On Aug. 30, 2024, John Legend released his 10th studio album, “My Favorite Dream.” The album was inspired by Legend’s introduction to children’s music and learning the Fisher-Price song “Maybe” on the piano. He used nostalgia as motivation to write nine new original songs and bring a fresh outlook to some children’s songs. The album, however, seems more targeted for younger audiences rather than everyone in general.
The album’s first track, “We’re A Family,” is inspired by “I Love You,” a song sung in the kid’s TV show “Barney.” “We’re A Family” is an uplifting song and brings smiles to listeners’ faces.
“Our little world’ll keep spinnin’ ’round / I’ll pick you up whenever you feel down / Yes, I love you, and you love me / And we’re a family,” Legend sings.
Another childhood song Legend covers is the classic 1939 song “You Are My Sunshine,” written and sung by Jimmie Davis. Though the track is only two minutes, Legend reminds listeners of the vintage song, keeping its reputation alive.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine / You make me happy when skies are gray / You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you / Please don’t take my sunshine away,” Legend sings.
“My Favorite Dream” includes Legend’s hit single “L-O-V-E,” which follows his 2022 album “Legend.” The song is not only sung by Legend, but it also includes voices from his wife Chrissy Teigen and children Luna and Miles.
“Because love, love, love / Makes you feel better / Love, love, love / Keeps us together / Love, love, love / Warm like a sweater / Aren’t you glad to know that you’vе got / Love (Love, love, lovе, love, love) / (Love, love, love, love, love),” Legend and his family sing.
The album’s overall motif is positivity. In one of the bonus tracks “Great, Great Day,” Legend sings hopeful affirmations but does not forget to mention that bad days exist and one will overcome them.
“And when I’m feeling down and low, and the day just seems so long / I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and sing a little song / Today is gonna be a great, great day / I’m gonna make it that way / Today is gonna be a great, great day / ‘Cause I’m gonna make it that way,” Legend sings.
Legend cleverly reimagines nostalgic childhood songs on “My Favorite Dream,” shaping them into a modern-day album. Legend and his crew, however, could have done a better job composing the songs. The album feels juvenile, like it is meant for a younger audience even though it is for everyone to enjoy.