
John Legend is officially entering a new musical era — and Pharrell Williams is behind the boards for the entire ride.
The EGOT-winning singer has announced his new album, Muse, arriving October 23 via Republic Records. Pharrell produced the entire 16-track project and co-wrote the album, making it the first full-length collaboration between the longtime friends.
Much of Muse was created in Paris at Pharrell’s studio inside Louis Vuitton headquarters, where Pharrell also serves as Men’s Creative Director. The project reportedly came together after Legend appeared on Clipse’s Pharrell-produced comeback album, sparking the idea for the two to build an entire body of work together.
Sonically, Muse finds Legend stepping outside of the piano-heavy ballad lane he’s long been known for. The album blends gospel, classic soul, doo-wop, Afrobeat, hip-hop and orchestral sounds, with Legend describing Pharrell’s overall vision as having a “Black James Bond” aesthetic — polished, cinematic and full of rhythm.
Fans are already getting the first taste with “Daylight,” the album’s lead single. The track pairs Legend’s signature vocals with brighter production and Pharrell’s unmistakable bounce, offering a preview of the different direction this new era is taking.
The rollout continues with the official “Daylight” music video dropping Friday.
Pharrell also lends his vocals to several songs throughout the album, while Clipse — Pusha T and Malice — reunite with Legend on “Bodies On The Floor.”
After more than two decades in the industry, Legend is clearly looking to shake things up rather than simply revisit what’s worked before.
Muse arrives October 23, “Daylight” is available now, peep the official visual below.
Are y’all here for a full John Legend x Pharrell album?
