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Soulful

Credits

Release Date

Record Label

Performance

Reviewer

Bob Waliszewski

Album Review

Pro-Social Content

Studdard wants to rekindle romance with his lady (“Play Our Song”), praises God for countless blessings including His “only Son” (“We Have Not Forgotten”), and seeks reconciliation with a partner (a remake of the Carpenters’ 1971 hit “Superstar”).

Objectionable Content

This bachelor confesses a passion for strip clubs and hot tubs (he’s willing to give them up if his lover insists), and repeats the apology, “D–n, I’m sorry” (“Sorry 2004”). Hormones are in overdrive on “What Is Sexy” (with a randy rap by Fat Joe) and “After the Candles Burn” (“Huggin’ and kissing till morning … emotions taking over our bodies”). “Don’t Quit on Me” is one long plea for make-up sex (“Let’s make up so we can get it on/’Cause you cussing me out, it turns me on”). Physical relationships also are implied on “What If” and “Flying Without Wings.” Narcissistic lines mar “Take the Shot,” “No Ruben” and “Can I Get Your Attention,” which also gives a shout out to “my thugs on the corner duckin’ [police].”

Summary Advisory

Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson—Studdard’s American Idol peers—topped the charts with lyrically solid debuts. Two means three, right? Wrong. By positioning himself as a gangsta-lite ladies man, Studdard weighs down Soulful with self-impressed, sexually charged tunes.

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Bob Waliszewski