originality
Groundbreaking
Lyrics
Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Brilliant, fresh fusion of Soul and Hip - Hop . Amazing talent .
Disadvantages:
erm . . . . . . .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
John Legend Get Lifted -----------------------------------
Introduction ----------------------
I was introduced to John Legend by listening to a Talib Kweli song Around My Way. When I heard that particular song for the first time I just had to check out the singer featured on it - the vocals are that good. Having since bought John Legends Album, Get Lifted, I have also done a bit of research to find out where he came from. I found that Kanye West, who happens to be one of the most influential rapper/producers of recent years, discovered him.
It happens that John met Kanye after Kanye had watched one of his shows. Kanye asked John to record a few samples for some songs that he was so impressed with, they ended up being used on Kanye West's hit album College Dropout. Following this success Kanye decided to sign John Legend to make his own album.
Get Lifted - My first impressions ---------------------------------------------
Having pressed the play button I was immediately immersed by John Legends own breed of Soul/ R&B. It's the kind of album that you can almost drift away to. Legends' voice, in my humble opinion, shares the same level of quality as the likes of D'Angelo, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. This enables his music to touch you in a way that many couldn't. His music successfully remains true to the roots of soul whilst still managing to sound fresh, sharp and modern. When I first heard the song "So High" I was so taken that I found myself listening to it again and again. This is very peculiar behaviour for someone like me, I don't usually get affected by things like that. Anyway, this is enough of a first impression, lets get onto the breakdown of the album.
Tracklist ----------------
1 Prelude 2 Let's Get Lifted 3 Used To Love U 4 Alright 5 She Don't Have To Know 6 Number One 7 I Can Change 8 Ordinary People 9 Stay With You 10 Let's Get Lifted Again 11 So High 12 Refuge (When it's Cold Outside) 13 It Don't Have To Change 14 Live It Up
Running time 52.4 mins
My Favourite Songs -----------------------------
Ok, now just to talk through some of my favourite tracks. In no particular order:
---- 8 Ordinary People ----
Ordinary People is a sweeping soul ballad, somewhat reminiscent of work by Alicia Keys I suppose. The song features John playing the piano and singing about real relationships, not the fairytale ones, the ones we all go through in real life. Aside from the extraordinary vocals, particularly in the chorus, it's the lyrics that reach me on this one.
What I like about this song:
I like the lyrics:
"This ain't a movie naw, no fairytale conclusion y'all. Gets more confusing every day Sometimes it's heaven sent, then we, head back to hell again We kissed and we make up on the way"
---- 7 I Can Change ----
This song is great because it brings some real edge and variety to the album. Featuring, the legendary in his own right, Snoop Dogg, this song merges soulful vocals from Legend with hip-hop. All of this over a razor sharp production by Kanye West. The song is about John making a change of lifestyle for a woman. Kind of a "stop messing about" thing. This song provides a pivotal point in the album - I'll explain why later.
What I like about this song:
Songs like this are excellent because I would find it very difficult to listen to a whole album of ballads. The quality of this track is fantastic too, in terms of the lyrics, production, and vocals.---- 10 Let's Get Lifted Again ----
For anyone who owns the album already this might appear to be a strange choice. This song is very different to anything else on the album and is quite difficult to categorise. My closest comparison would be that I think that this is what Andre 3000 was trying to do with his Outkast Album The Love Below. It sounds like a totally high and warped out hip hop track. The lyrics are pretty scant but the vocals sound just incredible. Legend demonstrates his range beautifully and is probably just letting people know what he can do - or even what he can do but no one else can. It's worth a listen just as a showcase.
What I like about this song:
The vocals are incredible - I've never heard anything like this before.
---- 4 Alright ----
This is probably the darkest song on the album. Once again this track comes across as modern fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop. Legend shows aggression through the vocals of this song that doesn't appear on any other song on the album. The beats and bass on this song sound great. This is almost the kind of track that could be played in a club. The lyrics are egotistical and confrontational which adds to the mood of the song.
What I like about this song:
I like the mood, and the quality of the production. ---- 13 It Don't Have To Change ----
It Don't Have To Change is a real feel good song about reminiscing. Mainly about when times were hard but the love doesn't have to change. It essentially is a soul ballad, with the added element of some light gospel backing. This all amounts to a cheery uplifting song. The vocals aren't as spectacular as on some of the other tracks but as a whole this song gets so much right that it just works.
What I like about this song:
I like the way it is so uplifting. The notion that love doesn't have to change over the years appeals to me.
---- 11 So High ----
In my opinion this is the best song on the album. It just stands out as a perfectly written love song. As I said earlier in this review I found it very difficult to tear my ears away from it. You know how some songs just get you? This is one of them. It's similar in style to Track 8 Ordinary People. The lyrics are excellent and sincere and the vocals are excellent. The pace of the song is perfectly pitched for its purpose. I just can't fault it - not only that, I wouldn't want to fault it. It's just one of those songs that I find captivating.
What I like about this song:
I could make a list - but I will suggest that you download it or something, it's just so worth a listen. Continuity of the album -------------------------------------
The continuity and flow of this album is worth a mention here. The album almost feels like two albums based around a pivotal point at track seven. The tone of the album changes considerably. The first half of the album is about fun, with more heavily produced tracks and faster vocals. Appearances from Kanye West and Snoop Dogg contribute to this. During and after the song I Can Change the tone settles down a little and the album takes a different direction. The second half of the album focuses on the soulful facet to John Legends voice. I welcome this because I feel that it is what he is best at.
My Verdict/ Closing Note -------------------------------------------
It's funny how I only review music that I really like. Music is a great hobby of mine and to find an artist as talented as John Legend doesn't happen often. This album offers bags of variety, mainly based in the realms of Soul and Hip-Hop, and with some real classic songs that I think that everyone should become familiar with. Just so that you know, I bought my copy of the CD from HMV for £10.99 though I suspect that it would be cheaper on the internet (Cdwow have it for £8.75).
I suggest that if you are into Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop etc, this CD is an essential purchase
Advantages: Some big tunes Disadvantages: A few weaker tracks
...signee, he was able to get the then-up-and-coming star Kanye West to work on much of it to help produce a highly successful first release; which it was. 1. "Prelude" (Intro) 2. "Let's Get Lifted" Getting things going; you get a tune which has obvious got Kanye's production added to t, however apart from the great composition, it is a pretty weak one and doesn't have much going for it as Legend sings in a nice way, but doens't do what he aims to with ... ...a relationship. You just can't get any better than this. The mix of Hip Hop, Gospel and R&B is what makes it so good, and well-executed. **Five Stars** 4. "Alright" You have some funky productiuon in this one, and it changes everything up as you feel a strong contrast from pretty much the whole album in this one. On this one he seems like he is in tune with the traits of the modern R&B scene (which 0ften isn't whilst doing the more traditional Soul). ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
Value for Money
very helpful
09.03.2009
(22.12.2008)
Legendary Album Review ofGet Lifted - John Legend (1)by
temisana
Advantages: ONE GOOD TRACK AFTER ANOTHER Disadvantages: N/A
...well as the Album, ' Get Lifted', John Legend is five star, from his voice to the lyrics. I AM ADDICTED TO THIS ALBUM!
This album is outstanding and one of my personal favourites, as soon as I heard it I fell in love with it. I never had to skip a track, each song was good and it was as if there was a story he was telling from one track to the other.
John Legend's music is a mixture of Jazz, Soul and R n' B, I think he is exceptionally talented ... ...to his piano.
2. Get Lifted - The drums and the piano here are exceptional. It is between fast and slow. I wished this one had come out as a single because the instrumentals are brilliant.
3. Used to Love you - The first single released in the UK, this was a definite hit and very good. About material things that people seek for in a relationship. Thought provoking.
4. Alright - This is the beginning of a story as you would find out, Tracks 4 - ...
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Quality and consistency...
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very helpful
21.03.2006
(22.03.2006)
John LEGENDARY Review ofGet Lifted - John Legend (1)by
jimmydel
Advantages: Melodic, cool, soulful and deep Disadvantages: Absolutely none
Where do you start reviewing the single most refreshing album of the year? The former gospel singer has produced one of the finest examples of a debut major label album this millenium, and before!
Used to Love U is a fantastically uplifting track which sets the tone for the remainder of the album. Ordinary people is a mellow, yet outstandingly truthful track, revealing his approach to love, establishing a moral code for us all.
Even if some tracks ... ...Kanye West, which glorifies his player lifestyle, they work because of the frankness and honesty behind them, tracks which provide a discourse marker for the dialogue of the album.
Personal favourites are It don't have to change, a song about perennial family values, and the outstanding Stay with You, the epitome of a chillout track which combines his perpetual love with a mellow beat and smooth undertones. All in all a fantastic album which belies ...
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25.06.2005
Get Lifted Review ofGet Lifted - John Legend (1)by
omaame
Advantages: cant be compared to anything else Disadvantages: a few songs that shouldnt be on the album
This is John Legends debut album. yet it his not his first installment into the industry, as he has featured and done the bv's on many tracks including Alicia Keys 'You don't know my name', jay Z's 'Encore' and Slum village 'Selfish' to name a few. On this album john collaborates with urban allstars like 'Snoop' and 'Kanye'. This album is a good mellow album, but it also has a lot of songs that make you think, like 'Ordinary people'. John legends ... ...also a few about life in general. The lyrics are very strong and well thought about and even on paper the lyrical content is fantastic. if that wasn't enough he then delivers this great words with a strong very trained soulful voice, his gospel roots are truly reflected throughout this whole album. Including songs like 'Used to Love you' which was his first single to be released from the album. This song is a great unexpected mid tempo track; the ...
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30.12.2005
Lift me up Review ofGet Lifted - John Legend (1)by
killiefan
Advantages: Uplifting album, brilliant voice and music Disadvantages: None
I bought this album last week without knowing much about John Legend. I had only really heard the superb 'Ordinary People' but that was enough to make me decide on my purchase.
It's fair to say that the album has not had a rest since as this soulfull collection is totally uplifting and a joy to listen to. I have played it non stop both at home and in the car. As well as a short prelude there are another thirteen tracks which follow and are all of ... ...song's there are a couple in the middle which are slower including the excellent ' Stay with you'.
Legend's voice is brilliant and his music on the piano excellent. John Legend has written all the track's to a very high standard and the album features guest appearances from Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Miri Ben-Ari.
The album is on the Kanye West label and Kanye also produces all the tracks. John Legend co-produces.
Usually on any album i end up ...
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Label / Distributor: Columbia / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Engineer: Anthony Kilhoffer; Andy Manganello;
Producer: Kanye West; John Legend
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Stereo
Format: Performer
EAN: 5099751857723
Catalogue Number: 5185772
Additional notes
Album Notes: Personnel include: John Legend (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ, keyboards); Kanye West (rap vocals, programming); Snoop Dogg (rap vocals); Dave Tozer (guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, programming); Miri Ben-Ari (strings); Tim Izo (flute, saxophone); Printz Board (trumpet); Will.i.am (Moog synthesizer, programming). Producers: John Legend; Kanye West; Will.i.am; Dave Tozer. Recording information: The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, California. Six years after cutting his musical teeth as a teen, tickling the ivories on the classic Lauryn Hill single "Everything Is Everything," John Stephens popped up everywhere in 2004, going by the bold name of John Legend. His ubiquity was unsurprising, since he was taken under the wing of Kanye West, the year's breakout success, who tabbed Legend "the future of hip-hop." It's an interesting label for a man whose elegant voice and schooled songwriting conjures up Bill Withers and Al Green, but sometimes the future intersects with the past in a manner transcending revival. Legend drops his debut, GET LIFTED, into the center of the neo-soul universe, and it's a charming, earnest record. Sometimes he dives into a contemporary slow jam, as on "Let's Get Lifted;" other times he finds a groove the Delfonics would be proud of, as on the West-driven "Number One." On the gently gorgeous "Ordinary People, " however, it's just the man and his piano. Whether he's truly the future direction of any genre or not, Legend is an artist to watch, and GET LIFTED offers the first major taste of his talent.
Album Reviews: Blues & Soul - "The discovery of the millennium."iDJ - "One of the best voices I've ever heard."New Nation - "Musical magic and sparkling stage presence."Daily Star - "Splendid"
Titles on disc 1
1.: Prelude
2.: Let's Get Lifted
3.: Used To Love U
4.: Alright
5.: She Don't Have To Know
6.: Number One - John Legend & Kanye West
7.: I Can Change - John Legend & Snoop Dogg
8.: Ordinary People
9.: Stay With You
10.: Let's Get Lifted Again
11.: So High
12.: Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)
13.: It Don't Have To Change - John Legend & The Stephens Family
14.: Live It Up - John Legend & Miri Ben-Ari
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