FROM the opening strains of Hard Times, the first track on John Legend’s latest album, I don’t think my foot stopped tapping.

It was like stepping back in time, but in a good way. If I’d been walking down the street, I swear I would have found it hard not to swagger as I listened to this. The title track, a reworking of the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ hit, featuring Common and Melanie Fiona, is smoother than Galaxy chocolate.

There are 12 tracks in total, all covers bar one, and it’s really hard to pick a favourite, given that they all have so much to champion them.

Play it with your lady, play it by yourself, but just play it.