Books and Music pt I
A while ago I wanted to write about all the fun books and new music I'd been enjoying. Six months later here I am telling all about it and it's like... brand new news! Books and music that came out 3 years (or more) ago! It might sound pathetic, but to me this is a lot of media, all accomplished while living with a toddler and gestating/nursing an infant. It's a small victory for me. It means my brain is not totally dead yet. Working at the library is a big incentive. It's like working at the ice cream parlor I would imagine. You just can't go home without at least a little bit of ice cream. I just can't go home without a book here and there. Ah, the library. You give me books and a paycheck! I love you, library.
The CDs are usually all gifts. I don't think I've bought a single CD in the last 3 years. I love you, amazon wishlist.
I know this album was very popular and all over the video channels etc, but at least it was deserved this time. I am not judgemental in this area, I will listen to popular stuff if I like it. If this means I am forever uncool, so BE IT, I was never cool, I built my life on UNCOOL, so take that all of you... who don't really care one way or the other... yeah, ok.
Why I liked it: His voice really got under my skin although at first I didn't really see what all the fuss was about. I remember Lauren Hill once talking about how she liked Mary J. Blige, because her voice was not perfect. She also mentioned Ray Charles in that context, which helped me understand what she meant. The cracks in the voice now and then, the messiness... My adoration of Lauren Hill aside, I think she was right. It gives the performance texture and shows a very personal side. John Legend has that. It pulls you in. The album needs several runthroughs though until you really get into it. Not all songs are equally strong, but the vocals always are and for a while I really couldn't get enough. I listened to it in the car every time Veronika let me. Until the other day while listening to her perennial favorites she said: "I want mama's music. The brown one!" I'm telling you, you just gotta listen to it a few times and you'll get hooked, even if you're 3.
Why you should get it: If you like R&B, you'll like this album for sure. Good melodies, arrangements and most of the time, beats. It's sweet and emotional...
Why you should not get it: ... but it's also quite immature. If you absolutely cannot listen to a song that starts with "You can't say I don't love you just because I cheat on you" (Yes, you read that right.), you should pass. There are several songs on cheating - the album is sort of a progression from infatuation, betrayal, girlfriend finding out, making up etc. - and while I can ignore that for the sake of the catchy rhythm, the old married woman in me can't help shaking her head in disgust every time: "How dare you, John Legend! She should totally dump your ass."
I know this album was very popular and all over the video channels etc, but at least it was deserved this time. I am not judgemental in this area, I will listen to popular stuff if I like it. If this means I am forever uncool, so BE IT,
I don't believe that rule. I always think you should like what you like, and only liking things because of some weird rule is an affectation. So there!:P
Anyway, I considered buying this CD because of your recommendation...
I'm afraid I fall under the category of people who can't listen to a song if the lyrics are really questionable. :)
I can overlook some things, but that one would be a little hard...