John Legend's New Album 'Bigger Love' Is What the World Needs Right Now

John Legend releases Bigger Love, his seventh studio album at the height of unrest in the nation.

Legend, who has consistently been a vocal advocate for marginalized communities in the United States is well aware of the painful state many are coping with right now. His honest understanding of this as a Black man is why Bigger Love is somewhat of a balm for the times. “During these painful times, some of us may wonder if it’s ok to laugh or dance or to be romantic,” Legend shared via email.

The Grammy-winning musician also shared:

“You never know what you’re going to release an album to. This time, it’s a pandemic. I know music is only a small part of people’s lives -- it’s not everything in their lives, like it is for mine -- but I think it can help people’s mood, help people feel better, feel inspired and think about their relationships and their loved ones in a different way.”  

The expansive album features 16 tracks that are a picturesque celebration of love, joy and also resilience. Artists on the release include Jhené Aiko, Gary Clark Jr., Rapsody, Camper and Koffee.

If you’ve been riding with the singer-songwriter since he dropped Get Lifted the love-centric follow-ups Once Again, Evolver, Love In The Future and Darkness And Light are also must-listens in his catalogue. On Bigger Love, Legend makes it clear he hasn’t lost his luster as the years have gone by swiftly. His ability to portray every nook and cranny of love is why he’s reigned supreme within the neo-soul genre.

The deep cuts on the album that we were privy to ahead of the release were “Ooh Laa”, “U Move, I Move,” and “I’m Ready.” “Ooh Laa” is a thorough introduction track, it’s a refreshing start for the album. 

“U Move, I Move” featuring Jhene Aiko is a supreme pairing of these two singers who are stylistically so different. What makes the song work is how their voices seem to blend well alongside each other. “I’m Ready” with Camper, a musician who’s worked with the likes of Brandy, Teyana Taylor and more is a dreamy song. This is a favorite due to John’s vocal range he displays on it.

In total, the album presents John’s state of mind over the course of the past 18 months (the length it took him to record and get Bigger Love ready).To be clear, he succeeded in providing a counteractive project that takes our thoughts off of the grief and darkness that exists in our spirits currently. Legend also expressed these intimate thoughts on Bigger Love, “If I could have made any album that would come out during this time, this would have been it.”

Stream Bigger Love below.