Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson
(Sony BMG / Arista)
By Cheryl Leong
Choice Cut : Pocketbook, I'm His Only Woman, And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going
Official website: http://www.jenniferhudsononline.com/
From Idol contestant to Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress in 2006's Dreamgirls, 2008 finally saw Hudson accomplish her solo, self-titled debut album. There was never any doubt that this powerhouse has mighty pipes. But what's commendable is that she clocks in controlled performances, reigning in her dynamic vocals to ensure that it doesn't spiral into ear-piercing screams. Most of the time, anyway.
Musical diversity here is however, a double-edged sword. You can catch the many facets of Jennifer Hudson through supple vocal alterations for some hip-hop, a little gospel, couple of R&B ballads and even neo-soul. But there is little in the way of establishing her identity as an artist. Despite being a treat for the ears, the album tends towards a tired, tried-and-tested production by the end.
First single "Spotlight" is a Ne-yo penned number executed with silky vocals accompanying a catchy hook and bass. Picture grooving to the song... under a "spotlight!" "If This Isn't Love" burns with a slow, smoldering R&B flavor as the dreamy piano plays in the background. A Ludacris collaboration, "Pocketbook" is a surprisingly cool beatboxing hip-hop number. Hudson's malleable vocals also morph into an edgier and sassier cadence.
Showing off her crisp, clear vocals in the ballad "Giving Myself," Hudson scales the high and low ranges effortlessly. Robin Thicke provides guest backing vocals here for a combined richer harmony. "What's Wrong? (Go Away)" features the Auto-tune of T-Pain, a nice contrast with Hudson. An innovatively layed out track, "My Heart" highlights keyboards and little clicks of the drumsticks as unique complements.
An eagerly-anticipated duet is of course, the one with fellow Idol contestant, Fantasia Barrino. "I'm His Only Woman" is a 2008 update on Brandy and Monica's "The Boy is Mine." It boasts classy and sophisticated blues orchestral arrangements. Their two very different vocal tones come together well in this vocal sparring.
"Can't Stop The Rain" is one of the better tracks lyrically, and its melancholic guitar melody is in perfect keeping with the heartbreaking theme. Hudson does her best on triumphant odes to love. Womanly power anthems are also right up her alley. "We Gon' Fight" and "Invisible," respectively, attest to that.
Taking the Jennifer Holiday definitive, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and making it her own, Hudson has managed a finely nuanced and impeccably electrifying rendition. Pouring every ounce of her gospel-drenched vocals into "Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There," this graceful gospel hymn is all the more poignant after everything that's happened to her thus far.
It was with trepidation that I first picked up Hudson's album. As with all singers with big voices, it is risky business if you do not have the finesse to convert Broadway flamboyance into radio restraint. Jennifer Hudson's debut may not be the most flawless achievement, but it is still a testament to her immense potential and talent. And as it turned out, I was worried for nothing.
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