NEW YORK (AP): Twenty years on from the release of his debut album, the career-making Get Lifted , John Legend is entering uncharted territory. On August 30, the R&B pop singer will release his first-ever children’s album titled My Favorite Dream , via Republic Records: Kids & Family. Produced by the chamber pop polymath Sufjan Stevens, the record is lush, and centres on universal themes like love, safety, family and dreams across nine original tracks, two covers, a solo piano track and three bonus covers of Fisher-Price songs.
Legend, who is a father of four with wife Chrissy Teigen – Luna is 8, Miles is 6, Esti and Wren are both toddlers – made it a point to write songs that worked for adults, too. Some will even resonate with those who might not have children. These are soulful, capital-J John Legend songs with poignant messaging.
“I wanted the parents to like it,” he told AP over the phone. “I wanted the same standard of like quality and musicianship that I would want on any of my records.” The album needed to stand on its own.
“To be able to craft a children’s album with as much depth and artistry, while finding the unique balance of making it bright and warm for little ones, is a true skill,” said Republic Records: Kids & Family senior vice-president Bree Bowles. “There is an authenticity to the work which makes you feel part of his world and family.” This interview, in which Legend discusses My Favorite Dream , its lead single L-O-V-E , and the .