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Jennifer Hudson

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Oscar winning Idol belts smart and strong.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Themes of fighting for yourself and for love and being saved by love: "Gotta find my wings and fly../gonna live life for me."

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    "Can't Stop the Rain" is about death, drinking and driving, mentioning the "car flipped three times." "Like gangsta's we gon' strap up for this war" is in reference to saving a relationship in the song "We Gon' Fight."
  • Sex:

    The song "Pocketbook" has some strong innuendo and playful talk: "Before I make you too wet, girl you know you want it/so find a mattress so we can start jerkin' on it." Plus "I want you sexually" in another song.
  • Language:

    Very occasional use of "damn," "hell," and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    Rolls Royce and Oscar.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One song is about drinking too much champagne and driving.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Jennifer Hudson was written by Jessica Dawson

Parents need to know that there is one song about death by way of drinking and driving, and some sexual innuendo, the worst being from the song "Pocketbook": "Before I make you too wet, girl you know you want it/so find a mattress so we can start jerkin' on it." Otherwise themes are positive and focus on fighting for yourself and for love.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the rising star of Jennifer Hudson since her days on American Idol. How do you think the show helped her career? Did it help all the top-10 finalists or not? Also there has been some debate about the accuracy of Hudson's physique. Do you think it's OK to show an enhanced or airbrushed image of a celebrity when trying to sell a product?
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More on Jennifer Hudson

What’s the Story?

In her much anticipated self-titled debut album, the Oscar winner and former Idol finalist has collaborated with some of music's top producers and artists such as StarGate, Timbaland, the Underdogs, Robin Thicke, Ne-Yo, Ludacris, and T-Pain. Hudson's Dreamgirls knockout solo, "And I'm Telling You," is also included on the album.

Is It Any Good?

With an Academy Award and roles in movies like Sex and the City, it's easy to forget that Jennifer Hudson started out as an American Idol castoff. With her new album, she has shown she can pretty much do it all, and do it well. With slick beats and smooth, steady bass lines, Hudson's voice swells and sighs with ease above the music.

The first single, "Spotlight," is incredibly catchy with an upbeat R&B hook, and the feisty "Pocketbook" with Ludacris, shows a side to Hudson that's fun and fitting. The Anita Baker-style "Giving Myself" is slow and sweet, and the diva-dual between Hudson and Fantasia on "I'm His Only Woman" is exactly what you might expect -- two powerhouses belting it out like it's a battle on Sunday morning. Jennifer Hudson has already proved herself as an A-List actress, and she's telling you, and you're gonna listen -- for her music too.

Music Details

Released on: 09/30/2008
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No

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