Urban World

John Legend and The Roots - Wake Up

John Legend and The Roots are no strangers in working together. They have produced classics in the past so there was no surprise for an album to display some of their best work to date. Wake Up just validated what true musicians they are.

‘Wake Up’ is a wonderful collection of covers mainly from 60s, 70s Soul from artist such as Donny Hathaway to Nina Simone.

The album’s vision was inspired by Obama’s fight for presidency and the struggle in Black America.

The album opens with ‘Hard Times’ featuring Black Thought (from The Roots) which is originally by Baby Huey and The Babysitters. The song has a message of life struggles and getting through it.

Their first single ‘Wake Up Everybody’ featuring Melanie Fiona and Common which was originally sung by Harold Melvin and The Bluestones is joyful feel good son about letting go of negativity and making a difference as well as having a good life.

Wake Up captures the raw passion and drive that once allowed music as a platform to voice opinions on social issues and make people feel good about themselves.

Legend’s rustic soul vocals warm you as you hear him sing a story and The Roots production is exquisite and almost similar to the original songs.

Despite it being a cover album both Legend and The Roots put their signatures on each song making it their own.

Prince Lincoln Thompson abd The Roya Rasses ‘Humanity (Love The Way It Shows)’ classic old skool reggae about living in peace and love.

The various genres covered in this album range from Blues, Jazz, Soul and Reggae. The album displays the talents and wonderful working relationship between the artists.

‘I Wish I Knew How It Would  Feel To Be Free’ Has that African American church sound with the Gospel choir and cheerful piano playing accompanied with hand clapping.

There are also features from other artist such as CL Smooth and Malik Yussef.

The album ends John Legends Shine a beautiful inspiring song about being the best you can be.

Overall this album is brilliantly produced and has a quality that is missing from majority of today’s music.

The use of real instruments and no auto tune makes this a rare album. It’s nostalgic and soulful sound reminds us what music was like before ‘bling and hoes’.