Originality of 'Once Again' creates mixed emotions

By Erin Emerson

Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend entered the music world in a fashion worthy of his lofty name. Two years later, his sophomore album still manages to surprise fans.

Though "Once Again" fails to impress in quite the same way that his debut "Get Lifted" did, it does manage to accomplish what few secondary albums can: originality.

While "Get Lifted" was filled with catchy -- though slightly infuriating -- odes to infidelity, "Once Again" seems intent on imitating the kind of '70s music that soothes your soul.

This is good old-fashioned, make-out music.

From the very first track, "Save Room," a bubble-gum style love song, to the last, it is painfully obvious that this is no "Get Lifted" sequel.

Perhaps the presence of a gospel choir as backup in many songs is the best example of the softer side of this album.

But despite the overall calming tone of "Once Again," the strongest track on the record, by far, also happens to be the most upbeat.

"Stereo" is certainly playlist worthy with a strong rhythm behind Legend's smooth, seduce-the-airwaves voice. This sexy song would make anyone want to move.

"Show Me" contains a unique blend of the strong and the sensual, with Legend's silky voice and, surprisingly, rock-like chords.

Even stranger, this is a religious song in disguise filled with questions about God, life and death: "Life has to have a meaning/show me the light/show me the way."

For those enamored with Legend's hit song "Ordinary People" from his previous album, "Again" is a happy reminder of Legend's extraordinary piano playing.

This is another beautiful piece that is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever been in a dysfunctional relationship.

In an interview with MTV.com, Legend said it was actually his favorite song he has written to date, and it is easy to see why.

Here fans are reminded of why they fell in love with Legend's music in the first place: thoughtful lyrics, exquisite piano and a passionately comforting voice.

Unfortunately, the album takes an annoying turn from here. The subsequent songs sound more like they belong in the ballroom of a retirement home than in the sophomore album of the artist who won the Grammy's 2006 Best R&B Album.

By the end of "Once Again," beats become redundant almost to the point of monotony, giving the impression that perhaps it was rushed through.

Though "Once Again" ends on a strong note, with a powerful anti-war ballad, it is difficult for true John Legend fans not to be disappointed.

It is admirable to produce a second album which is entirely unique from the first, but it seems that in the process of doing so, Legend has moved away from his roots as the protégé of Kanye West and into a genre of music which, though beautiful, has not been popular in almost 50 years.

If we want to hear Marvin Gaye, we will buy Marvin Gaye. In the meantime, John Legend should have remained faithful to his legend.

Contact Erin Emerson at eemerson@scu.edu.