By Mandela Wells
Special to the chronicle
Since 2004, two-time Grammy award winning singer John legend has blessed us with his impeccable vocals and piano skills. He has given us hit songs like “I used to love you,” “ordinary people,” “save room,” ”Green Light” and “Heaven,” just to name a few. Now the 34-year-old John Legend drops his fifth album, “Love is the Future.” The soon-to-be-married R&B singer broadens his musical catalog as he switches things up from his last album—the consciousness-raising collaboration with The Roots, “Wake Up!”—to a more neo soul sound. The album contains production from an array of icons such as 88-Keys, executive producer and longtime friend Kanye West, Hit-Boy, and even Joe Jonas. Features include Rick Ross, Kimbra and a surprising collaboration with Seal. Each of the album’s songs are so sonically satisfying it reminds you exactly why he has won the Grammys that he has. The tone of the album is set in the song “The Beginning.” Legend beautifully mixes his vocals on emotional and slightly eerie standout songs, such as “Made to Love,” “You and I,” “Wanna Be Loved,” and the album’s single, “All of Me”. It’s pretty clear that Legend is looking to go to new places sonically and to reach a larger audience. This is arguably his best work to date. The album definitely gives you a deep cool vibe when hearing it. There also seems to be some personal thoughts in here too probably related to his engagement to his girlfriend Chrissy Teagan. I recommend this to anyone who is not only a fan of Legend but is also looking for a deep, soulful listening experience for the ears.