Rap-Up.com || Review Roundup: Jennifer Hudson

A lot has changed since Jennifer Hudson released her self-titled debut in 2008. The Dreamgirl tragically lost her mother, brother, and nephew, wed WWE wrestler David Otunga, gave birth to her son, and shed 80 pounds, but one thing that remains constant is her powerful pipes. The Oscar winner triumphantly reemerges with her sophomore album I Remember Me, in stores Tuesday. Did the critics welcome J-Hud’s return to music? Find out below.

USA Today: Even when the material—crafted by a collection of pop and R&B stalwarts—flirts with the banal, Hudson’s unmannered strength and class shine through, as surely as the technical prowess she wields with confidence and discretion. 3.5 out of 4

Los Angeles Times: Hudson has a big, warm, church-trained R&B diva voice, a sure instrument for belting the blues and affirming the spirit. But that voice has never seemed comfortable among the bright shiny toys of a pop studio—like an old hardwood cutting board in a stainless steel kitchen. 2.5 out of 4

Entertainment Weekly: What’s more surprising than the album’s existence, though, is that Ms. Iron Pipes finally sounds like she’s having some fun. Where 2008’s Jennifer Hudson was bogged down with serious, self-assuring ballads, here she aims for a lighter vibe, flexing her newfound confidence on “I Got This” and coasting over producer Ryan Tedder’s signature emo-soul synths on the sparkling title track. B+

Chicago Sun-Times: The success of I Remember Me is in the light touch of its various producers and songwriters, giving Hudson plenty of room to stand flat-footed and sing. The only thing that’s overproduced is a fussy cover of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” which goes for baroque and spoils the magic of Simone’s suggestive restraint. 3 out of 4

Us Weekly: Her pristine pipes flourish in Ne-Yo—penned and Dreamgirls-esque ballads, just like on her first effort. Still, a few too many notes are again wasted on by-the-numbers R&B filler. 2.5 out of 4

Rap-Up’s Favorite Tracks: “I Got This,” “Angel,” “I Remember Me,” “Gone”

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17 Comments

Chandler
March 21st, 2011 at 7:49 am
J. Hudson is the Baddest and they know it. I rate her an A- she may not be able to cross over like Beyonce but she sure can out sing her!

[Reply]
JayCi Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 9:46 am
@Chandler, the music industry is not based on beyonce standards. her last album did good and her single only went top 40. i hope jennifer has even more success with this album but on her own terms but beyonce who is irrelevent to this post.

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Jarrell
March 21st, 2011 at 8:15 am
I have the album and I don’t like it at ALL. I am a J-HUD fan but this is not R&B. I support artist that evolved in the music industry and take risks but it doesnt work for her in this album. The standout Tracks to ME is Where U At & Believe. I agree with U.S. Weekly…. 2.5 out of 5.

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wauwasota
March 21st, 2011 at 8:15 am
jennifer has one of the greatest voices of all times and shes sings with such grace and style. when you have got it you got it and she definitely has got that she can sing factor and she has it on lock.

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wauwasota
March 21st, 2011 at 8:21 am
many will find negative things to sayabout her voice, but no one cares real people will always love her music. people are saying she over sing this and that well shes one of the people who can make you feel good, cry and snot your nose all at the same time.

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wauwasota
March 21st, 2011 at 8:24 am
its a good thing they could not find anything negative to say about her singing in “dreamgirls” huh and that is why shes
a power house , a natural ,, when god gives you the pipes like jennifer has theres no need to try and please no one but yourself.
and all the rest will fall into place for her.

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lea
March 21st, 2011 at 8:32 am
usweekly should stick to following kim kardashian around, and leave the music reviews to billboard, etc. they don’t matter #teamjhud #irememberme

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JayCi Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 9:47 am
@lea, COSIGN

[Reply]
... Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@lea, Why are you doing hashtags? This isn’t twitter.

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chunel
March 21st, 2011 at 10:11 am
that’s a great album, I love the tracks produced by Alicia Keys, even if it sounds maybe too…alicia keys ! But I hope J-Hud will do a good first week !

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gladis
March 21st, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I love the album. Can’t wait to buy it tomorrow

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Kyle
March 21st, 2011 at 2:48 pm
I definitely think Jennifer has improved from her debut album and I WILL be buying this tomorrow. I agree with EW’s review with the fact that her debut was just too ballad-heavy and just sounded like a drawn-out musical to capitalize off the success of her role in “Dreamgirls.” This album though seems a bit lighter and she just sounds more confidant. I really enjoy “I Remember Me,” “I Got This” and “Angels.”

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Kamini
March 21st, 2011 at 3:03 pm
The album is pretty good. She doesn’t do anything new or innovative in terms of taking R&B music to the next level, but she delivers with her powerful vocals. I need to take another listen to it, but “I Got This” is definitely one of (if not THE) album standout track. That should have been the first single, so hopefully it gets the single treatment next!

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xxxxx
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:04 pm
so glad i could hear with my own ears and depend on other person opinions, jennifer cd is fantastic.

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