John Legend is many things: an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner, musician, songwriter, producer, philanthropist, and businessman, but most of all, he’s a family man. The father of four has announced his new, family-friendly album, My Favorite Dream, which releases Aug. 30 via Republic Records: Kids & Family.
“I’m right in the thick of fatherhood,” says Legend. “My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids. We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”
The 15-track album, produced by multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, features nine original songs written by Legend. It also includes three bonus tracks, which are covers of songs from Fisher-Price’s beloved toys.
“Once I started thinking about it, I decided I wanted to write a whole new children’s album,” says Legend, who got the idea from his wife, Chrissy Teigen. “I just took it on as a challenge to write some original lullabies and children’s songs that I would want my kids to hear, something we could share with kids and parents all over the world.”
My Favorite Dream includes the lead single, “L-O-V-E,” which is out today (Aug. 9).
The heartwarming jingle features an appearance from Chrissy and their two oldest children, Luna and Miles. Luna, age eight, designed the beautiful artwork for the single cover.
Regarding his new song, Legend explains, “Love is the central theme in so much of my life, from family to music to philanthropic work to everything I do in business.
He continues, “This song captures the spirit of what I always wanted this album to be. I wrote it as an anthem to celebrate our common humanity and bring a smile to people’s faces. I hope this song is uplifting and inspiring for everyone.”
For “L-O-V-E” and the album’s other nine original tracks, Legend took an unconventional approach of writing them at home at the family piano. “I usually write most of my albums at the studio,” he notes. “But I wanted to write this album with my family around.”
My Favorite Dream is the follow-up to Legend’s 2022 album, LEGEND. The double-disc album included the singles “Dope” featuring JID, “All She Wanna Do” featuring Saweetie, “Wonder Woman,” and “Honey” featuring Muni Long. The latter song peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.
LEGEND, which landed in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, also featured Jazmine Sullivan, Jhené Aiko, Ty Dolla $ign, Ledisi, Free Nationals, Amber Mark and more.
In 2023, Legend released a solo piano version of the album, which included 12 stripped-down tracks.
Legend, who received an honorary doctorate from Loyola Marymount University this year, also recently launched his new pet brand, Kismet.
“Dogs have always been a big part of our lives. We were pet parents before welcoming our children into the world, and we know what that special bond with a dog feels like. In a word, it’s Kismet,” said Teigen and Legend, who have four dogs (Penny, Pearl, Pebbles, and Petey).
“Dogs are silly, playful, and messy — and we wanted a brand that represents all of that. Beyond offering exceptionally high-quality food to nourish your dog, Kismet is here to provide thoughtfully designed lifestyle goods and engaging content for pets and their people.”
Stream John Legend’s new song “L-O-V-E” and see the tracklist for My Favorite Dream below.
John Legend’s My Favorite Dream Album Tracklist
1. We’re a Family
2. When I Feel Sad
3. Three Little Birds
4. L-O-V-E (feat. Chrissy, Luna & Miles)
5. Deep in the Ocean Blue
6. For You
7. You Are My Sunshine
8. When We Fly
9. Safe
10. Go to Sleep
11. Always Come Back
12. We’re a Family (Solo Piano)
13. Great, Great Day (Bonus Track)
14. Friendship (Bonus Track)
15. Maybe (Bonus Track)
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