"Darkness and Light"
John Legend
Columbia (ASTERISK)(ASTERISK)(ASTERISK)
John Legend's fifth studio album opens with a startling admission. "They say sing what you know, but I've sung what they want," the University of Pennsylvania grad born John Stephens announces on "I Know Better," copping to allowing the marketplace to shape his art in a way that nearly everyone does but few would admit. Those days are over, he proclaims: "Some folks do what they're told, but, baby, this time I won't."
Legend, of course, has had enormous success singing wedding-dance-worthy ballads, going back to "Ordinary People," from 2004's "Get Lifted" on through his 2013 monster hit "All of Me," which he seems to feel (needlessly) guilty about.
"Darkness and Light" means to situate his richly resonant voice in a more musically adventurous setting, with a socially conscious focus in line with "Wake Up!," his 2010 collab with the Roots, and the work he did on the "12 Years a Slave" soundtrack in 2013.
"Darkness" shifts focus with the aid of Alabama Shakes producer Blake Mills, who pushes Legend ever so slightly out of his comfort zone. The strategy reaps rewards with the title cut, a stunner of a duet with Brittany Howard, and "Penthouse Floor," with Chance the Rapper as a guest. Legend sounds energized and engaged throughout, but fans shouldn't worry: This is hardly a radical makeover, and "Darkness and Light" still makes plenty of room for romance.
_Dan DeLuca
