John Legend is spreading the love.
Ahead its release next week, the EGOT winner has revealed the cover art and tracklist for his new album Bigger Love.
Executive produced by Raphael Saadiq, the 16-track set is a “celebration love, joy, sensuality, hope, and resilience,” and includes appearances from Jhené Aiko, Gary Clark Jr., Rapsody, Kfee, and Camper. The artwork, which features a side portrait Legend, was illustrated by acclaimed artist Charly Palmer.
“This project has been a labor love for me, something I’ve spent over a year conceiving and creating,” said Legend. “I poured my heart and soul into these songs and collaborated with some incredibly gifted co-writers, producers and musicians. The songs are inspired by the loves my life: my wife, my family and the rich tradition black music that has made me the artist I am.”
I’m so excited to introduce my new album #BiggerLove to the world. Here’s the album cover painted by brilliant artist Charly Palmer. Check out the track list, including my amazing featured guests. pic.twitter.com/nWu6Y2JhRH
— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 12, 2020
The album was created prior to the pandemic and the latest police killings in the U.S. “During these painful times, some us may wonder if it’s OK to laugh or dance or be romantic,” he added. “Lately, the images black people in the media have been showing us with knees on our necks, in mourning, or expressing our collective outrage. We feel all those emotions.”
But Legend decided there was no better time to release the music. “I’m under no illusion that music can save the world or solve the world’s problems, but I’ve always turned to music to help me through tough times and I know many you have done the same. That’s why I couldn’t wait to release this album to the world.”
Bigger Love arrives June 19. See the tracklist below.
Bigger Love Tracklist
1. “Ooh Laa”
2. “Actions”
3. “I Do”
4. “One Life”
5. “Wild” feat. Gary Clark Jr.
6. “Bigger Love”
7. “U Move, I Move” feat. Jhené Aiko
8. “Favorite Place”
9. “Slow Cooker”
10. “Focused”
11. “Conversations in the Dark”
12. “Don’t Walk Away” feat. Kfee
13. “Remember Us” feat. Rapsody
14. “I’m Ready” feat. Camper
15. “Always”
16. “Never Break”