Common Sense Note
At last a fun CD that everyone in the family will like. There are a couple of edgy lines that keep SOULFUL from becoming a G-rated CD but compared to most tween and teen CDs, this is a guiltless pleasure. You might want to ask your kids why they think other people have to be so "in your face" when Ruben is just as entertaining without any sexual, commercial or violent messages.
Families can talk about Ruben's incredible voice and how body image doesn't always play a part in winning. How important is image for a singer? You can also discuss how being the "nice guy" goes a long way.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Ruben Studdard stole a lot of hearts during his stint on American Idol. We rooted for him because he didn't look like your typical pop pretty-boy; we liked him because he seemed like a sweetie; but we voted for him because of his wonderful voice--rich, expressive, and soulful.
On SOULFUL, Ruben Studdard's debut CD, he shows off his phenomenal singing abilities to near perfection. Not surprisingly, he shines most on the cover tunes: "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" is a show-stopper. "Superstar," usually sung by women as kind of a backstage groupie's lament, is given an interesting twist with his straight-ahead, masculine delivery. There's a little bit of imaginary drinking and a couple of playfully sexy interludes ("What is Sexy," "After the Candles Burn"), but this very mild CD is unlikely to offend anyone. Ruben's sweetness shines throughout.
Unfortunately, the musical arrangements and production fall far short of doing Ruben justice. The rhythm section must have been out on the porch having a soda during most of these recording sessions, and even the handclaps sound synthesized. Ruben deserves better. Maybe next time he enters a singing contest, he'll win a good band. THAT would be something worth voting for.
Fans of Ruben Studdard will also like Fantasia and the album, American Idol: Season 2: All-Time Classic American Love Songs.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThere are a few lightly sexual references, nothing really explicit. |
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ViolenceRuben keeps it friendly. |
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LanguageRuben keeps it clean, except for a well-placed "Damn" here and there. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorOn this CD, boys just want to have fun. |
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CommercialismFor an American Idol winner, "Soulful" is actually pretty low-key. |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco"It's like stayin' out all night, and way too much to drink," he apologizes--once. |
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