Evolver

iTunes Review

John Legend is blessed with a voice that transcends demographic barriers, which is precisely why his “If You’re Out There” was chosen to be the Obama campaign’s unofficial theme song. Like Obama, Legend has the ability to express compassion and conviction, but above all, his voice has an edgeless, comforting quality that endears him to listeners of all ages. While the sweeping sentiment of the Trevor Horn-produced “If You’re Out There” works well for campaign season, the rest of Evolver wisely adopts a brisk, modernized feel. “Green Light” and “It’s Over” are two slices of delightfully light electro, supported by two of contemporary music’s most forward thinking auteurs, André 3000 and Kanye West. Meanwhile, the adult pop of “Everybody Knows” and “Take Me Away” shows that Legend can appeal to fans of Seal as much as he can fans of Jay-Z. Regardless of his choice of material, Legend’s good taste puts him a cut above the competition. Evolver confirms his reputation as one of the few modern pop singers than doesn’t have to sacrifice musical maturity to gain mass popularity.