John Legend, Don’t Need to Sleep | Song Review

John Legend delivers a gorgeous, inspiring, and thoughtful ballad with “Don’t Need to Sleep,” which appears in the film, We Dare to Dream.

“I won’t let ‘em write my story / No, oh-oh-oh.” In other words, John Legend won’t let anyone put words in his mouth or prohibit him from speaking up for himself.  Word! Those powerful lyrics hail from “Don’t Need to Sleep”, a song that appears in the Angelina Jolie/Legend executive produced film, We Dare to Dream. Legend penned this thoughtful record alongside Justin Tranter and Warren “Oak” Felder.  Oak also produces, alongside Alex Niceforo and Keith Sorrells.  This soundtrack cut lands somewhere between pop adult contemporary pop and R&B. 

Initially, “Don’t Need to Sleep” is a bit mysterious – you’re not sure musically where the song is going to go.  The lyrics are rock solid from the jump, with John Legend testifying, “I’ve been lower than low down / Only way is up right now / I can see a new dawning.” Right on, right on.  Of course, it is in the second verse where he makes it clear he is writing his own stories, previously singing, “I won’t let ‘em feed me lines.” Of course, the biggest moment is the chorus, where Legend makes it clear, “I don’t need to sleep to dream.” That is a thought-provoking idea, something that makes you as a listener reflect.  As “Don’t Need to Sleep” progresses, it grows grander with Legend letting loose with those distinct, soulful pipes. Also, any questions sparked at the onset are answered by a beautiful, complete, well-rounded performance.  Perhaps “Don’t Need to Sleep” won’t change lives, or the current trajectory of Legend’s career, but it is respectable through and through.

John Legend • “Don’t Need To Sleep” • John Legend Music, Inc. / Republic / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 12.14.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; John Legend Music, Inc. / Republic / UMG Recordings, Inc.; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]