John Legend, Bigger Love | Track Review 🎵

On “Bigger Love,” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter flirts with a more modern pop sound with moderately successful results. 

John Legend has maintained high visibility throughout 2020.  A turbulent year where the coronavirus pandemic has stifled many musical aspirations, Legend has managed to issue multiple worthwhile singles.  “Conversations in the Dark” and “Actions” – both incredible songs – appeal to the grown folks R&B demographic, as well as old souls.  “Last Time I Say Sorry” paired him with country standout Kane Brown for a respectable duet if uncharacteristic. All in all, the results have been good for John. On his third single as a lead artist, “Bigger Love,” the soulful musician has more pop ambitions.  Does it work?

It should go without saying that John Legend can sing just about anything.  On “Bigger Love,” he remains a potent vocal force.  His lower register is rich and robust, while his upper register and falsetto are both surprising yet incredibly effective.  What I’m saying is, vocally, he remains on-point – his execution is terrific.  As far as the theme, love is a topic that John has excelled at since back in his Get Lifted days.  Singing about a dedicated, “bigger love” is definitely in his wheelhouse lyrically and thematically. So, just to recap, the vocals are fire, and the lyrics and theme suit the artist.

The only question mark regarding “Bigger Love, then, is the production and sound.  John Legend assembles a production team consisting of Ryan Tedder (one of the best in my opinion), Di Genius, Cautious Clay, and Zach Skelton.  The backdrop is sleek – quite modern and representative of the pop sound of 2020.  That said, compare this backdrop to the more ‘classic’ sounds of “Conversations in the Dark” or “Actions,” and it’s a bit of a departure for Legend.  It’s successful or at least moderately successful, but when I think John Legend, I just don’t envision or hear a pop record with this sound.  He’s experimented over the years, but when it all comes down to it, we all know that Legend is best suited for old-school, gospel-infused R&B.

Final Thoughts

I asked the question earlier if “Bigger Love” works for John Legend? I would say yes, but I prefer more retro, soulful stylings for the Grammy winner as opposed to this sound.  Maybe he brings in a new group of fans with this tweaked sound, but I don’t love it nearly as much as “Conversations in the Dark” or “Actions.”

John Legend • “Bigger Love” • Columbia • Release: 4.17.20

Photo Credit: Columbia