The title of John Legend’s new album sums up our society in two words: wake up. Legend and The Roots’ own ?uestlove envisioned a way to revitalize a long-lost musical symphony that inspired the soul and funk of the 1960s and 70s. This was a message for political justice, social equality and global connectedness.
Legend has recreated the messages of the past to become the messages to guide our future. In the age of commercialism and “radio music,” Legend guides its listeners through the darker points in our history, moments that are enlightened by the musical passions and protests of people who voiced their opinions through the art of music.
The cover song for the album, “Wake up Everybody,” reinvigorates the classic tune recorded by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Featuring Melanie Fiona and Common, the cover song inspires for a world to master a vision, and that vision is guided through leadership. Common spits an elegant verse that adds the hip-hop spice, and sums up our generation: “Even livin’ through a generation of computers, only love, love, love can reboot us.”
Legend has made an irrefutable reputation of himself for creating some of the best covers, and Wake Up! epitomizes that with some songs of the past that can help shape our future.
Other songs like Bill Withers’ “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” turn a morose melody to mourn the injured soldiers of Vietnam into a twelve-minute long revival that attempts to overcome a nation in conflict, something that can parallel the war in Iraq.
What isn’t addressed politically and socially is guided through the seductive in “Humanity (Love the Way it Should Be),” a cover from Royal Rasses and Prince Lincoln Thompson. Through the seductive power of love, Legend creates a cover that influences us to change the world…through the power of love.
Even Legend’s only original song, “Shine” was a Stevie Wonder-esque gospel that helps guide the children of today to be the informed leaders of tomorrow. Written by Legend for the upcoming film Waiting for Superman, which uncovers the discombobulated American public school system, “Shine” reaches new heights and is Legend’s traditional original song that prompts change to create a society that is more-informed and more inclined to make a difference.
Influenced by the 2008 presidential elections, which included the inauguration of our first African-American president, Legend and the Roots uncover the rhythm and blues that helped shape and mold a generation afflicted by the turmoil of society during the 60s and 70s.
You know someone has hit their mark when an album that is far left can be appreciated by the youth and middle-aged of the far right. This is our generation’s interpretation–revamped and reconstructed for hip-hop culture to interpret.
Give this musical innovator a 4.5 out of 5. Legend’s vocals never get old, and the covers are simply remarkable. Legend is sure living up to his name, and his latest album that dug straight into the archives of an eventful generation that will never be lost was an inspiration of today’s generation.
In a world innovated by technology and a individualistic society, maybe it is time to wake up.