John Legend - Bigger Love

Bigger Love is hyperproduced, every second of it oozing with saturation. Piano, guitar, strings, drums, vocals, horns help exaggerate the dynamic range of Legend’s songs. Even on pulled-back songs such as “Slow Cooker,” the music is full, ready to burst at the seams.

Legend believes in the power of love the way some believe in Christmas spirit - as a transmissible, irresistible force that extinguishes all negativity. Fittingly, the album reunites him with producer Raphael Saadiq, who was behind his 2018 Christmas album. Legend is pegging his new album, which was recorded primarily in 2019, as a sort of balm for the times. “A lot was going on, but I still felt like people need some uplifting music,” he told Oprah Magazine. “Hopefully it can help them get through what’s been a tough spring, and hopefully this music will help them have a better summer.” Bigger Love sounds exactly like the spectacle Legend wants it to be.

Heavyweight double vinyl pressed by Columbia Records. Gatefold sleeve.