Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 9:56AM GMT Fri, 9August, 2024

John Legend is embarking on a new journey with his upcoming children’s album, My Favorite Dream. Scheduled for release on August 30 through Republic Records: Kids & Family, this album marks Legend’s first foray into creating music specifically for young listeners.

Produced by the renowned Sufjan Stevens, the album stands out with its lush soundscape and emotionally resonant themes. My Favorite Dream features a mix of nine original compositions, two classic covers, a solo piano track, and three additional covers of beloved Fisher-Price songs, making it a multifaceted project designed to engage both children and their parents.

The album’s production is handled by Sufjan Stevens, known for his baroque and whimsical style, which infuses the project with a unique character. Legend, a father of four including Luna, Miles, Esti, and Wren, wanted to ensure that the music would resonate with adults as well as children. This dedication to quality and depth in the children’s music genre reflects his commitment to maintaining the high standards of his previous works.

Interview Highlights:

  • On Choosing Children’s Music: Legend shared that his personal experience as a parent inspired the album. The idea came from his interaction with his own children and their response to music played on a Fisher-Price play mat. His wife, Chrissy Teigen, encouraged him to explore this new genre, leading to the creation of nine original tracks aimed at both kids and adults.
  • Creating Music for Families: Legend compared the process of writing family music to his work on Broadway, noting the similarities in the creative approach required. He emphasized that despite the shift in focus, the essence of his songwriting remained deeply personal.
  • Sufjan Stevens’ Role: Stevens’ influence is evident throughout the album, with his signature dreamy and whimsical production style complementing Legend’s songwriting. This collaboration added a distinctive charm to the project, making it a standout in the realm of children’s music.
  • The Lead Single ‘L-O-V-E’: The album’s first single, “L-O-V-E,” features vocals from Legend’s wife and two of their children. This track embodies Legend’s philosophy of love and empathy, aiming to impart these values to both young listeners and their families.
  • Inspiration Behind the Covers: The album includes two classic covers: Bob Marley & the Wailers’ “Three Little Birds” and “You Are My Sunshine.” Legend chose these songs for their ability to resonate emotionally while offering a fresh take on beloved classics.
  • Hopes for the Album: Legend expressed his desire for the album to convey the love and care he invested in its creation. He hopes that it will foster connections between parents and their children and bring joy to families.

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