American Idol 2 winner Ruben Studdard's CD 'Soulful' dropped December 9th, a long delayed, but highly anticipated debut from the Birmingham, Alabama native. This fourteen track cd features some 'soulful' hits, but has some unfortunate misses as well when Studdard ventures into the world of hiphop.
Track one leads off with 'Sorry 2004', an apologetic Ruben gives props to his English teacher with this similie loaded nod to his hurt lover, checking himself ahead of time , because he knows how he is. A nice song vocally, but the lyrics remind me that RUN/DMC said it best long ago with the simple, short, 'It's LIKE that, and that's the way it is'. Enough said..
'No Ruben' is track two, and begins the first of several too easy to 'go there' song titles throughout Soulful. A self congratulatory song , the first of many attempts by Studdard to break away from the ballad Ruben of American Idol fame..(Just say) No Ruben.
The remake of the BeeGee's classic 'How can you mend a broken heart?' is wonderful vocally, but too.slow. Studdard's version seems like a cassette tape that got stuck in the player, and is playing at a slower speed. Great for bedtime...when you have insomnia. Sweet Dreams.
'Take the Shot' is the fourth track as Ruben snatches the crown from Heavy D as the Overweight Lover with this lyrically scary propostion pitting Studdard and the woman he desires in the ultimate 'basketball' game.. (Ruben don't need no bling..he just needs a special thing) Listen to lines such as 'Take it to the hole' bring to mind the poor woman in a desperate game of winner chooses fate...Let's hope it wasn't shirts and skins..
In a scary duet that is all wrong..The new Overweight Lover brings along a contender to his throne..special guest Fat Joe..in the fifth track 'What is Sexy'..a disturbing song where the listener is never really told WHAT is sexy, rather has the image of Ruben and Fat Joe with their hoochie conquests burned in the mind..forever.
It's a bizarre instance of Not enough Info (What is sexy)..and TMI(too much info)Ruben, Joe and how they're gonna 'do' their women...I have to wash my velvet teddybear..just because.
Track six is 'What If'..as in what if Ruben was provided better lyricists and advice from the powers that be at J records..This ballad is nice enough, and Ruben shows what made him a favorite on American Idol as he showcases his degree from the Luther Vandross school of vocal technique .
In a much needed mind cleanser, track seven is Studdard's version of the Carpenters/Luther Vandross classic 'Superstar', described by some as 'the slowest song in history'..but a nice version by Ruben, although evocative of Luther, Ruben shines on this song..Briefly showcased during the American Idol competition, I love this song, in most any version, and Studdard succeeds in making me love this one as well.
'Can I get your attention' is track eight..and, well, thank you, I'm asking what took you so long? Whoever chose the song titles for Soulful must have a bone to pick with Studdard, or is just unintentionally funny. This song features guest Pretty Tony, and was featured during the American Idol Summer Tour. Ruben's in da house, y'all..
With track nine, Studdard gives his best performance with
'For All We Know'..truly a 'smooth grooves' ballad, sure to make those who love the sweet soul music for lovers only swoon (insert deep Barry White voice here..). Ruben should really realize that THIS style of music will serve him well in a long career, not the feeble attempts at hiphop.( Ruben, see Ronald Isley not Fat Joe, ok?) The best track on a so-so cd...worth the price alone.
'Play our song' is track ten, a song that (again) invokes Luther Vandross' early work. Pleasant, nothing spectacular, but shows that Soulful actually improves it nears the end.
Track eleven slides back to the bad song title/subliminal message thing with 'Don't Quit on Me'...I found it tempting because I had to check that my cd wasn't skipping during several instances during this song. Very annoying, the repetitive nature of the lyrics will make you think the same thing.
Ruben regains momentum with track twelve 'After the Candles Burn'...Another nice love song..and a chance to make all the Studdard/American Idol fans happy as Big Rube brings out the 'Baby, Baby, Baby' so many were used to during the AI2 competition. This is what Ruben Studdard IS all about.
Track thirteen is a bonus song 'Flying without Wings', Studdards debut single from May. This brings back so many memories for anyone who watched the controversial American Idol finals. This was Ruben's showcase song, his best selling single, and a spiritual effort that remains one of Studdards best on Soulful.
The final track is one more bonus song 'We Have Not Forgotten' (featuring Fred Hammond)..well J records , WE had ALMOST forgoten , since it took so long to get this cd released! But this final song is a beautiful duet with Studdard/Hammond working well together. Ruben Studdard seems to shine when he's working with a partner, feeding off their energy. This song is a fine example of such, and a nice way to finish Soulful.
Soulful has it's moments, and is a decent debut for Ruben Studdard. He just needs to find what exactly works for his style, and I think he seems to address that several times on this CD. Better song writers, producers and advisors will be of a great benefit if he intends to thrive in the highly competitive music business.
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