…..If you’re expecting a continuation of the messages in John’s 2013 CD, Love in the Future, it’s not going to happen. The lush and velvety love songs from Future have been recalibrated into an unvarnished, stream-of-consciousness type of set that explores the widening dimensions of his life as a man, a citizen, and artist. Sound & Color, a part of the Alabama Shakes collective, session guitarist Blake Mills, percussionist Chris “Daddy” Dave and musicians that embody more jazz and pop than conventional soul (Larry Golding, Will Oldham, John Ryan, etc.) are the ones in the booth with Legend this time around.

The results are his rawest vocals and most startling lyrical works up to date, beginning with the vulnerable, yet victorious self-inventory, “I Know Better”: “Legend is just a name, I know better than to be so proud/I won’t drink in all this fame, I take more love than I’m allowed.” Platitudes about life and the possibilities therein are no more. Instead, the father, husband and humanitarian is challenging mankind’s fading reliance on a higher power (the rollicking, gospel-esque “Marching Into the Dark”), crashing upper tiers of the elite (the urban-flavored “Penthouse Floor,” ft. Chance The Rapper) and becoming intoxicated with the trappings of fame (“Overload”). John Legend’s authenticity hasn’t changed, but the delivery methods to convey it have made Darkness a grittier and more uncomfortable ride.

The emotional roller-coaster of marriage and parenthood also seem to have an effect. “What You Do To Me” is…..(please click here for the full-length review at soultracks.com)