Hudson records second album

rising to stardom with her Oscar-winning role in movie smash Dream Girls and a worldwide smash with single “Spotlight”, the former American Idol contestant was struck by unimaginable tragedy. Her mother, brother and nephew were murdered in late 2008 and the rising star stepped out of the media glare to deal with the heartbreak.
A little over two years later, the star has returned with a second album and a host of new film projects in the pipeline, rising like a soulful phoenix from the flames to keep her star rising across the music and movie industry.
The album, “I Remember Me”, covers a truly personal journey for Hudson, but does one woman’s heartache and tragedy translate into a brilliant album? Read on to find out.
“No One Gonna Love You” aka the statement of intent. A piano-led, old school sounding track, Jennifer Hudson stands her ground for the traditional soul singer. The album is free from any RedOne productions, or any other much-hyped modern producers, and “No One’s Gonna Love You” asserts not only her traditional sound, but her current state of mind here as she sings: “I’ve been through some things/don’t hold that against me/can’t nobody love you like I’m gonna love you”. A mid-tempo head-nodder with a real story to tell.
“I Got This” aka the life-affirming soul anthem. If the album opener reveals Jennifer’s vulnerability, then “I Got This” is the track to assure doubters that she’s back on the block and putting her troubles behind her. A rousing gospel chant on the chorus leaves the track feeling fresh and inspirational. A message of positivity and one that gives us little goosebumps.
“Where You At” aka her US comeback single. More classic soul from Jennifer, “Where You At” served as her comeback track in America. Perhaps a little too mellow for UK audiences, the R. Kelly produced “Where You At” is still a beautiful soul ballad driven by Jen’s silky tones. Lovely.
“Angel” aka a true happy-clapper. Remember how brilliant the soundtracks to Sister Act 1 & 2 were? This would have sounded perfectly at home on either of those. The religious undertones are subtle enough for consumption by a cynical pop audience and the gospel influences make for a soaring celebration of life. Now where’s Whoopi when you need her?
“I Remember Me” aka the UK comeback single. A deeply personal track, and a brave move to make her international pop return with a song that deals so openly with her troubled life. The title should suggest, however, that the song has a positive outlook – and like the album as a whole, is the story of a woman recovering from tragedy, not one who has been overcome by it. Powerful production echoes the strength of the lyrics and makes for a spine-tingling return to form.
“Gone” aka the first light-hearted love song. While the album’s theme is clear, soul music’s staple source is covered here – love. An uptempo dedication to the man in her life, a touch of electronica in the production breaks up some of the album’s balladry nicely. Simple but effective, this is a traditional sounding soul song blended with modern production.
“Everybody Needs Love” aka the party track Oh hello, party-animal Jennifer! We’re not talking Ke$ha territory here, but this Alicia Keys-penned track is a ladies’ party anthem full of lyrics about putting your arms in the air if you need love. Which is silly really, we all need a little bit of that from time to time. A sultry spoken word middle-eight is reminiscent of Diana Ross and The Supremes, and compliments for soul songs don’t come much higher than that.
“Why Is It So Hard” aka the live-sounding one. Driven by a big drum beat, “Why Is It So Hard” is one of the album’s standouts, with brilliant live production matched perfectly to Jennifer’s classy vocal acrobatics. A mid-tempo track which, despite the title, has a thorough and determined sense of optimism. The word “diva” should be rolled out about now. We’re surprised we left it so long to be honest.
“Don’t Look Down” aka the one that sounds like early Mary J Blige. The album’s charm comes greatly from the traditional sounds on the album, and “Don’t Look Down” reminds us of Mary J’s classic “All Night Long” cover with it’s big piano beat and brilliant lady-vocals. The album’s strongest party track.
“Still Here” aka the properly big ballad. After a handful of uptempo party tunes and lovelorn lyrics, “Still Here” makes a return to the album’s winding theme of Jennifer Hudson’s inner strength in the face of adversity. Penned by ballad expert Diane Warren, the lyrics seem the most direct dedication to the family members she lost. While the song itself is far from a standout, the lyrics and story of the song makes for some stirring stuff.
“Feeling Good” aka a Nina Simone cover. There’s no real need for this cover on the album, but Jennifer’s a capable enough vocalist not to make a complete hash of this big-band jazz classic. Entirely superfluous but generally in-keeping with the rest of the album. Nice trumpets love.
“Believe” aka the sort of last song. In terms of a nice tidy ending – this is it. Obviously you’re not at the end of the review, so there’s a couple of bonus tracks added, but “Believe” works as the album’s official end. An old school gospel song about belief, which pushes the religious schmaltz a little too much for our liking, but sung so beautifully and with such personal lyrics, it’s hard to fault.
“Spotlight” aka the one that’s already been a hit. Jennifer quit her first album early, leaving this as her only major UK hit. Added here, it makes a welcome addition and timely reminder how brilliant a song it is. A deserved hit.
“Love Is Your Colour” (with Leona Lewis) aka the Leona Lewis duet. It’s a brave woman who agrees to featuring X Factor winner Leona Lewis on her album, but Jennifer Hudson is one of the few vocalist capable of holding her own alongside the British diva.
Building from a simple beginning to a soaring finale, the women wisely avoid a diva-off, instead allowing Leona’s high notes contrast with Jennifer’s deeper tones. A tale of courage and strength, which verges on the soppy, but as the proper close to such an emotional album, ends proceedings with a message of hope and positivity. Nice one ladies.
While Jennifer Hudson is a million miles from current UK urban artistes, her traditional take on a soul record is a refreshing experience in today’s overly noisy music market as producers strive to get louder and more ambitious with their artists. An album with true heart and soul. Welcome back, Jennifer Hudson. – orange.co.uk.