It’s sometimes hard to believe that in the spring of 2004, EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson was eliminated from “American Idol,” yet she would become an Oscar winner almost three years later. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to travel back to 2008 and highlight her self-titled debut album.
Arriving in stores on September 30, 2008, Hudson’s label CEO, Mr. Clive Davis, enlisted notable names such as R. City, Missy Elliott, Brian Kennedy, Ne-Yo, Salaam Remi, T-Pain, Tank, Timbaland, and The Underdogs to ensure that every avenue of urban music was represented. The first single, “Spotlight,” featured Hudson reuniting with Ne-Yo, with whom she had recently collaborated on “Leaving Tonight” from his second album.
“Spotlight” was co-produced by Stargate, and in numerous interviews, Ne-Yo mentioned it was tough to find the right lane for Hudson, as she has such a broad voice. The groove in the spotlight is midtempo and sets the tone for Hudson’s voice to convey a sense of vulnerability as she reflects on her relationship, hinting at feelings of being overshadowed by her partner’s insecurities. The metaphor of the ‘spotlight’ serves as a powerful symbol throughout the song, representing the intense scrutiny and pressure she feels.
“If This Isn’t Love” was a joint production and writing venture from R. City, Brian Kennedy, and Harvey Mason Jr. Here, Hudson explores the intense emotions and deep connection experienced in a romantic relationship. When she expresses her desire to communicate her love to her partner and acknowledges that he is everything she has ever wanted, we feel the emotion. Hudson believes he is an angel sent to her by God and describes him as perfect.
“Giving Myself” was the album’s final single, written and produced by Robin Thicke. A pop-soul ballad in the vein of Ms. Whitney Houston, “Giving Myself” is a heartfelt expression of surrendering oneself to love and embracing vulnerability. Thicke’s lyrics portray a sense of self-discovery and the liberation that comes from allowing someone to see and love the truest version of oneself.
The rest of the album features textbook R&B of the time, but even Hudson’s safe production elements are complemented by her voice being in top form. While Hudson’s self-titled debut didn’t become a diamond-selling smash, it was another factor in setting the stage for the prominent career she’s in the midst of now.
Final Grade: B
“Jennifer Hudson” is available on all streaming platforms.
My introduction to Nate Dogg goes back to Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut, The Chronic, and the song “Deeez Nuuuts.” Even then, something about Nate’s voice set him apart from everybody else. He wasn’t just singing on rap records. He was bringing soul, gospel, street knowledge, and West Coast cool into the same space. He set the standard for hook singers in hip-hop, and dare I say, he’s still vastly underrated.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give Stevie Wonder his due as he prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece, “Songs in the Key of Life,” on tour. While the easy choice could have been “Knocks Me Off My Feet”—a classic that still resonates fifty years later—I chose “From the Bottom of My Heart,” the second single from his twenty-third studio album, “A Time to Love,” released in 2005.
It’s hard to believe that an iconic singing competition like American Idol has produced only two Black male winners in its more than two-and-a-half-decade history. Jamal Roberts made history last year when he won the show, following Ruben Studdard’s well-deserved victory in Season Two.