Darkness and Light
by John Legend
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Dec 2, 2016
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 7, 2016
    60
    The contrasts of the title are evident throughout John Legend’s latest album--in the push and pull between devotion and desire, indulgence and empowerment, and musically in the dialectic between comforting familiarity and exploratory urges.
  2. Consequence
    Dec 8, 2016
    58
    Darkness and Light loses its depth, however, when Legend skews toward pop (see: “Love Me Now”), even if these songs do maintain a catchy candor. Fortunately for the album, they’re rare and few.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 10 out of 43
  1. ibetyou
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    John Legend is by far one of the artist that most care about what love real means on our society and he shows it on Darkness and Light. It'sJohn Legend is by far one of the artist that most care about what love real means on our society and he shows it on Darkness and Light. It's really a great album, with amazing duos as Overload with Miguel) and the title track with Brittany by Alabama Shakes. It is a good thing to give to the world after a big success of his latest album.… Full Review »
  2. SoundOfAMan
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    As always, his perfectly raspy croon is the connective tissue, but it’s an awkward match on pop plays like the uplifting-anthem-by-numbersAs always, his perfectly raspy croon is the connective tissue, but it’s an awkward match on pop plays like the uplifting-anthem-by-numbers “Love Me Now” and the synth-heavy “What You Do to Me,” co-written with hitmakers Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels. Those tracks aside, Legend is mostly in his soulful comfort zone.… Full Review »
  3. amandaaraujo_
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    Darkness and Light isn’t the political feat Mills and Legend had hoped for, but it’s a step forward in the singer’s evolution. He may never beDarkness and Light isn’t the political feat Mills and Legend had hoped for, but it’s a step forward in the singer’s evolution. He may never be a firebrand, but Legend proves there’s still strength in humility.… Full Review »
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