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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Ruben Studdard's THE RETURN reflects a new maturity in the artist. No longer squeaky clean, Ruben wants us to think of him as the "velvet teddy bear" -- a woman-pleasing lover who's also awfully nice when you look beyond the swagger. On "The Return (of the Velvet Bear)" he sings "Shortie, the vibe you're giving me is straight sexy/and I gotta do what your body tells me/'cause I meet expectations better yet exceed 'em ... when it comes to making love." And on "Get U Loose," the lyrics seem to express the desire to get a girl drunk so she'll let him have his way with her. But there's also a lot of sweetness in songs like "Make Ya Feel Beautiful" ("Baby, first off let me start by saying/I ain't trying to get in your jeans/first I'd rather learn your ups and downs/and everything in between").

Is It Any Good?

4

Though mild by many other artists' standards, the innuendo on The Return is such a departure from Studdard's previous efforts that parents will notice the difference. But the newfound sophistication in these lyrics suits Ruben's voice to a T. Instrumental tracks are very synthesized and will make lovers of soul music long for a real band worthy of this wonderfully expressive voice.

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