Ruben Studdard
Love Is (Hickory)
Ruben Studdard isn’t exactly America’s favorite Idol. Sure he won the title in 2003, but unlike fellow victors Fantasia Barrino and Kelly Clarkson, the cuddly balladeer never quite managed to nab mainstream superstardom. But five years since his win, a flighty fanbase hasn’t hindered him from trying for a fourth round. With Love Is, Studdard gathers a collection of sweet ditties for emo junkies; sentiments that are resounding, but ultimately a bit too mushy to swallow.
There’s no doubting Studdard’s vocal abilities; the “velvet teddy bear” can belt billowing love songs that could peel paint. Here, Studdard’s warm baritone does justice to classic rock tunes like Extreme’s 1991 “More Than Words” and The Beatles’s 1970 smash “The Long & Winding Road,” but the karaoke can’t help the originals Studdard’s been saddled with. “Song for Her” wheezes along, while “Just Because” and “Footprints in the Sand” are pure elevator music—nowhere near the wedding night swoon they yearn to be. The gleaming Stargate-produced cut “Don’t Make Em Like U No More” is a rare highlight of Love Is, proving that Studdard’s can be both soulful and youthful. A formula he needs to if he wants to step out the Fox box.
Ruben Studdard's "Love Is" is in stores 5/19/09
Love Is Track listing
1. “Together”
2. “More Than Words”
3. “Song For Her”
4. “How You Make Me Feel”
5. “Don’t Make Em Like U No More”
6. “I Can’t Help It”
7. “Just Because”
8. “My Love is a Rock”
9. “The Long And Winding Road”
10. “For The Good Times”
11. “We Got Enough (That’s Enough)”
12. “Footprints in the Sand”
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