Music Analysis #1 : Conversations in the Dark-John Legend

Conversations in the Dark-John Legend

I absolutely adore this song in so many ways. I was first introduced to the song when my SO and I were on a cruise in Cali. The song had just come out and I didn't know a thing about it but my SO played it for me and I found that to be the sweetest thing. Conversations in the Dark was written by John Legend, Gregg Wattenberg, Jesse Fink, Kellen Pomeranz, and Chance Pena. It was produced by Gregg Wattenberg and Pom Pom. 

 Conversations in the Dark by John Legend 2020, USA.

My thoughts

The lyrics in the song is what do it for me. They are so personal for me with my relationship. To have a love like this is so special and really it's everything. Also another aspect is what John Legend chooses for the music video, home videos of couples. That's so authentic. I love the piano in the song and how soft the melody is. How the song is pieced together is beautiful and I still cry sometimes while listening to the song. It is just that special to me.

Lyrics

The lyrics in this song are personal, delicate, and vulnerable. Jordan Tilchen with MTV states, "Lyrically, the track sounds a lot like vows written by a groom to his bride." The chorus is really where I believe that statement to be true. 

[Chorus]
I won't ever try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won't break your heart
I'll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won't break your heart

Full lyrics-click here

The chorus is catchy and in a way he is reassuring his wife his love. The verses are as well special. In the first verse he talks about them staying up late, watching movies they have already seen. Though this is what they are doing you get the sense that it is more than just that. That there is a deeper connection.

Rhythm

In the rhythm of this song there is a variety of silence. The song starts off with just guitar, and then he goes into singing. Later in the song piano is added along with back up vocals and percussion. There is also parts where it's silent from instruments and John, where the back up singers are singing. It intensifies the song and gives me chills. 

Dynamics and Vocals

Dynamics play a huge role in this song. I love the way John goes from singing forte to piano. I also love how restrained he sings in the beginning of the song and the further he gets into the song he adds more passion into his singing. According to The Musical Hype, "“Conversations in the Dark” shines thanks to rich vocals, relatable songwriting, and production fusing pop and ‘grown folks’ R&B respectfully." 

Sources:

The Musical Hype. “John Legend, Conversations in the Dark: Track Review 🎵.” The Musical Hype, 11 Jan. 2020, www.themusicalhype.com/john-legend-conversations-in-the-dark-track-review/.

Tilchen, Jordyn. “John Legend Has Written The World's Sweetest Vows On 'Conversations In The Dark'.” MTV News, 10 Jan. 2020, www.mtv.com/news/3152233/john-legend-conversations-in-the-dark/.