Jennifer Hudson will release her sophomore album I Remember Me March 22, 2011 and HeHates is on the case. Admittedly, HeHates has never been a fan of Jennifer’s voice. I’ve always found her style too gospel, too screamy and too pitchy for my liking. If a singer prefers to hit big notes, that singer should take care to actually know which big notes are actually in the song’s key. In the past, pitch has been an issue for Jennifer and HeHates has not been amused. :-/ Instead of the big notes wowing me, they’ve bothered me. Nevertheless, HeHates is always willing to give a performer a 2nd chance to redeem themselves fail miserably).

I Remember Me is decent effort from Jennifer Hudson that almost succeeds in fusing her trademark gospel-tinged vocals with R&B music. She actually exceeded my expectation by recording at least 1 song I would add to my music collection. The album starts strong with the first track No One Gonna Love You but soon falls off a cliff into valley of warmed over has-been tracks that only serves to bore the listener to death. Sadly, for Ms. Hudson there are no hit singles on the project. It’s just collection of not so good to decent songs packaged together. 2 out of 5 Grins.

Standout tracks: I Got This and Why Is It So Hard?

Bottom line: Borrow the CD from a friend and rip a few songs you like. Not worth having in your CD collection.

Where You At? music vid

Album Tracklisting and Song Ratings
1. No One Gonna Love You 2 1/2 Grins A playful, plucky, almost uptempo track that she sings with great attitude and strong vocals
2. I Got This 3 Grins Nice midtempo that Jennifer sings well. A self-affirmation anthem
3. Where You At? 2 3/4 Grins A mellow groove with a pervasive drum track that makes its presence felt throughout the song
4. Angel 1/2 Grimace Abstract minimalist percussive leaden track that doesn’t ever develop into anything worthwhile. Not sure what they striving for here but it certainly is terrible (SKIP)
5. I Remember Me 1/2 Grin I thought it interesting the title track is 5th in the tracklisting. Then I heard the song. There’s a message in the music but it’s wasted in this effort
6. Gone 1 Grin A percussive, synthesized midtempo pop groove burdened by Jennifer’s overkill gospel vocals.
7. Everybody Needs Love 3 Grimaces Pure trash. Dated throwback dance track with over the top wailing vocals. I could punch somebody for writing, producing and recording this shit (SKIP)
8. Why Is It So Hard 3 1/2 Grins Jennifer’s gospel inspired vocals soar on this track. The vocal arrangement fits her vocal style well. Nice album filler
9. Don’t Look Down 2 Grimaces Trash. Sounds like a leftover track from Mariah Carey’s “Make It Happen” days. Very corny message sound (SKIP)
10. Still Here 2 3/4 Grins Nice pop ballad. Power vocals over a understated yet melodic track
11. Feeling Good 3 Grimaces Worthless shit. Sounds like something from an animated musical. Bad (SKIP)
12. Believe 1 1/4 Grins Inspirational song. Gospel chords, Hammond organ, Choir-lite backing vocals. Not a great song but Jennifer sounds at home