Evolver opens with chirping birds and a woman's contented sigh. It's morning in the boudoir; a young lady is in post-coital repose; soon, a manservant will bring mimosas. Lots of R&B dudes promise opulent nights of ecstasy, but Legend is so classy that these fantasies seem like real journalism. With piano-flecked soul ("This Time"), lite funk ("Green Light") and reggae ("No Other Love"), Evolver's tunes and arrangements are as impeccable as the cut of Legend's suits. (Even his taste in guest rappers — André 3000, Kanye West — is upscale.) And there are a few surprises: "I Love, You Love" (produced by Will.i.am) builds a lush ballad around a guitar lick lifted from a Dire Straits tune. Legend can be goody-goody, but aspirational babymaking music doesn't get more skillful than this.

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JODY ROSEN

(Posted: Oct 30, 2008)