Darkness and Light
| John Legend
Darkness and Light
Darkness and Light is the fifth studio album by American singer, songwriter, and pianist John Legend. It was released on December 2, 2016, by Columbia Records, as well as his last album to be released with GOOD Music, following the end of his five-album contract with the label. -Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
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Pitchfork
On Darkness and Light, John Legend pushes beyond his comfort zone for something a bit more ambitious. This is a love record about navigating the bleak world and finding happiness in dark times.
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The Guardian
musical weirdness and lyrical bleakness.
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Consequence of Sound
As Legend’s fifth full-length studio album, Darkness and Light serves as a nice retrospective-of-sorts for his musical styles and landscapes over the years. We’re given accessible pop, traditional R&B ballads, and powerful gospel numbers. Through all of this, Legend’s voice continues to shine, illuminating his innate talent with rich lyrics that adapt to the cultural climate of the times right now.
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Soul Tracks
If art and beauty are within the eye of the beholder, listeners will do either one of two things: absorb its elements slowly and appreciate the earthy, organic feel…or find the whole exhibit too unorthodox for their tastes and flee to take comfort in Legend’s earlier, and easier-to-digest works. Either way, Legend continues to enlighten and engage.
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Spectrum Culture
Darkness and Light is a solid entry in Legend’s portfolio—and the first that really sees the artist stretching himself into the new cosmos. Where he goes from here will be an even more fascinating journey for his fans.
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Cryptic Rock
With plenty of mood shifts throughout, Darkness And Light is an intellectual and classy album. With intangible soul, there are no simple tracks thanks to the passion and near philosophical quality of Legend’s style. Legend recreates the feeling of intimacy felt on previous albums, while still maintaining a modern sound. Worthy of multiple listens.
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All Music
Each track has its own kind of burning intensity. The album's front, back, and inner photos are in black-and-white, but the music evokes rich shades of yellow, orange, and red.
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CU Independent
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkness and Light. Legend’s voice, the versatile music production and the strong features make the album worth listening to.
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Renowned for Sound
It’s a very enjoyable album, though, and never dips into unlistenable territory, which definitely works in its favour. John Legend has improved with Darkness and Light, though, and it could serve as a great stepping stone to even better places on his next album.
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Essence
Overall the album is a great push in a new direction for Legend. He’s leaving his comfort zone and veering into a new lane. There are a few misses – an under utilized Miguel – but Darkness and Light is a perfect summation of post Love in the Future John Legend; aware of the world, sometimes weary of it, but ready to fight in the name of love.
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The Irish Times
It’s a grand album, if lacking the or punch required to take it to another level.
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Soul in Stereo
I expect Darkness and Light to be just as divisive among fans as Legend’s most recent releases. No, there’s nothing here to lure back fans who fell in love with Legend when he sang hooks for Kanye West. But what’s here are a number of heartfelt, strongly written songs with poignant messages
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Hollywood Life
With this record, John seems to have focused more on his lyrics, rather than the musical production, and I feel like he could have done a better job of doing both. There’s certainly no “All of Me” to be found here, but his old soul manages to shine through the often lackluster melodies.
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Richer Sounds Blog
Legend has managed to cater to his fans without being constrained to just one style.
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Stack
If you’re looking for a record to play while you sip on a glass of pinot in a candlelit bubble bath, all you’re Christmases have come at once.
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All Music
Each track has its own kind of burning intensity. The album's front, back, and inner photos are in black-and-white, but the music evokes rich shades of yellow, orange, and red.
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Evening Standard
The smoldering singer combines modern and classic sounds on fifth album.
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I Am Survivordean
As expected, John Legend makes a good comeback with Darkness and Light. I’m waiting for him to push his sound signature to another level but it seems he needs more preparations.
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EW
Hip-hop, soul, jazz, pop — John Legend is no stranger to tackling each of these genres, and on his latest, he once again offers something for everyone.
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