John Legend: Live From Philadelphia

John Legend made a risky move when he decided to put out a live album as his first official release. Live At Uptown Jimmy's worked out positive: the soul crooner secured a major record deal and gained a reputation among both music lovers and colleagues for being one of the best singers/songwriters of the first decade of the 21st century. After having released three more live albums and two chart-topping albums -- Get Lifted and Once Again -- Legend shows off his performing abilities once more as a new live session hits the market: Live From Philadelphia.

A live performance might be a heavy task qua overall performance, presentation, interaction and scenery, but the hardest element is the singing. It's basically an artist going up for a vocal examination, with the visitor being the tutor that has to fill out a singing skill evaluation scheme. On Live At Philadelphia, Legend passes with flying colors. There is a speaking likeness with the clear, raspy singing on his two studio material. A welcome asset is that Legend chooses to expand the musical abilities of his vocal cords, as he spontaneously uses sustained notes and longer melodies.

Legend kicks off with a live remake of Jay-Z's "Do You Wanna Ride," a song that he collaborated on with Jigga for Kingdom Come. He continues the pleasant ride with "Heaven," "Let's Get Lifted" and "Alright," a song in which he is fascinated by some other man's woman. With his old school soul and gospel influences the Chicago native sets the tone for an energetic, feel-good ambiance, as the audience starts to clap and sing-along with smash hits "Save Room," "P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)" and "Used To Love U." Legend not only performs songs from his own catalog, but also sings daring hits from colleagues, including "Where Is The Love" -- a duet with Corinne Bailey Rae -- legendary Lennon song "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" and "Dance To The Music."

It's a matter of common knowledge that Legend and his grand piano are one. Legends soulful piano melodies and raspy, honest voice go hand in hand and turn the show into a romantic getaway. The noise caused by the enthusiastic audience -- that broke out during uplifting performances of his singles -- dies down as the singing bird presents the ultimate piano play by far, "Ordinary People", emotional war song "Coming Home" and romantic "So High (Encore)", which is the closing song of the show.

Corinne Bailey Rae is the only guest to make an appearance during this live set, while his background singers and band remain in the background -- yet they succeed to be complementary to one another. Simplicity is John Legend's live strength. Legend and his piano are all that's necessary to ensure a perfect concert: a well-organized set of uplifting soul songs and emotional slow jams, perfectly sang by a living legend that knows how to capture both the ear and heart and takes the visitor on a journey through the ups and downs of love.

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