John Legend Gets Spiritual on ‘Roll Jordan Roll’

The new film '12 Years A Slave' looks like its going to be a heartbreaker, as it tells the story of an African American man from the North who's kidnapped into slavery. John Legend channels the painful subject matter on 'Roll Jordan Roll,' which will be featured on the film's official soundtrack.

The song is a rendition of what is known as a negro spiritual. There are no instruments here, just sparseness surrounding Legend's powerful singing. It's quite a switch-up from the lush sounds of 'Love in the Future' -- his most recent album. Here he channels deep pain, and it sounds raw.

'12 Years A Slave' is already being hailed as a masterpiece by some critics after its limited release this month. The film get its nationwide release on Nov. 1, while its soundtrack -- featuring Alicia Keys and Cody Chestnutt -- will be released on Nov. 19.

Listen to John Legend's 'Roll Jordan Roll'