Get Lifted
Get Lifted is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter John Legend, released on December 28, 2004, by GOOD Music, Sony Urban Music, and Columbia Records.[1] Featuring production primarily from Kanye West, Dave Tozer, and will.i.am, the album blends neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop elements, with Legend accompanying himself on piano and organ across its 15 tracks.[2] It includes standout singles such as "Used to Love U," "Ordinary People," and "Number One," which explore themes of love, relationships, and personal introspection.[3] The album debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 116,000 copies in its first week, and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for three weeks.[1] It has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales exceeding two million units in the United States.[1] Critically acclaimed for Legend's soulful vocals and songwriting, Get Lifted earned Legend three Grammy Awards at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in 2006: Best R&B Album, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Ordinary People," and Best New Artist.[4] Marking Legend's transition from a background collaborator to a solo artist, the album's success established him as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B, influencing subsequent works and solidifying his reputation for emotionally resonant music.[3] In 2024, to commemorate its 20th anniversary, a deluxe edition was released, featuring bonus tracks and additional content.[1] To mark the anniversary, Legend embarked on the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour in 2025.[5]Background and recording
Development
John Legend, born John Roger Stephens in Springfield, Ohio, began his professional music career as a session musician and pianist in the late 1990s, contributing to notable tracks such as Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" from her 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.[6] By the early 2000s, he had established himself as an in-demand collaborator, providing background vocals and piano for artists including Kanye West on early mixtapes and Alicia Keys on her 2003 single "You Don't Know My Name."[7] This period of behind-the-scenes work honed his skills in blending soulful R&B with hip-hop elements, setting the stage for his transition to a solo artist.[8] The conception of Get Lifted emerged in the summer of 2001 when Legend met Kanye West in Newark, New Jersey, leading to immediate collaborative songwriting sessions in West's apartment.[6] There, they co-wrote early tracks such as "Let's Get Lifted," "Alright," and "Used to Love U," drawing inspiration from Legend's church-rooted gospel background and a desire to fuse neo-soul with live instrumentation reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.[8] Legend's influences also included Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles, emphasizing a "sinner-saint" dichotomy that infused the project's themes with spiritual depth and secular introspection.[7] These initial ideas stemmed from Legend's aim to create "spirit music" that contrasted the formulaic R&B of the era, prioritizing authentic emotional expression over commercial trends.[6] Following multiple label rejections for his demos, Legend signed with Kanye West's newly formed GOOD Music imprint (affiliated with Columbia Records) in May 2004, marking a pivotal endorsement from West that elevated him from session work to a lead artist.[https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/john-legend-get-lifted/)[6] This signing provided the resources to develop his solo project, shifting focus from collaborative hooks to a full debut album, shortly after the success of West's The College Dropout, which amplified industry interest in Legend's talent. The initial songwriting process for Get Lifted centered on personal relationships and everyday life, with Legend drawing from autobiographical experiences like his parents' divorce to explore themes of love, infidelity, and vulnerability.[6] Most songs were composed before 2004 during informal sessions in New York and Philadelphia, often with collaborator Dave Tozer, resulting in piano-driven demos that captured raw, confessional narratives such as those in "Ordinary People."[7] These early recordings, including live sets like 2001's Live at Jimmy's Uptown, allowed Legend to refine his voice and style through feedback, emphasizing conceptual depth over polished production at this stage.[6]Recording and production
The recording sessions for Get Lifted spanned from 2001 to 2004, with most work occurring after John Legend signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music label in May 2004, culminating in the album's release on December 28, 2004. Sessions took place across multiple locations to accommodate Legend's schedule, including apartments in Newark, New York, and Los Angeles; Studio Crash in Philadelphia; The Record Plant and Westlake Studios in Los Angeles; Sony Music Studios in New York City; The Stewchia in Los Feliz, California; and Sound Images in Cincinnati, Ohio.[6][9] Kanye West served as executive producer, providing creative direction by reworking Legend's existing demos into a polished project that blended neo-soul with hip-hop elements, while also co-producing tracks such as "Number One," "So High," and "I Can Change." Primary production was handled by Dave Tozer, who contributed to eight tracks including "Ordinary People," "Let's Get Lifted Again," and "Do What I Gotta Do," emphasizing layered arrangements and live instrumentation for an organic feel. Additional production came from will.i.am on "She Don't Have to Know" and Devo Springsteen (also known as Devo Harris), who worked on three songs like "Refuge (It's Raining)" and "It Don't Have to Change," incorporating drum programming and keyboard elements. Legend himself co-produced several tracks and played piano throughout, often recording vocals and instrumentation in a voice-and-piano style to capture raw emotion, particularly on ballads like "Ordinary People."[7][10][11] The production prioritized live band elements to evoke a warm, neo-soul aesthetic inspired by artists like Stevie Wonder, featuring musicians such as bassist Tom Craskey and guitarist Dave Tozer on select tracks. Guest contributions added distinctive textures, including Kanye West's rap on "So High," Snoop Dogg's verses and ad-libs on "I Can Change," and Miri Ben-Ari's violin strings on "Used to Love U." Engineers like Anthony Kilhoffer and Andrew Dawson assisted in mixing at Larrabee Studios in Los Angeles, ensuring a cohesive sound despite the distributed sessions.[9][6] Legend faced challenges in balancing the sessions with his commitments, including driving between Philadelphia for work with Tozer and Los Angeles for collaborations with will.i.am and West, amid years of prior rejections that honed his persistence from 1999 onward. These logistical hurdles contributed to a focused yet iterative process, refining demos into the final 15-track album.[6]Composition
Musical style
Get Lifted is primarily classified as an R&B album incorporating neo-soul and old-school soul elements, with additional infusions of gospel and hip-hop across its 14 tracks spanning a runtime of 52:28.[5][7] The album's sound blends these genres to create a fusion that emphasizes emotional depth and rhythmic vitality, distinguishing it from the smoother neo-soul trends of the early 2000s.[6] The production prioritizes live instrumentation, including piano, bass, and drums, over synthetic electronic beats, fostering a warm, organic texture throughout the record.[12][13] This approach, rooted in Legend's gospel background and Philly soul heritage, results in arrangements that feel live-band driven, with elements like chapel organs, gospel-tinged horns, and layered choirs adding richness without overpowering the core melodies.[7][14] Stylistically, the album features a mix of mid-tempo ballads and uptempo grooves, exemplified by the piano-driven simplicity of "Ordinary People," which strips back to voice and keys for intimate vulnerability, and the energetic "Used to Love U," where Kanye West's hip-hop beats introduce a bouncy, sample-heavy rhythm.[15][7] These choices create dynamic pacing, balancing reflective introspection with infectious energy.[16] Drawing from 1970s soul influences such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, the album merges classic warmth with contemporary production techniques, including sped-up samples and crisp hip-hop drums, while Legend's raspy, preacher-like vocals deliver authenticity without reliance on Auto-Tune or over-polished effects.[17][7] This blend yields a sound that feels both timeless and forward-looking, prioritizing raw emotional expression over commercial gloss.[6][13]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Get Lifted center on themes of love, relationships, vulnerability, and introspection, drawing from the complexities of romantic dynamics without resorting to idealized portrayals. Tracks like "Ordinary People" offer a realistic depiction of couple interactions, emphasizing arguments and reconciliation with lines such as "Maybe we're gonna fight," which highlight the inevitable conflicts in everyday partnerships.[6] This approach underscores the album's focus on emotional honesty, portraying love as a challenging yet human experience marked by mistakes and growth.[18] Personal anecdotes from John Legend's life infuse the songwriting, including reflections on past heartbreaks and the nuances of ordinary romance, inspired in part by his parents' divorce and remarriage. Songs such as "She Don't Have to Know" explore infidelity from a male perspective, detailing a secret affair between two individuals already in committed relationships, as in the narrative of mutual deception to preserve stability.[6][19] These elements avoid sensationalism, instead prioritizing introspective storytelling that resonates through relatable, non-glamorous scenarios.[18] The album's songs predominantly follow verse-chorus structures, featuring poetic yet conversational lyrics that enhance their emotional directness, often supported by simple piano arrangements to amplify the intimacy. Co-writing credits are primarily shared between Legend and collaborators like Devon Harris, his former roommate and Kanye West's cousin, who contributed to tracks emphasizing authenticity and personal narrative over polished commercial appeals.[6][18]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Get Lifted, "Used to Love U", was released on August 31, 2004, in formats including CD and 12-inch vinyl, with "Money Blown" as the B-side on select editions.[20] It marked John Legend's debut as a lead artist and achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 32 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In the United Kingdom, the track reached number 7 on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.[21] "Ordinary People", the album's second single, followed on April 7, 2005, available as a CD single and digital download.[22] Produced by Legend and will.i.am, it became the most successful release from the album, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.[1] The song's piano-driven balladry contributed to its radio airplay and longevity on adult contemporary formats. The third single, "Number One" featuring Kanye West, was issued on August 23, 2005, primarily as a promotional 12-inch vinyl and digital download, incorporating a sample from The Staple Singers' "Let's Do It Again".[23] It peaked at number 81 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 86 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and number 62 on the UK Singles Chart.[1][24] "So High" featuring Kanye West served as the fourth and final single, released on December 8, 2005, in CD and digital formats, with a popular Cloud 9 Remix version featuring Lauryn Hill issued alongside the original.[25] The track bubbled just outside the main US charts, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and number 53 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In the UK, it reached number 70 on the Singles Chart.[26]| Single | Release Date | US Hot 100 Peak | US R&B/Hip-Hop Peak | UK Singles Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Used to Love U" | August 31, 2004 | 74 | 32 | — |
| "Ordinary People" | April 7, 2005 | 24 | 4 | 4 |
| "Number One" (feat. Kanye West) | August 23, 2005 | 81 | 86 | 62 |
| "So High" (feat. Kanye West) | December 8, 2005 | — | 53 | 70 |
Marketing and music videos
The marketing for Get Lifted began with the release of lead single "Used to Love U" in August 2004, which garnered significant radio airplay ahead of the album's launch on December 28, 2004, through GOOD Music and Columbia Records.[28][9] Promotional efforts included sampler CDs distributed to radio stations and retailers, as well as in-store displays to build anticipation for Legend's debut.[29] The campaign emphasized Legend's soulful R&B style and piano-driven sound, positioning him as a fresh voice in contemporary music. Two music videos were produced to support the album's singles. The video for "Used to Love U," directed by Ben Mor, presents a narrative centered on themes of romantic disillusionment, featuring Legend in everyday settings that underscore the song's emotional lyrics.[30] For the second single "Ordinary People," co-directed by Chris Milk and Kanye West, the visual depicts Legend performing on a grand piano in a stark white void, intercut with vignettes of couples and families navigating arguments and reconciliations to illustrate relational struggles.[31] In 2005, Legend supported the album through live performances, including opening slots on Kanye West's Touch the Sky Tour across North America, where his sets focused on intimate piano-vocal renditions of tracks like "Ordinary People" and "Used to Love U."[32] These shows highlighted his raw musicianship and helped extend the album's visibility. Additional promotion involved a push for the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, where Get Lifted earned eight nominations across categories such as Best New Artist and Best R&B Album.[33] Legend bolstered the rollout with key media appearances in 2005, including performances on The View and a duet with Stevie Wonder on "Ordinary People" at the BET Awards, which showcased his vocal range and collaborative appeal.[34] He also released John Legend: Live at the House of Blues, a concert film capturing energetic renditions from the album with guest spots by Kanye West and Snoop Dogg.[35]Reception
Critical reviews
Upon its release, Get Lifted received widespread critical acclaim for its blend of neo-soul, gospel, and hip-hop influences. Critics praised John Legend's emotive vocals and songwriting depth, highlighting how his church-rooted piano playing and raw delivery brought authenticity to the genre. For instance, Pitchfork lauded the album's soulful authenticity in a retrospective review, noting its "sacrilegious spin on gospel and R&B" that captured Legend at his most intriguing.[7] Rolling Stone awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, commending the live-band feel and organic production that evoked classic soul while feeling fresh for the mid-2000s. Vibe magazine gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, calling it a standout debut that advanced genre-pushing spirit akin to D'Angelo's Voodoo. However, some reviewers pointed to occasional over-familiarity with neo-soul tropes, such as reliance on familiar romantic and confessional themes that occasionally bordered on predictability. Slant Magazine, for example, critiqued the cheeky tone in tracks like "Let's Get Lifted" as sometimes affected, though it still recognized Legend's vocal earnestness.[36] Retrospective views have further solidified its reputation, particularly with the 2024 deluxe reissue, which added remixes and bonus tracks featuring artists like Tems and Lil Wayne; critics noted its enduring relevance amid ongoing R&B revival discussions.[37] Pitchfork's 2022 reassessment emphasized how the album's levity and emotional undercurrents continue to resonate. Specific tracks like "Ordinary People" were frequently highlighted for their universality, with the ballad's honest exploration of relationship flaws earning praise as a timeless standout that contributed to Legend's three Grammy wins for the album.[7]Accolades
Get Lifted received significant recognition following its release, particularly at major award ceremonies in 2005 and 2006. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in 2006, the album won Best R&B Album, while John Legend secured Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the track "Ordinary People." The album and its singles earned a total of eight nominations that year, including Song of the Year and Best R&B Song for "Ordinary People." Earlier, at the 2005 BET Awards, Legend won Best New Artist in support of the album. The video for "Ordinary People" was nominated for Best Male Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. In 2006, Get Lifted was honored with the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album – Male, and "Ordinary People" won Best R&B/Soul Single – Male.Commercial performance
Chart performance
Get Lifted debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200, selling 116,000 copies in its first week.[1] The album climbed to a peak of number 4 and remained on the chart for 39 weeks.[38] On the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, it reached number 1 and held the position for 3 weeks.[39] Internationally, the album achieved strong performance in several markets. It topped the Norwegian Albums Chart at number 1. In Sweden, it peaked at number 2 on the Albums Chart. The album reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. It also peaked at number 36 on the Australian Albums Chart (ARIA) and number 53 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP). For the year, Get Lifted ranked number 34 on the 2005 US Billboard 200 year-end chart.[40]| Chart (2004–2005) | Peak position | Weeks on chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 4 | 39 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 1 | — |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 36 | 1 |
| French Albums (SNEP) | 53 | 22 |
| Norwegian Albums (VG-lista) | 1 | 24 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) | 2 | 22 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 12 | 38 |
| UK R&B Albums (OCC) | 2 | — |
Sales and certifications
In the United States, Get Lifted was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on October 13, 2020, representing shipments of 2 million units. By 2025, including equivalent units from streaming, the album has reached an estimated 2.1 million units. Globally, the album has sold over 3 million copies. It earned Gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom for 100,000 units on January 10, 2005, along with Gold certifications in Canada (50,000 units, 2007), Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.[41][42] Sales experienced a notable revenue boost following John Legend's Grammy wins in 2006, which elevated the album's profile and contributed to sustained commercial success.[43]Credits
Track listing
The standard edition of Get Lifted, released in 2004, consists of 14 tracks with a total runtime of 52:28. All tracks were primarily produced by Dave Tozer, with co-production credits to John Legend on select tracks and additional producers noted where applicable.[9][44]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Prelude" | J. Stephens | John Legend | 0:44 |
| 2 | "Let's Get Lifted" | J. Stephens, K. West, R. Shobin | Kanye West, John Legend | 3:37 |
| 3 | "Used to Love U" | J. Stephens, K. West | Kanye West | 3:31 |
| 4 | "Alright" | J. Stephens, K. West | Kanye West | 3:21 |
| 5 | "She Don't Have to Know" | J. Stephens, S. Stewart, W. Adams | will.i.am | 4:52 |
| 6 | "Number One" (featuring Kanye West) | C. Mayfield, J. Stephens, K. West | Kanye West | 3:18 |
| 7 | "I Can Change" (featuring Snoop Dogg) | C. Broadus, D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 5:01 |
| 8 | "Ordinary People" | J. Stephens, W. Adams | Dave Tozer, John Legend | 4:41 |
| 9 | "Stay With You" | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 3:49 |
| 10 | "Let's Get Lifted Again" | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 2:18 |
| 11 | "So High" | D. Harris, J. Stephens, L. Ware, P. Sawyer, P. Cho | Dave Tozer | 5:07 |
| 12 | "Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)" | D. Harris, J. Stephens, P. Cho | Dave Tozer, Paul Cho | 4:13 |
| 13 | "It Don't Have to Change" (featuring The Stephens Family) | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 3:23 |
| 14 | "Live It Up" (featuring Miri Ben-Ari) | D. Harris, J. Stephens, T. Torae, T. Hester | Kanye West, Miri Ben-Ari | 4:35 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Prelude" | J. Stephens | John Legend | 0:44 |
| 2 | "Let's Get Lifted" | J. Stephens, K. West, R. Shobin | Kanye West, John Legend | 3:37 |
| 3 | "Used to Love U" | J. Stephens, K. West | Kanye West | 3:31 |
| 4 | "Alright" | J. Stephens, K. West | Kanye West | 3:21 |
| 5 | "She Don't Have to Know" | J. Stephens, S. Stewart, W. Adams | will.i.am | 4:52 |
| 6 | "Number One" (featuring Kanye West) | C. Mayfield, J. Stephens, K. West | Kanye West | 3:18 |
| 7 | "I Can Change" (featuring Snoop Dogg) | C. Broadus, D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 5:01 |
| 8 | "Ordinary People" | J. Stephens, W. Adams | Dave Tozer, John Legend | 4:41 |
| 9 | "Stay With You" | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 3:49 |
| 10 | "Let's Get Lifted Again" | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 2:18 |
| 11 | "So High" (Single Version) | D. Harris, J. Stephens, L. Ware, P. Sawyer, P. Cho | Dave Tozer | 5:07 |
| 12 | "Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)" | D. Harris, J. Stephens, P. Cho | Dave Tozer, Paul Cho | 4:13 |
| 13 | "It Don't Have to Change" (featuring The Stephens Family) | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | 3:23 |
| 14 | "Live It Up" (featuring Miri Ben-Ari) | D. Harris, J. Stephens, T. Torae, T. Hester | Kanye West, Miri Ben-Ari | 4:35 |
| 15 | "So High" (Cloud 9 Remix featuring Lauryn Hill) | J. Stephens, D. Harris, P. Cho, L. Hill | Lauryn Hill | — |
| 16 | "Used to Love U" (9th Wonder Playmates Imagining Remix featuring Black Thought) | J. Stephens, K. West | 9th Wonder | — |
| 17 | "Number One" (Obi Remix) | C. Mayfield, J. Stephens, K. West | Obi | — |
| 18 | "Let's Get Lifted Again" (Man-Man Remix featuring Killer Mike & Lil Wayne) | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Man-Man | — |
| 19 | "Ordinary People" (Man-Man Remix featuring Tems) | J. Stephens, W. Adams | Man-Man | — |
| 20 | "Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)" (Man-Man/The Imports Remix featuring Simi) | D. Harris, J. Stephens, P. Cho | Man-Man, The Imports | — |
| 21 | "Do What I Gotta Do" | J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | — |
| 22 | "She Don't Have to Know" (Man-Man Remix) | J. Stephens, S. Stewart, W. Adams | Man-Man | — |
| 23 | "Money Blown" | J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | — |
| 24 | "Johnnys Gotta Go" | J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | — |
| 25 | "It Don't Have to Change" (Man-Man Remix featuring The Stephens Family) | D. Tozer, J. Stephens | Man-Man | — |
| 26 | "Just In Time" | J. Stephens | Dave Tozer | — |