Jennifer Hudson | I Remember Me

Jennifer Hudson | I Remember Me by Brent FaulknerJennifer Hudson

was initially remembered for her premature departure from American Idol Season three. After her premature departure, her career only ‘looked up.’ Her first major role playing Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls won Hudson both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. After Dreamgirls, Hudson focused on her singing career, releasing 2008’s gold-certified self-titled debut, which won Hudson a Grammy. Following all the accolades after a short time, not to mention a horrific family tragedy, and an amazing weight loss success story, Hudson returns in top-rate form on her sophomore effort, I Remember Me. Vocally, throughout the course of this second LP, Hudson’s voice sounds stronger than ever and the material this go-around feels more authentic and suited to Hudson’s husky voice. While perfection may be impossible to achieve, Hudson hits an indisputable home run on this effort.

“No One Gonna Love You” is a sound way to open up the effort, with an adult contemporary helmed sound here – suited to Jennifer’s strengths vocally. It is a different sound than previous opener “Spotlight,” but a welcome change. Hudson uses slight gimmickry with a couple of repeated words, but she always remains tasteful about it, never daring to carry
repetitiveness to gimmickry excess. “I Got This” is the more sensational cut, contributed by master songwriters/production team Stargate (known for writing Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” most notably). “I Got This” showcases Hudson’s powerful vocals, tastefully arranged background vocals, and exceptional, dynamic production work. All the pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place with “I Got This” as well as the follow-up cuts.

“Where You At” is an R. Kelly contribution, which seems to be a perfect fit for Hudson. The songwriting is simple at times, but that is part of the charm, particularly on the refrain: “Where You at, where you at, where you at, where you at, boy you said you would be here for me…” The bridge and the key change are high points, not to mention Hudson’s masterful ad libs. “Angel” is clearly an Alicia Keys styled song, with great driving, rhythmic drums which are instantly infectious. The
military-beat coupled with restrained piano chords make for one of the album’s very best. The title track, penned by One Republic’s Ryan Tedder is none-too-shabby itself with its strong point being its powerful chorus.

“Gone” is another strong cut, though pales in comparison to the elite of this effort. “Everybody Needs Love,” a collaborative composition effort between Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz, proves to be another shining spot. Styled much like the neo-disco sound of Whitney Houston’s hit single “Million Dollar Bill,” it is great to hear Hudson sing an uptempo cut as opposed to a ballad. “Why Is It So Hard” follows up, featuring the songwriting talents of Ne-Yo. The production proves to be soulful with a nice ‘easy-feeling’ about it. Jennifer does not miss one beat.

“Don’t Look Down” is as solid as everything else, bringing a third Alicia Keys contribution, with the help of Salaam Remi (known for Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows”). The chorus is the shining spot: “There is no limit to how high we can go if we don’t look down…” “Still Here” is lovely, bringing in master songwriter Dianne Warren, who seems to never pen a bad song. “Still Here” is reminiscent of “You Pulled Me Through,” which was a benchmark from 2008’s Jennifer Hudson.

“Feeling Good,” a cover of the Nina Simone classic is one of the best covers of this staple in recent times. The production work is smart, recalling the 1950s and 1960s. Closer “Believe” is in a gospel vein, much like “Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There.” “Believe” is appropriately placed and ends this exceptional effort, well exceptionally!

What can be said about this sophomore effort? It shows the growth and the evolution of one of the music world’s most talented singers. The material is much more suited to Hudson’s vocal strengths and let’s face it, Hudson sounds much more commanding and polished on this effort. If 2008’s Jennifer Hudson won here a Grammy, then this effort is a “shoe-in.” I Remember Me is a superb effort.

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene