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Soulful (by Ruben Studdard, Pop)

common sense media says

A truly gifted Idol singer with heart.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a fun CD that everyone in the family will like. There are a couple of edgy lines that keep this from being G-rated, 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.

Positive messages: On this CD, boys just want to have fun.
Violence: Ruben keeps it friendly.
Sex: There are a few lightly sexual references, nothing really explicit.
Language: Ruben keeps it clean, except for a well-placed "Damn" here and there.
Consumerism: For an American Idol winner, "Soulful" is actually pretty low-key.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "It's like stayin' out all night, and way too much to drink," he apologizes--once.
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More on Soulful

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
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. Appropriately, Ruben's debut CD is called SOULFUL, and that he is. He doesn't disappoint, shining the 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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
On Soulful, Ruben shows off his phenomenal singing abilities to near perfection. 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, particularly because Ruben's sweetness shines throughout. Although the musical arrangements and production fall far short of doing the singer justice, Ruben's amazing voice will make this a CD the whole family can enjoy.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 9, 2003
Label: J Records
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

mc2004
adult
 
Nice debut album
This is a very good CD and is much better than Clay Aiken's. However, this is also the most adult American Idol album and is only suitable for teens. Although there is nothing too explicit, some songs are very sexual. There are a few bad words and there is one minor drug reference.
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