Nine-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend graces Borgata’s Event Center Saturday night.
When Legend looks at what is out there sonically, he’s not that impressed.
“I think songwriting is lacking right now,” he says. “The songwriting just isn’t that great. What’s missing is the melodies. I want to hear those hooks and the great lyrics that tell stories. I want wit in the song.”
The cerebral Legend, who occasionally appears on the politically satirical talk show Real Time With Bill Maher, is bringing it all back one song at a time.
“I’m trying to do what I can,” Legend says. “I love what I do and I want to come up with the best songs possible.”
Legend is one of those rare singer-songwriters who lives on both sides of the fence. Legend crafts adventurous, critically acclaimed tunes that also pack plenty of commercial appeal.
“The most important thing for me is that I’ve been able to do what I want to do creatively,” he says. ”It’s worked out for me. I never wanted to follow what everybody else is doing. It’s all about trying to strike a balance.”
Legend struck that balance with Evolver — the 2008 disc that is an eclectic project filled with smooth ballads, soulful soft rock, lilting reggae and catchy pop. He proves especially adept at delivering passionate, romantic cuts.
“I’m comfortable with a variety of styles,” Legend says. “The songs may be different but the common denominator is melody and hooks. If you have that going for you, you’re in good shape. If you write well, you’ll stand out. There’s not a lot of great songwriting right now. There’s a dearth of songs with great lyrics that are witty and tell a great story. It’s a shame.”
Legend’s latest effort, 2010’s Wake Up, is comprised of soulful interpretations of underheralded songs such as Curtis Mayfield’s terrific “Hard Times,” Bill Wither’s “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” and Eugene McDaniel’s “Compared to What.”
We all have our favorite holiday songs, so I thought I’d compile a list of the holiday songs I love, in no particular order.
"I've been putting this together for a long time and it's exciting to see it really come together because it just shows that sometimes with hard work and a few fortunate breaks, it can all come together. It's very fulfilling and very satisfying to see it work."
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