Strong vocals yet a redundant offering.

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Nicknamed the ‘Velvet Teddy Bear’, Ruben Studdard won the second season of American Idol almost 15 years ago. Unable to replicate the success of his predecessor, Kelly Clarkson, Studdard can only boast a timid recording career.

However, he has a fantastic voice. Watching back his American Idol audition, the richness of his tone, the control of his vocal runs, and the faint rasp in his voice are all gorgeous. It is clear from his vocal delivery that he takes inspiration from the likes of Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson, and Stevie Wonder.

It is thus all the more uninspiring that he has released an album full of Luther covers. While I would not expect Studdard to approach Luther’s catalogue with subversive intentions, his interpretations nonetheless have a severe originality-deficit. Minor tweaks are scattered throughout, but the arrangements remain almost identical. Moreover, Studdard’s vocal delivery appears rote learnt to the exact inflection. What is billed as a tribute risks drifting into an impersonation.

Studdard is certainly in strong voice. He tackles ‘A House Is Not A Home’, a Burt Bacharach/Hal David masterpiece, with control and poise. However, he cannot match Luther’s otherworldly vocals. Certain performances – ‘Never Too Much’ and ‘Till My Baby Comes Home’ – are even limp and marred by synthetic production.

The strongest recordings, such as ‘Love Won’t Let Me Wait’, are certainly worthy of inclusion within a live Studdard concert.  However, there is sadly no compelling reason to listen to Ruben Sings Luther  over the original recordings.

(Image copyright: Seg Music)