the 31 best of 2008 – 27: Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson

I will openly admit that I have been a HUGE fan of Jennifer’s from the moment I saw her on American Idol, and that definitely has had an impact on my love for this record. I have heard a lot of criticism about the record from others, but for me, there is something about her voice that truly impresses me, and it is showcased beautifully on this album. She is a diva in every sense of the word, and I am more than pleased with her debut album.

Well, a little movie called Dreamgirls, and an Oscar and Golden Globe later, Ms. Hudson showed the world that she is not only a talented singer, but she is also a mighty fine actor. I think that there is one line from Dreamgirls that completely sums up how I feel about Jennifer’s singing: It’s when they are backstage at the talent competition, mulling over why they lost, and Hudson’s character Effie White asks Deena (Beyonce), “Deena, have you ever met anybody that sings as crazy as I do?”, to which she replies simply, “no”. And there’s a reason, there aren’t many people that can sing as “crazy” as she does; her voice is out of this world amazing.

I knew that with the success of Dreamgirls, Jennifer’s star was ready to get it’s full shine. She released her self titled album, Jennifer Hudson, this fall, and I have to say, that I was really, really impressed. One of the problems with people that can sing like her, is having the songs to showcase her massive voice and the talent that is in it. Sometimes, stars get those songs, and I think on this album, Jennifer has turned out a fair share of amazing performances by being given solid songs to sing; so much so, that it strongly overshadows the weaker points of the album (goddammit, I wish T-Pain would choke to death on the fucking vocoder and do this world a favor). The inclusion of the show stopper, And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going from Dreamgirls was sheer genius. It is one of the most massive songs out there, and she nailed it in Dreamgirls; so putting it on her debut just makes sense.

I love the range in which she highlights her voice as well; on this album she ranges from pop to R&B, and from hip hop all of the way to the church. I am not traditionally a fan of true R&B, so the variety on this album is refreshing. There’s something to be said about “taking someone to church”, a saying that I have heard used when someone really “sangs” the shit out of something, and Jennifer, honey, you can take me to church any time. I am telling you, she definitely takes you there with this record.

This is a pretty impressive debut for a very, very talented diva on the rise. Thankfully, it is being recognized; just yesterday, she was nominated for 4 Grammy awards. Jennifer Hudson has worked her way into the spotlight, she has told us that she’s not going, and she is shining; and her star is truly a beautiful sight (er, sound) to behold.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Spotlight, We Gon’ Fight, I’m His Only Woman, You Pulled Me Through, And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.