John Legend

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.