In recent months our Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson has been working hard in the studio prepping the follow up to her Grammy winning debut “Jennifer Hudson”. Jennifer started the process back in October of 09. R&B star Ne-yo then came forward that he would be working with Jennifer and may be executive producing her the project adding that Jennifer wants to give the album a more personal feel than the last one. Ne-yo is responsible for writing Jennifer’s #1 smash R&B hit “Spotlight”. In October Arista head Clive Davis had this to say to HitFix about Jennifer’s new album
“The key is in the material. [Hudson] has only grown as an artist in this past year. She is more soulful. But the real challenge with a ‘pop’ artist is to come up with those songs that are special,” Davis told HitFix. “That is the challenge for every young artist who is still trying to make a lifelong career. They’re still dependent on radio play… You gotta have the hits. So we have several candidates for it.”
Follow the jump for the rest of the story,
Jennifer’s A&R manager Larry Jackson who recently took head A&R president at Arista has been tweeting constantly about the work they have been doing on Jennifer’s new album. This week Larry and Jennifer have been busy recording in Tampa and had this to tweet
Night two in the studio w/ Jennifer Hudson & Stargate in Florida. At the control board listening to her rip these vocals on this smash hit!
Night #3 in the studio w Jennifer Hudson & Stargate here in Tampa. Three fantastic songs in three fun nights! The direction is fresh, too!
In addition to Stargate and Ne-yo hit song writer Claude Kelly has also been confirmed by singersroom to be working with Jennifer on new songs as well. Kelly is responsible for producing fellow Idol alum Kelly Clarkson’s #1 smash “My Life Would Suck Without You” and also pop star Britney Spear’s “Circus”. Jennifer is also again joining forces with writer’s group Rock City who helped produce Jennifer’s top 5 R&B hit “If This Isn’t Love”. USA Today also confirms that hit songwriter and producer Ryan Tedder will also add his contribution to Jennifer’s new album. Tedder is responsible for producing hit songs such as Beyonce’s “Halo” and Clarkson’s “Already Gone”. With new faces such as Tedder and Kelly and old friends Rock City, Ne-yo, and Stargate Clive Davis and Larry Jackson have definitely brought in the hit makers needed for Jennifer to make this album great.
Larry Jackson also tweeted back in December to expect a new single out from Jennifer late this January or early February. He also tweeted during the airing of Jennifer’s Christmas special that to expect a new album by Easter time. Jennifer is currently in D.C. getting ready to film the taping of the B.E.T. Honors special honoring her Idol Whitney Houston and other celebs which will take place January 16th and air on B.E.T. February 1st. Jennifer’s next live performance will take place at the Grammy’s January 31st where she will be giving a tribute performance to Clive Davis.
via Jennifer Hudson Daily
A lot of people slept on Jhuds first album, but she still managed to take it to the top spot. The album was great, and Jen voice was stunning as always. Her family tragedy limited her ability to promote the album like she really wanted to. I knew the second album was going to be more personal for the multi-talented super star. Jennifer has a lot to say and the world is ready to hear. I think she has the best pure singing voice in the industry. In the music business Jennifer Hudson ship has set sail, and people are just now starting to come aboard.
Jennifer Hudson’s debut album was a complete snoozefest. It was unfocused and most of the songs had lazy lyrics.
I LOVED HER FIRST ALBUM. IT WAS VERY REFRESHING, UPBEAT AND SOULFUL. YOU JUST DIDN’T GET IT.
IF YOU DON’T LIKE, DON’T BUY.