John Legend is back with his seventh studio album, Bigger Love. It is his first full-length of original material since 2016’s Darkness and Light, and features appearances from Jhené Aiko, Rapsody, Koffee, Gary Clark Jr., and Camper. Production is handled by Anderson .Paak, Charlie Puth, Mr. Hudson, Ricky Reed, Ryan Tedder, and more. Pioneering R&B singer Raphael Saadiq serves as the album’s executive producer.
Bigger Love was primarily written in 2019, long before the global COVID-19 pandemic and mass protests against police brutality. The album was promoted by pre-release singles like “Conversations in the Dark,” the title track, and “Actions.”
Legend previously appeared on Genius' series Verified to break down the latter song:
In an interview with USA Today, Legend said the album was largely inspired by his love for his wife, Chrissy Teigen. “I put so much love and heart and soul in this album,” he explained. “A lot of these songs are about celebrating love, remembering moments you may miss right now.”
Legend also told USA Today that he believes love is more important than ever during this tough time. “We have old hatreds on full display in the streets,” he said. “Love can get us through that. I want people to get lifted and I can help lift them.”
