I have to say that each review that I've gotten one after the other have been nothing short of stellar. From Jazmine Sullivan to the Clan, I have had the privilege and honor review some great music. I mean seriously what's sicker than having a job that requires that you only listen to new music (dope music at that) and just write about it? It helps if you happen to be good at it too.

John Legend's 3rd Album "Evolver" truly lives up to it's namesake with different sounds, and a slew of dope artists ranging from Kanye West, to Estelle. Not to mention an appearance by the one and only Ms. Brandy Norwood. I've been anticipating this for a long time Once Again was killer but after the initial listening of this album I was pumped to review it. So I'ma make like Ray Lewis and tackle this album for ya'll.

The first track "Green Light" is truly upbeat the tempo is what truly caught my attention. Andre 3000 makes an appearance. On a track like this it's truly his forte. When I first put this track on, I started doing the Carton Banks dance. Go Figure. Trust that when you blast this track on your system, your Ipod or whatever, you'll share the same sentiment. This track Is the lead single for the album.

The album as it progresses doesn't lose pace especially with Legend's smooth vocals over "Everybody Knows", and then it melts like butter into pancakes right into the duet with Ms. Brandy on a track entitled "Quickly" on which he speaks to a subject he just met and wishes that she loves him like the end of time was around the corner. Brandy hasn't lost a step like some people that don't know what they're talking about would say. But then who's the music critic?

"Cross The Line" is a track that I feel that all of us can relate to. You have that one friend that you wish to take to that next level. I don't think I need to elaborate any further but you'd be surprised. "More Than Friends, let's cross the line" Get my drift? This is a pretty dope track one I would chill and listen to with my girl. If I had one. I'm too ugly for all of that. (I feel sorry for anyone who believed that) Then we slide right into "No Other Love" which features the most beautiful queen from the other side of the pond Estelle ("American Boy" which was dope in it's own right) and the added dancehall reggae vibe this track is truly one of those joints that you could jam to.

Piano infused ballads like "This Time", and driving soulful hip-hop inspired tracks like "Satisfaction" do the album some justice and are not to be looked at as tracks that you just skip over to get to the good singles. (People that do that should just cease to exist) from front to back this album is dope. Continuing on to smooth jazzy tracks like "Take Me Away" (Which I could see being performed live).

"Good Morning" is like a modern day slow jam something that you'd probably hear a radio DJ with a really, really, deep voice introducing on a late night program. I was so relaxed and the aesthetics of the track are what really got me. Like a shot of Brugal smooth.

"I Love You Love" and "If You're Out There" round off the album and end it well. "If You're Out There" truly shows Mr. Legend's piano prowess [makes me wish I could play the piano] and the lyrics especially the chorus is what got me. Can you imagine him singing this at the Super Bowl Halftime Show? Or at a near future Olympic Opening Ceremonies? I can. You probably can but all the major networks probably can't. They'd rather have Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band go through their "Anthology" If you wish to call it that.

I would tell you about the bonus tracks but you have to buy the album for that. What the hell do I look like? Well I will tell you this... Teddy Riley Produced one of the tracks that was on the album.

Certified Dope Album.

s3kshun8

SonicAmp Rating: 10/10