John Legendcan be deemed the most overlooked artist signed to G.O.O.D Music, but you’d be surprised just by how many of his songs you know. Legend has won nine Grammy Awards and has been featured on a few of your favorite rapper’s tracks from the likes of Kanye West to Rick Ross. With the release of his forthcoming album, “Love in the Future,” right around the corner, here’s a look at 10 essential songs by John Legend everyone should know.
Tonight (Best You Ever Had) feat. Ludacris
John Legend reminded us of his talent and sultriness with the lead single off of “Think Like a Man’s” official soundtrack. Ludacris lyrically assisted Legend on what was arguably the best R&B song of the summer, for the grown and sexy at least. Don’t believe us? Just watch.
Who Do We Think We Are feat. Rick Ross
John Legend took the classic “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight and added a verse by hip-hop star Rick Ross on his latest single, “Who Do We Think We Are”. The soulful single appeared on the soundtrack for “Django Unchained” and will be on Legend’s latest, “Love in the Future.”
Used To Love You
“Used to Love You” was John Legend’s debut single from his first album Get Lifted. Get Lifted sold 116,00 copies within the first week. Produced by Kanye West, Legend passionately sings the perfect ‘It’s not me, it’s you’ breakup song. With great production and a the infamous ‘Holla, holla, holla’ adlibs, how could you not love this song?
Number One feat. Kanye West
Hands down, the best line to use to piss your significant other off: “I keep it strapped up when I sleep around.” Who are we to not appreciate John Legend’s common courtesy for his significant other? Though this may be the story of many of our relationships, John Legend didn’t just write yet another song about sleeping around while having a wife at home. Featuring a verse from Kanye and those soulful background vocals, John Legend pens the perfect song to help you get back on your lover’s good side.
Ordinary People
This might have been your first thought when thinking of John Legend. Legend took over R&B radio stations and late night television shows with his second single from “Get Lifted” with “Ordinary People”. The infamous track was co-written by will.I.am and won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. how its relevant!!!!!!!!!
Save Room
“Save Room” was the first single off of John Legend’s second album, Once Again. Featuring a sample from Classics IV’s “Stormy,” this song had a more bubbly approach. John Legend received a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2007 for Save Room.
Heaven
Like many of his other songs, John Legend co-produced his second single with help from Kanye West. It’s a bit hard to decide what makes this song essential to your iTunes library: the retro beat, the infectious chorus or the story being told between verses. Legend won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Heaven. The music video for “Heaven” was directed by Hype Williams and shot at Highclere Castle in the UK.
Green Light feat. Andre 3000
Everyone knows you can’t go wrong with an Andre 3000 verse on your song. Green Light was the first single off of John Legend’s third album, Evolver. The up-tempo song became his highest-charting single since “Ordinary People”.
She Don’t Have to Know
John Legend sings about wanting a woman other than his own’s love and affection. Filled with lustful yet passionate emotions alongside playing the piano, here Legend is singing yet another song about cheating sound like every girl’s dream.
This Time
Featured in several television series, including BET’s hit series “The Game,” This Time is the fourth single off of “Evolver.” It’s fair to say any song that John Legend’s vocals alongside him playing the piano are a recipe for a guaranteed hit.
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