Love IS (by Ruben Studdard, R&B)

The "Velvet Teddy Bear" of American Idol's season 2, Ruben Studdard is back with his fourth album titled LOVE IS. The record is a compilation of covers and original songs, with Studdard singing older and newer classics like the Beatles' "The Long and Winding Road" and Extreme's "More Than Words," as well as new tunes including the first cut off the album called "Together." The CD shows he's grown up quite a bit since his Idol days, marrying his wife Surata, cutting music with gospel overtones, and becoming a believer in a mature love that lasts through ups and downs: "And though we both made our mistakes / And some we wish we never made / …I'm gonna be the love that's gonna last / And be the one that got your back / Ain't nothing that bad, that we would be together."

The nice thing about music from any of the American Idols is that you're almost guaranteed a good vocal performance. Studdard doesn't disappoint on this front, delivering his lyrics in his trademark smooth voice that's somewhat reminsicent of the R&B giant, Luther Vandross. While the sticky sweet lyrics themselves are somewhat cliché, they lack any of the offensive themes found in so many of today's songs that revolve around romantic relationships.