Review: Jennifer Hudson – JHUD

In 2004 Jennifer Hudson took the world by storm with her dynamic vocal performances on American Idol. Since then she’s experienced incredible triumphs and heartbreaking tragedy and yet continues to reinvent herself as an artist with each passing phase. Snatching a coveted Academy Award for her performance in Dreamgirls (2006) and a Grammy for her self-titled debut album (2008), the songstress-turned-actress-turned-spokeswoman continues to forge her Hollywood Walk of Fame path with the release of her third studio album, JHUD. A concise recording of ten tracks ranging from dance music to ballads with an all-star line-up of producers and featured guests, including R. Kelly and Timbaland, JHUD is positioned to be the favored Jennifer Hudson album for music lovers across the board.

The album starts off understated but strong with “Dangerous”, a low-key tune with lounge ambience that has the potential to smash the international pop scene with an extended club mix, or at least get shoppers in the mood to browse sales racks in trendy boutiques. Following is “It’s Your World,” a soulful duet with co-hometown hero R­. Kelly. The song takes its count off and key directly from Roy Ayers’ 1977 disco funk hit “Running Away”, yet the tune’s tempo and vocal arrangement offer a distinct listening experience. “He Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” featuring a verse by pop sensation Iggy Azalea has more of an 80s rock bass line and synth solo, and along with “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)” featuring T.I. it is produced by Pharrell Williams. In keeping with super-producers, Timbaland makes an appearance on the single “Walk It Out” on which Hudson pays homage with her vocal delivery to the late Princess of R&B and frequent Timbaland collaborator, Aaliyah. Drawing on her Dreamgirls’ Effie White persona, “I Still Love You” embodies the disco legacy of the soundtrack single “One Time Only”, updated with a party edge. The album rounds out with mid-tempo high tones and at least one emotional ballad showcasing the full range of Jennifer Hudson’s voice. Whether she mimics Michael Jackson on “Say It” or nostalgically unleashes the church-inspired riffs on “Moan”, each song on JHUD creates great moments worth listening to.

 
Written by Mai Perkins

Originally from Los Angeles, Mai Perkins is currently living a decade long bona fide love affair with NYC and the music that keeps its spirit moving. Many of her adventures around the globe are documented on her blog: Mai On The Move! www.MaiOnTheMove.com

 
Author’s rating for JHUD

Pop Magazine’s official rating for JHUD

Rating key
MASTERPIECE a must-have
SUPERB for heavy rotation
EXCELLENT a great achievement
VERY GOOD a respectable result
GOOD worth checking out
FAIR an average outcome
WEAK not convincing stuff
BAD an underwhelming effort
VERY BAD quite a waste
FAIL a total failure