Jennifer Hudson’s ‘JHUD’: Review Revue

Bianca Gracie | September 23, 2014 8:30 am

Jennifer Hudson has become known for her powerhouse voice that is usually showcased with over-the-top ballads. Yet her third album JHUD (released today, September 23rd) shows a different side of the singer. Instead of moody tearjerkers, Hudson opts for a more danceable, disco-inspired vibe on the new LP.

JHUD features songs like “Dangerous” and the Iggy Azalea-assisted “He Ain’t Going Nowhere” – making it clear that Hudson wanted to stray away from her typical sound, and dive into a lighter fare that is more suited for the dance floor.

But what did music critics think of Hudson’s latest effort? Read on after the jump to find out!

:: All Music gave it a four out of five, saying: “Some of the songs could have been fronted by anybody. Hudson occasionally sounds disconnected from the material, but the singer, as powerful as ever, still leaves her indelible mark on everything.”

:: Billboard also gave it four out of five stars, highlighting the singer’s strong vocals: “Hudson links with a long tradition of powerful female vocalists making highly danceable music. And the spare templates she uses here, which are heavy on rhythm and relatively empty otherwise, give her plenty of space to flex her powerful voice.”

:: Yahoo News thought the album wasn’t unique enough: “But three albums into Hudson’s music career, the Grammy-winning star still sounds like she’s singing other people’s music. That is to say, while ‘JHUD’ is solid collection of tracks, Hudson seems to be conforming to fit a sound and persona not her own.”

:: Houston Chronicle acknowledges Hudson’s disco influence: “The bulk of ‘JHUD’ is swathed in fluid disco grooves – a lush and luxe sound lifted directly from Studio 54. There’s humor and sexuality and attitude in these tracks, and it’s miles better than recent fare from female pop stars with much bigger Billboard hits.”

:: Soul In Stereo enjoys the throwback vibe: “Some of the biggest hits in the past two years have leaned heavily on classic R&B sounds. JHUD runs with that concept, immersing itself in R&B’s funk and disco past to create music that appeals to experienced listeners but feels fresh for younger fans.”

:: Lastly, Press Play Ok wished Hudson stood out on her own: “But for an album that put its leading lady front and centre, that too with a serious pout and fierce new moniker, there’s an odd reliance on co-stars. Kelly aside, the tracks that draft in Pharrell, Timbaland, and T.I. end up being the weakest of the bunch (P Willy particularly guilty of supplying a beat that sounds like an off-cut from a Robin Thicke session).”

Are you ready to groove with JHUD? Let us know in the comments below.

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