Corporate line:
The 2008 self-titled debut album of Jennifer Kate Hudson reflects her high-powered soulful style voice which is transcendent and timeless. Guests features on the album include Fantasia on “I’m His Only Woman”, Ludacris on “Pocketbook”, plus the highlights version of “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. Jennifer first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a SAG Award.
The good:
“If This Isn’t Love” – A beautiful ballad that showcases Hudson’s strength.
“Giving Myself” – Again, Hudson breezes through another epic ballad that sounds ready for the finale of American Idol.
“I’m His Only Woman” f/ Fantasia – Two women singing their hearts out–what else is there to say.
“Can’t Stop The Rain” – The slowest and most laid back ballad. It’s getting cliche to say Hudson can sing any ballad, good or bad, and make it sound great.
“Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There” – The album ends on a high note as Hudson drops a beautiful bit of gospel on us.
The rest:
“Spotlight” – Reaches back into the soul of the ’70s but never hits the big booming epic sound of Donna Summers.
“Pocketbook” – Light on lyrics and melody. It’s a shame becuase the verses are hot. The hook is almost nonexistent as Hudson sings over and over “hit you with my pocketbook.”
“Whats Wrong (Go Away)” f/T-Pain – Again, the overuse of digital effects–in this case every vocal part by T-Pain is digitized. It destroys the song.
Finally:
Jennifer Hudson has the voice to dominate R&B and pop. The songs, for the most part, are good. But there aren’t any songs that are truly great. With a voice like hers you are always waiting for a song to give you goosebumps.
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