John Legend: Get Lifted (Sony BMG) 

Can't figure out what the big deal with Usher is? Neither can a lot of people, so don’t fret. Turn your attention instead to John Legend, a neo soul artiste whom rapper Kanye West has taken under his wings. It took a bit of time for Sony BMG to get this album on the local racks, and for months, Get Lifted was only available on import. But finally, it’s easily available. Legend (credited as J. Stephens in the inlay) and West co-produced this debut album, and co-wrote tracks Number One and Alright. West even appears in Number One, an upbeat love song that’s about to hit the charts. Another high profile guest is Snoop Dogg, who gets preachy in I Can Change. The first single is the memorable and catchy Used to Love U, and Legend’s tasteful blend of vintage soul, hip hop and earthy appeal gets better and better after a few spins. But beyond the grooves, it is the slow and emotional piano-led Ordinary People that will probably impress you most about Mr Legend.