CD REVIEW

Last seen starring in Will.i.am’s “Yes We Can” viral music video, John Legend’s back with a brand new record to ring in a new era. And it’s a full-on party, with some of his best buddies jumping in (Kanye West, Brandy, Estelle, Andre 3000). Evolver is slicker than his last record, the ’70s throwback Once Again, and not quite as good, but there’s plenty to love about it.

First, a word about the voice: John Legend has some of smoothest pipes since Marvin Gaye. Yeah, that’s saying a lot, but check it out. Oddly enough, the guest tracks are among the weakest, excepting the highly addictive “It’s Over” with Kanye West. But John’s having fun, with girl-crazy cuts like “Green Light” and “Quickly.” And he’s got the soaring ballad covered, too, with “This Time” and “If You’re Out There,” the song he performed at the Democratic National Convention. If you’re of a certain political persuasion, this song will give you goosebumps. John Legend has put out the perfect record for the post-election moment.

Download: "If You're Out There"