John Legend’s new album, Evolver, is due for release shortly and features collaborations with Estelle, Will.I.Am, Kanye West and Andre 3000 who appears on the first single “Greenlight”.
A small disclaimer first: my foray into “pop” music is fairly recent, beginning with an pomo (postmodern) exploration of mashups, bastard pop, bootlegs and remixes. I held a general disdain for rnb chart toppers so I feel slightly uncomfortable with myself listening, liking and posting this kind of material. My tastes, like everyone’s, are subjective. However, as pop culture evolves from the amalgamation of so many different styles I have to wonder if my ears have done the same, or is it that over the years have my purist ideals have become diluted.
The newest single from JOHN LEGEND (aka John Stephens) is a perfect example. Simply put, “Green Light” sounds good with ts light flanged filters and Andre 3000’s rhythmic toasting (”let’s hop a cab and split it / I’m kiddin’ / we both goin to where you livin”) over soft bed of beats.
John Legend feat Andre 3000 - Greenlight (Radio edit)
I do admit that the association with TOM NEVILLE provided a much greater incentive for me to give this track a chance. Neville’s remix tears the original apart and transforms it into an electro house stomper. Aside from the vocals, I hear very few similarities between the two tracks. Using a small vocal sample he adds huge progression, building it into what should be a club hit with a dripping wet bassline and subtle acid-like modulation.
John Legend feat Andre 3000 - Greenlight (Tom Neville remix)
SANDY RIVERA delivers a smooth 4/4 and ample groove to the rnb number, tweaking it into a stellar house tune. It’s astonishing to hear the borrowed arrangements transformed into an entirely new track - one fit for summer full of sunshine and happiness. Running at nearly seven and a half minutes this one’s quite deep and progressive, but without the void-filled breakdowns that could kill a mix.
John Legend feat Andre 3000 - Greenlight (Sandy Rivera’s KOT remix)
