Roughly two and a half years after the release of her self-titled debut album, which earned her a Grammy for ‘Best R&B Album’, talented songstress Jennifer Hudson returns with her second album entitled ‘I Remember Me’.
The title is a testament to the star embracing the new things that life has to offer, while simultaneously remaining true to the core of who she has always been.
The title is a testament to the star embracing the new things that life has to offer, while simultaneously remaining true to the core of who she has always been.
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
Hudson opens her second set by exclaiming “I’ve been through some things” on “No One Gonna Love You”, which proves to be an understatement.
From her Oscar glory to the tragic murders of her family members in 2008, as well as, the birth of her first child and new slimmed-down figure, her life has resulted in more highs and lows than most experience in a lifetime.
Still, throughout her personal turmoil, Hudson has always emerged as strong and powerful woman that refused to let the devastating moments of her life, become the ones that defined her life, which is displayed well throughout the set.
She sings with a new-found confidence on the motivating anthem “I Got This” and the snare drum-equipped “Angel”, one of three cuts from Alicia Keys.
Other notable moments include the R. Kelly-penned lead single “Where You At”, which roars to a big finish, the title track and the refreshing “Gone”, which somehow manages to play like a different and unexpected move.
With that said, towards the middle and latter portion of the set, Hudson often reverts back to the elements that plague her debut to unsatisfactory results.
“Why Is It So Hard” and the dragging “Still Here” are filled with clichés and do little help to Hudson’s case, while the final two contributions from Alicia Keys, “Everybody Needs Love” and “Don’t Look Down”, both feel outdated.
However, the songstress returns to form on the strength of two remakes, the Nina Simone classic “Feeling Good” and the Brooks & Dunn hit “Believe”.
On the former, she allows her voice to be the track’s guide, while her soulful and gospel take on the country duo’s well-written cut closes the set beautifully.
FINAL VERDICT
All in all, ‘I Remember Me’ arises as a solid outing for Jennifer Hudson with each and every track allowing her dynamic range to shine in its own special way.
3 OUT OF 5
CELEBRITY BUG’S KEY TRACKS
“No One Gonna Love You”, “Where You At”, “I Got This”, “Gone” & “Believe”.
“No One Gonna Love You”, “Where You At”, “I Got This”, “Gone” & “Believe”.
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