In the midst of a music career now in its 20th year, soon to be 40-year-old American R&B singer John Legend (born John Roger Stephens on December 28, 1978), with a succession of #1 chart topping gold and platinum selling albums to his credit, has long since solidified his standing as reigning royalty in the field of early 21st century popular music. A so-called EGOT winner, Legend is a recipient of all four major American entertainment awards. Part of an elite group of just 15 artists in 60 years of American entertainment history, Legend has won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards for his achievements in television, recording, film and theatre respectively. Now, with his sixth album in fourteen years, Legend averts his eyes from tinsel town to tinsel tunes. 14 tracks and 50 minutes later Legend delivers a heap of contemporary Christmas soul in classic fashion.
While covering familiar ground previously visited by the likes of legendary namesakes Stevie Wonder (What Christmas Means To Me) James Brown (Merry Christmas Baby) Lou Rawls (Christmas Time Is Here) Marvin Gaye (Purple Snowflakes) Nat King Cole (The Christmas Song) and Charles Brown (Please Come Home For Christmas) Legend lends his own personal imprint to this soulful seasonal fare by helping pen all 6 of the albums original tracks. Wearing his Christmas crooner cap well Legend indulges himself on A Legendary Christmas with a contemporary take on classic Bing Crosby through sweeping 70s soul string arrangements, smooth piano balladry, R&B soul funk and a big New Orleans finish. Sure to roast anyone’s chestnuts, open fire or not.
Rating 7/10
Star Rating 3/5
2018 Song Of The Day Club Album Review 39/52