Album Review: John Legend – My Favourite Dream
2 min read
Children’s music rarely gets much attention in mainstream media. Often relegated to children’s TV or seen as a thing of the past, albums written specifically for children are rare. But with his most recent album, My Favourite Dream, Grammy-award-winning singer and producer John Legend aims to revive the genre. Inspired by a video of him singing to his children that went viral, the album combines new tunes with old favourites.
The opening track We’re a Family is a peaceful reassuring track with lullaby-like backing. Legend aimed to make the album for his children to listen to and that comes through clearly in the track. The lyrics are playful talking about “fairy tales” and “pots of gold”, making the song seem almost like a bedtime story. When I Feel Sad has a similar feel, with a hopeful tone, the lyrics are reminiscent of My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music with Legend encouraging his children to think of a happy thing to dispel their fears.
The album features two covers, one Bob Marley’s classic Three Little Birds and the other of the ever-popular You Are My Sunshine. With Three Little Birds Legend puts a soul twist on the song while still staying true to the original. The gospel-style backing and soft vocals lend it a nostalgic sound as if listening to a well-worn record. You Are My Sunshine has a very stripped-back production with only piano backing. The strained vocals are melancholy, drawing focus to the already heartbreaking lyrics. While it’s hard to improve on the originals Legends versions are lovely to listen to while being respectful and true to the versions we know and love.
Throughout the album, many of the songs have the feel of lullabies. It’s noticed in We’re a Family and also in Safe. The song is reassuring with a line sign “You safe from harm”. The peaceful backing track and vocals that rise and fall, make it all the more impactful both relaxing and affecting. The album is produced by Sufjan Stevens, and his unique sound is noticeable throughout the album. In L-O-V-E Stevens is listed as a feature and the cheerful song is lent a depth with his more melancholy sound. The dreamy, tragic sound Stevens uses in his music is noticeable here giving more weight to the music and setting it apart from lighter more pop-inspired children’s fare.
There’s an earnestness in the tracks that makes them feel timeless and it goes beyond the production and lyrics. When so often children are overlooked Legend treats the task of creating a children’s album with the same seriousness as creating an album for adults, and it pays off. With his love for the album and its subjects clear in every line, this is a beautiful album that brings a sweet new sound to children’s music.
