hiphoprnbsoul rating:

American Idol 2 champ, Ruben Studdard has followed up his 2003 debut, Soulful, with an album that clearly speaks to the kind of career Studdard envisions for himself. Just when it seemed his 2004 ultra-hit "Sorry 2004" would be the only hit the young Luther Vandross adept would ever have, Studdard has added an unexpected layer by re-investigating his roots. The opening R. Kelly title track sets the stage for a balance of Gospel, R&B and Soul few young artists have been able to achieve. Studdard's emotionally-honeyed voice drips from virtually every track with highlights being the Gospel-Soul hybrid "Goin' Up Yonder," the Marvin Winans-penned "Restoration," the jump-to-your-feet-and-testify "Fix It, Lord," (featuring the preacher Harvey Watkins Jr.) and a spine-tingling rendition of the staple "Amazing Grace." Unlike his first release, there is no filler, and no doubt that Studdard truly has a long career laid out before him on his own terms. - Ifè Oshun