Ruben Studdard | Love IS | TheUrbanMusicScene.com

Listen to song samples from “Love IS” on our R&B/Soul page by clicking here!!!

Ruben Studdard has always been a wonderful, genuine singer straight from the offset of his popular stand on hit TV show, American Idol. A special & rather unique crooner who dabbled across the fine lines of Pop, R&B & Gospel music in each of his last 3 recordings & present, as well as contributions on recent American Idol episodes & live performances. I would hear his voice being compared to the great Luther Vandross, which is quite a strong accolade to say the least. Despite numerous changes throughout his musical career, Ruben maintained & endured the journey to bring his fans album #4, “Love IS”. This project highlights Mr. Studdards’ vocal ranges on platforms of tender love ballads, a couple of covers/remakes & upbeat groove jams.

Considering that production masters Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, came into the deal to play, could this album shake up the R&B spectrum & make a splash for Ruben again?

Track Listing:
~ Together
~ More Than Words
~ Song For Her
~ How You Make Me Feel
~ Don’t Make Em Like U No More
~ I Can’t Help It
~ Just Because
~ My Love is A Rock
~ The Long & Winding Road
~ For The Good Times
~ We Got Love (That’s Enough)
~ Footprints In The Sand
~ Wet Pillow

One thing I will say about the entire album before I go into play: “Love IS” reminds me of the more mellower traditional R&B LP’s of the 80’s, well before the timing of the new school compositions written for todays’ music scene in R&B/Soul. This shouldn’t hurt his chances though. If anything, these tracks off the new album actually brought out his full vocal talent. No auto-tunes or over-production. Just straight from the hip, caressing ballads created to catapult Mr. Studdards’ voice into the spotlight.

From “Together”, the mid-tempo sentimental favorite off the disc, to a more mellower, love letter, remake of “More Than Words”, you’ll catch a drift of where Ruben may be heading to. Other love songs include “Song For Her”, “Just Because”, “My Love is A Rock”, “The Long & Winding Road”, “We Got Love (That’s Enough)” & “Footprints In The Sand”.

Some throwback cuts include “Wet Pillow”, Michael Jacksons’ “I Can’t Help It” & the more updated R&B compositions, “How You Make Me Feel”, “Don’t Make Em Like U No More” & “Just Because” rounds out the complete 12 track selectibles.

My overall stance on Rubens’ 4th effort is actually for the gem in the eye of the beholder. I’ve been fortunate to grow up & get a good taste of the old-mid generation traditional R&B formulas, as it compares to the sounds of the current 2000’s & I dug those albums of yesterday to its entirety. This album allowed me to reflect on Ruben’s approach to the mature content or sound of soul, acknowledging his ability to relate vocally to the songs & grab a reflection of what it means to touch those & make them feel/sound great again with deep passion. I believe Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis took the opportunity to bring that aspect of Ruben’s gift right out of him.

I recommend the purchase to those who want that fireplace magic during the winter times (& outdoor summer pits) & that cool-out period for the course of the evenings. Mr. Studdard ‘stretched out’ for this one folks & this record happened to make it into my CD collections.

Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene