Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jennifer Hudson
“I Remember Me”

1. No One Gonna Love You
2. I Got This
3. Where You At
4. Angel
5. I Remember Me
6. Gone
7. Everybody Needs Love
8. Why Is It So Hard
9. Don’t Look Down
10. Still Here
11. Feeling Good
12. Believe


An Idol album hasn’t had a major impact on the Billboard charts since Carrie Underwood released “Play On” in November 2009.

That’s one heck of a drought for a show that calls itself American Idol.

But it’s not difficult to imagine Jennifer Hudson ending that drought with her sophomore CD, “I Remember Me.”

Sophomore slump? Not hardly.

The lead single, “Where You At,” is already at number 11 on the R&B singles chart and jumped seven spots this week on the Hot 100.

And it’s only one of several radio-friendly songs on the disc. Others include “I Got This,” “Gone,” “Why is it So Hard” and the title track.

In fact, “I Remember Me” seems to have more chart potential than Jennifer’s 2008 debut album. And all that album did was produce two number one R&B singles and win the 2009 Grammy for best R&B album of the year.

But if you’re looking for Jennifer’s best vocal on the new CD, fast forward to track number 11 and listen to the a cappella opening of the classic “Feeling Good.”

Brilliant, Jennifer. Simply brilliant.

Grade: B+

Other reviews:
AllMusic.com: Gives Jennifer 4.5 stars out of 5
Dallas Morning News: Gives Jennifer an A-
EW.com: Gives Jennifer a B+
Slant Magazine: Gives Jennifer 2.5 stars out of 5