::ALBUM REVIEW::

To many conservative Christians, they will probably claim supporting the likes of reality-TV programs is diabolic and ruthless. But to the millions that tuned in on the second season of the successful talent search contest, FOX’s American Idol, they will mostly agree that those conservative Christians might need to bridle their tongues. AI’s winner, Ruben Studdard, who won the hearts of many, even R&B legend Gladys Knight (whom favored him more than the other candidates and nicknamed him the “Velvet Teddybear”), never failed to convey his passion and love for God, while captivating the audiences with his awesome renditions of classic American music. After his victory, Ruben remained true to his love for God and even surprised many with his duet with Fred Hammond on “We Have Not Forgotten” on his debut R&B project, “Soulful”.

A year later, Ruben is at it again. But this time around, his sophomore project entitled “I Need An Angel” is a complete gospel project - which is a first for the successful record label; J Records (headed by music mogul and former president of Arista Records, Clive Davis). And the attempt is one that will continue to be recognized. Not just because it’s perfect, because it is not. But the cohesive development, along with the album’s timing and Ruben’s engaging vocals, on this album helps morph this project into a collection of classy performances.

The AI feel, what made Ruben so infamous, is evident here - and it probably was the intention of the album’s producers (Warryn Campbell, Fred Hammond, Eric Dawkins) to recreate that live magic, even though these are purely studio productions. But when it comes to gospel - it’s never good to take the excitement and joy out of a song. And unlike “Soulful”, this project shows a more exciting and liberated Ruben on the microphone; allowing him to throw out more unpredictable ad-libs and pointers. The bulk of this album fall into the arrangement category; extending from remakes on traditional favorites to contemporary/urban. Ruben visits “Fix It Jesus”, made popular by the Canton Spirituals. And to a great surprise, the song is just as infectious as the original. Harvey Watkins, Jr. joins in with Ruben and takes turns on the soulful, bluesy jam. Ruben shows his gratitude towards legendary groups, The Winans and Commissioned, as he breathes new life into “Restoration” and “Running Back To You’. The songs carry the same energy and remarkable characteristics that transformed these songs into major hits - only thing is it has glitzy horn add-ons, whistling strings along with hefty bass from Andrew Gouche’.

There’s no doubt that Ruben’s vocals are fitted for thundering gospel and he reveals those highlights on “Center Of My Joy” (a six-minute explosion of Richard Smallwood’s classic) and Walter Hawkins’ “Goin’ Up Yonder”. Amazingly, the simple chorus of “Goin’ Up Yonder” shifts into a smouldering, contemporary bump and features a few jazz rhythmic add-ins. And who can resist the magical chemistry Tina Campbell of Mary Mary and Studdard has on Marvin Winans’ “Ain’t No Need To Worry”. Of course, the original track, recorded by The Winans and R&B legend Anita Baker, buries this remake alive - but this particular cut is one of the album’s higher achievements.

Dawkins treatment, like the assistance they provided on “Soulful”, is revisited on renditions of the hymn favorites “I Surrender All” and “Amazing Grace”. Both songs reveals major surgical decisions from the Dawkins camp and help turn these ageless classics into modern ear-catchers. “I Surrender All” displays a slow-jam posture and provides the quality drum programming you would hear on an urban R&B track. But of the two. “Amazing Grace” seems more complete and satisfying. It opens with a nice acoustic intro with Ruben providing the song’s timeless verses, but things get really cooking when Studdard explodes into a fiery vamp, penned by Eric & Anson Dawkins and Derek Clark, that resembles the power heard on David Allen’s “No Greater Love”.

In the land of original compositions, which are very few, R. Kelly’s “I Need An Angel” wins. It’s an inspirational track, that is radio-friendly for all music formats, but it is obvious that the song is probably more spiritual than Kelly’s previous “inspirational” creations. The cut receives TLC, with classy strings conducted by Paul Riser, horns and that popular R. Kelly musical treatment. The song is bright and inviting - and who can resist the build-up modulations this song inherits on the closing vamp.

Questions definitely arise on if this decision by Ruben is one that will help or hurt his longevity. Will people now label him a gospel artist after this or will he further out his dreams as a R&B artist. Who knows for sure. But we can certainly agree that Ruben’s desire for the gospel is evident. Gosh, most people wouldn’t even pursue a goal to record a gospel album so soon after winning a national contest such as American Idol. Not only does Ruben have a passion for music, but the brother has guts. Overall, the album has a few setbacks (lack of original selections, mostly predictable arrangements and album fillers), but it is a strong effort for the AI superstar and one that does more good than bad for his longevity. Plus, expect the doors for gospel music’s future to wide because of this.