Darkness and Light

Sing what you know or sing what they want? <i>Darkness and Light</i> shows that John Legend knows the answer to that tricky question. The R&B singer wraps his magnificent voice around issues of the day, hearkening back to Curtis, Stevie and Marvin. “I Know Better” speaks to that time, promising to use his voice for good. This mindset applies to slow jams—“Love Me Now”, “Overload” and “What You Do To Me”—ringed with shades of pain. Producer Blake Mills (responsible for Alabama Shakes’ <i>Sound and Color</i>) fills the album with incredible, pulsating touches.