Born John Stephens, but quickly making his name a reality, 5-time Grammy winner John Legend released his third album, “Evolver” on October 28th. With his new album came unexpected sounds, melodies and meanings, but retained his anticipated talent and drive encompassed with his love of music.

The album begins with a soft melody alongside birds chirping in the background titled, “Good Morning (Intro)” and continues to the first single of the album, “Green Light,” which features Outkast’s Andre 3000. The song is up-tempo and very catchy with a smooth appeal as well.

As Legend takes us on a romantic journey of sound, one can’t help but move toward the next track.

While in college, Legend roomed with Kanye West’s cousin, Devo Harris, which led to the meeting of the two. Since then, Legend and West have maintained a strong relationship following Legend’s signing. The song, “It’s Over Now” features West and brings a nice dance mix to the album as it explains the ending of a relationship and the aftermath as he sings “I’m sorry, it’s my fault.”

The album begins to mellow down from the up-beat songs you might hear in the club to a more smooth and “John Legend-like” sound.

“Everybody Knows” describes the difficulty of getting over someone and trying to make things work out in the end.

“Quickly,” featuring Brandy, showcases a beautiful blend of voice and sound. Still not convinced of the variety of the album? Try the song, “No Other Love” which provides a strong reggae feel as Legend and Estelle come together to make a note-worthy track. Legend adds a nice touch to each of his tracks through his talent on the piano. “This Time” is a piano-driven ballad, while “I Love, You Love” features the guitar. The last song on the album, which Legend performed at the Democratic National Convention, is titled, “If You’re Out There” where he calls out to everyone to take a stand and let it be known that they want a change; a song that is was very appropriate during the times of the election process and especially for the day of, Nov. 4.

Legend’s voice can be heard on the soundtrack of up-coming movie, Soul Men, as well as during his Evolver tour, which began in November.

• Stacie Bailey