Track Listing

1. Carlito Marron
2. Cumbiamora
3. Aganju
4. I Wanna Lu
5. Baby Groove
6. Ifa De Copancabana
7. Clima Quente
8. Juras De Samba
9. Talavera
10. My Honey
11. Yaba
12. Conga E Bongo
13. Ala A A

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #85365 in Music
• Released on: 2003-12-09
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import

CD Description
Although Clay Aiken was the first of the AMERICAN IDOL second-year finalists out of the gate with his MEASURE OF A MAN album, winner Ruben Studdard subsequently presented his full-length debut with the appropriately named SOULFUL. Displaying a genuine love of R&B and soul, Studdard follows in the footsteps of his hero, Luther Vandross, on this charming set of songs.
Studdard starts off, oddly enough, by apologising on the pleading slow jam "Sorry 2004". With the following"No Ruben", Studdard offers up his take on the "keeping-it-real" tune (a la Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny from the Block"), where he thanks everyone from the people at his local barbershop to the "brothers at the laundromat for the covers". No stranger to classic cover songs, Studdard also croons the Bee-Gees' "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and the time-honoured standard "For All We Know". Elsewhere, he reminds everyone that "material things come and go" on the synth- and beat-driven "Take the Shot", once again proving that this AMERICAN IDOL winner has his heart in the right place.

Customer Reviews

Just Brilliant
I cannot believe that this is Ruben's first album. From the start of the first tune I was hooked, I just had to give a copy to my brother-in-law.
He enjoyed it just as much as me. I enjoyed the gospel tune with Fred Hammond, and the up tempo tunes. Ruben has a fantastic and (luther like) tone to his voice, which captures your thoughts. I just cannot wait for his next album and hope that it is very soon.
I hope that he continues to shine with everything that he does,from this moment onwards.

Finally!!
After becoming a huge fan of Ruben during 'American Idol' I couldn't wait to get his new CD and when I did get it, I was not disappointed.
The 'Velvet Teddy Bear' gives his all on this album with soothing ballads and up-tempo beats.
The best song is probably his version of 'Superstar', which is, in fact, better than the original. His cover of the Bee Gee's classic 'How can you mend a broken heart' is another winner.
All in all, this album is terrific!

American Pop Idol
Having enjoyed Ruben's performances during the Americal Pop Idol show -I just had to have his album as soon as it was available.

Initially I was slightly disappointed as I thought some of the songs were a bit cheesey however you can hear his full vocal range on some of the other tracks.

The more I listen the more I am enjoying the recording and I am sure he will release a second and probably better c.d. in time.