With his third studio album, John Legend wanted to change his sound up, while not drifting too far from home. The album opens with an intro of one of its greatest songs “Good Morning”. The melodic piano keys mix with horns and Legend’s neo-soul voice produce a sound synonymous to previous albums, yet juxtaposed to some of the album’s more funky tracks.

“Give me the Green Light”, sings Legend on the album’s first single, that features Outkast’s Andre 3000. The video for the single was released a while back, and vividly displays the party anthem for what it is. “I’m just style freein’, freestylin’, which yawl seldom do,” chants Dre’, on the single, that was Legend’s biggest leap from his typical sound.

“It’s Over” (ft. Kanye West) carries with it a jazzy sound, over a notable Pharell Williams produced beat. One of the better songs on the ablum, “Everybody Knows”, follows with lyrics like “I still can’t believe you, found somebody new. I wish you the best… I guess".

Talented, but troubled, singer Brandy makes an appearance on the album in “Quickly”. The story of a love that must ensue a.s.a.p. for fears of a falling sky and Armageddon, or maybe it was more of global warming and a doctor’s visit gone bad. Next though, and more of a ballad is “Cross the Line”, the only extravagance being the slight percussion that accompanies the piano line.

With an essence of reggae, soul singer, Estelle steps on board on the track “No Other Love”. Legend, in the wake of artists like Jasmine Sullivan, draws from the reggae genre to add that extra funk. (He did this in a big way later on, but you have to keep reading).

“This time I want it all!” sings Legend over a slightly synthy background. “Last time I wasn’t sure/ This time I will give you more/ I’m more mature” from “This Time”; it’s lyrics making it the perfect “breakup and get-back-together” song. The album picks back up with a more upbeat “Satisfaction”, but the speed is broken quickly with “Take Me Away”.

Birds’ chirping in all, “Good Morning” shows why John Legend is one of this generation’s kings of soul “Baby how can I convince you/ Make it so you can’t resist/ Whatever else you have to do now/ It can’t be half as good as this”. He continues in this vein with “I Love, You Love”, a truly heartfelt tune.

The album’s final song, “If You’re Out There”, was debuted at the Democratic National Convention back in August. The song called for voices of a generation to stand up and make a difference. One of the album’s bonus tracks, “Can’t Be My Lover”, features Jamaican reggae powerhouse Buju Banton. That’s more of that reggae thing I was talking about. A collaboration no one expected, I’d say, but the track came out amazing and flows well as Legend pulls off the reggae swagger.

The album is currently #6 on the Billboard Hot 200, but has peaked at #4 already. Besides a few glitches here and there, John Legend accomplishes his goal of morphing into an edgier artist and embedding his name in R&B/Soul History. The Ordinary Joe Blog gives “Evolver” a “B” for high energy and talented collaborations, and soothing soulful rhythms and lyrics.

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"If You're Out There" Debuts

Ben Stiller was asked to say goodbye to TRL…but thought he was being awarded star of the decade (laugh if you like)

Carson takes us on a tour through TRL’s back halls, where camera hog Diddy is seen again.

The beautiful Lala interviews Rapper Ludacris, who recalls his backroom stint with the Rev Run Family and making a face at Vanessa, the Rev’s daughter.

Usher’s “Yeah” (featuring Ludacris & Lil Jon) the famous hit, reaches #8 on the countdown of most iconic songs of the shows decade of play.

And Jesse, the winner of the “Wanna be a VJ” 1998, gets his moment back in the MTV sun.

Live via Satellite:

Christina Aguilera talks with Carson and watches footage of her first time on TRL. Far from her “Genie in a Bottle” days, the diva can only smile. “I thank God for the start of many things” she says. She also recalls the many benefits of being on the show.

Ordinary Joe here, letting you know the truth about Rapper Lil Wayne's rumoured death.

He is NOT DEAD. A screenshot of a faulty website made to look like the Official BBC News site, is being sent around stating that he died lastnight.

Perez Hilton has also confirmed that the story is false and that Lil Wayne is in fact alive and well (w/e "well" is for him).

Before you believe something or someone do your research kids, and if you're too lazy the Ordinary Joe Blog is here for you ;)

Lindsay Lohan – Come Out The Closet – Clay Aiken

Well today marked the day that two artists kicked open the closet door, and told the world the truth. With the cover of People Magazine as his backdrop “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken posed with his new son and the subtitles “Yes, I’m Gay”.

Now I know everyone kinda knew he was, for years now, but recently he seemed to be preparing the world for his “coming out”. Why would a normal man have a baby with a woman named “Jaymes Foster” through “in vitro fertilization”?

Clay was obviously avoiding giving Diane Sawyer a straight answer when she pressed the issue in an interview with him two years ago. He also did the same with People Magazine at the time. He just said it was an invasion of his privacy and he was tired of defending his orientation. Aiken thanks the birth of his son as the agent of change which led him to tell the truth. “I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things,” he said.

Lindsay Lohan also came forward about her relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson. On last night’s episode of Loveline, co-host Stryker called Ronson, then asked to speak to her "Lady Friend". He asked the singer/actress “You and Samantha have been going out for how long now?”… “Like two years? One year? Five months? Two months?”

Well Lohan replied “A Very Long Time”. Stryker then invited the newly confirmed couple to a stint on the show, to which Lindsay replied “Maybe…” and giggled. Well I suppose she’ll move on from there, and keep fans talking with her hot myspace blog and guest appearances on “Ugly Betty”.

Listen to the Phone Call HERE

I see your dirty face/ High behind your collar…”

Kevin Rudolf’s powerhouse new song “Let it Rock” is quickly rising up the Billboard Hot 100. It is currently slated at #45 on the chart. The song also features Rapper Lil Wayne which is sending Weezy fans crazy. It represents one more of his tries at another genre.

Well Popular Actress/Singer Lindsay Lohan recently gave the song a thumbs up and promotion on her MySpace Blog. She said her sister Aliana loves it, and they were playing it in her dressing room at 7:30am. Also she says that maybe she and Rudolf can work together…I smell a duet on the horizon.

The video clip features Rudolf banging out the song’s lyrics, and Weezy occasionally mouthing them; that is until he hits his verse. “Yeah! Wayne’s World/ Planet Rock”
They both string out electric guitars, as green club lights flash, and they wow a scene of raving fans.

Watch the hot new video by clicking the link below…

http://video.umrg.com/kevinrudolf/letitrock/