John Legend uplifts on his powerful new single, “Preach,” encouraging ‘taking action’ as opposed to sitting, praying, and of course, preaching.

“Every day I wake and everything is broken / Turnin’ off my phone just to get out of bed.” Hmm, that’s troubling.  There’s also “All I hear is voices, everybody’s talkin’ / Nothin’ real is happenin’ ‘cause nothing is new.”  John Legend delivers ample pessimism on his powerful new single, “Preach.” But, as Legend mentions the struggles of the world, he also makes it clear he has to take action – “I just can’t preach, baby, preach.”

There’s plenty to love about “Preach.” The listener is treated to moody production from the onset, which sets the tone.  This is a record that is chocked-full of soulfulness, yet also feels and sounds relevant in 2019. As great as the mood, sound, and vibe are, it’s the signature soulful, nuanced vocals from John Legend that make this an elite record.  Also, John gets some help with the addition of backing vocals, accentuating his commanding lead during the pre-chorus and chorus sections.  Speaking of the chorus, it’s totally ‘amped-up’ – robust and ear-catching.  Furthermore, the songwriting is on-point – memorable and thoughtfully-penned.

“I can’t sit and hope, I can’t just sit and pray that

I can find the love when all I see is pain

Fallin to my knees, and though I do believe

I can’t just preach, baby, preach.”

Also, worth noting about “Preach” is the bridge section (the pre-chorus once more), where the percussion drops out, and Legend brings down the intensity only to rebuild it once more.

Final Thoughts

Has John Legend ever made a bad song? Perhaps, but such ‘bad songs’ are few and far between.  “Preach” is another excellent addition to Legend’s totally stacked collection.  What makes it so awesome? Soulful production, soulful vocals, and great songwriting.  Checks off all boxes and exceeds expectations.

John Legend • Preach [Single] • Columbia • Release: 2.15.19

Photo Credit: Columbia