Just under two years ago, John Legend’s debut album, Get Lifted, introduced the world to a sound that has earned him multi-platinum record sales, Top Five of the Billboard 200 and three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best Male Vocal Performance, and the acclaimed Best New Artist Award; not to mention the hit single, “Ordinary People,” that is destined to be heard everywhere for generations to come. With this in hand, Legend’s sophomore album, Once Again, almost completely abandons said applauded sound for an unique adaptation that can only be described as modern-vintage Contemporary R&B. Yes, Legend’s Again impressively pulls off a new sound that is a throwback to times passed, current with today’s charts yet simultaneously differentiated from it all. A very bold step, turning your back on an immensely successful blueprint for virtually uncharted territory, but should we expect anything less from someone who dropped their given name (Stephens) for the vainglorious title of Legend.

On Once Again, Legend returns with slew of talented producers including, of course, Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, will.i.am, and Plant Life’s Jack Splash but unlike Get Lifted, Legend doesn’t allow the producers and their samples to carry him. Instead he complements this amazing display of impressive musicality with smooth crooning and well-developed lyrics that are just as impressive. On “Show Me” Legend melodically takes you on a breezy ride through his rocky relationship over a classic Jimi Hendrix guitar riff sampled from an early ‘60’s session with Lonnie Youngblood. Legend’s seamless vocals and instrumental voice conjures up thoughts of legendary crooners the likes of Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, and Elton John; accompanied by lyrics of informal familiarity approached with the cool genuine bravado of a Cody Chestnutt, Rahsaan Paterson or D’Angelo. Once Again is John Legend’s ode to the classic crooned ballad, tracks like “Maxine” and “Another Again” let you sit back relax, reflect and reminisce, while nodding your head, snapping your fingers and tapping your feet in rhythm. And the Temptation-esque “Slow Dance” makes you want to do just that. Ultimately Once Again brings back the classic love ballad, flips it, bounces it, and makes it palatable for today's audience.