Jennifer Hudson, David Cook and the problem of big, empty voices

What do Jennifer Hudson and David Cook have in common, besides attention-grabbing new singles and an "American Idol" past? They're famous -- fashioned into celebrities before our eyes within reality television's metamorphosis machine -- and yet vividly human, with edges most "Idol" alums lack. Their charisma comes from a rare combination of assertive vocal talent and an underdog mystique.

You root for Cook and Hudson because they are Little Engines That Can: imperfect, homey people with extraordinary gifts. Cook, triumphing over the disturbingly adorable David Archuleta last season, came off as the show's first truly accidental winner, a fashion-clueless barkeep-for-life whose competitive streak developed in tension with his desire to maintain a nerdy notion of rocker cool. And "Idol" turned Hudson into everyone's favorite outsider. Eliminated from the show far too soon, she found her role of a lifetime as Effie in "Dreamgirls" -- an earthy accidental rebel whose beauty radiated from her throat and her heart, and whose success was a form of Everywoman's revenge.

When these singers really let go, their voices smash through the limits imposed by their bodies and personalities, making them golden. That's what we once wanted from great singers -- fat or scrawny, pimpled or aging, they could blow away our prejudices. Imperfection is highly discouraged in corporate pop now, but for Hudson and Cook, it helps; more glamor would dampen the wonder of their performances. That's why it's sad to encounter so much airbrushing in the new musical products meant to secure their places as pop stars.

Hudson's self-titled debut album, to be released next week, has been so long in coming that it's no surprise how focus-grouped it feels. Ten producers over 13 tracks does not make for a strong artistic identity. If this were Hudson's fifth or even third album, the variety might have worked: Hudson's helmsmen would have had a strong persona to embrace or oppose. As it is, she's the one bending to adapt, pleasing everyone but receding at the same time.

As a singer, Hudson can meet every challenge, whether taking her place alongside Whitney and Celine on ballads like Robin Thicke's lovely "Giving Myself," blowing the roof off like a soul mama on a duet with Fantasia, or finding her rhythm within Stargate's production, Beyonce-style, on the hit "Spotlight." But becoming an artist, a real force to reckon with, demands commitment and self-awareness. Too often, Hudson sings like she's just doing a (great) job; she projects conviction, but there's no depth behind it, no specific meaning.

Where are the startling high points a vocalist this athletic could deliver? Where does a little ugliness seep in, a little bit of fun? Not on her duet with T-Pain, that's for sure. There's some fizz on the one track produced by Timbaland, the blindingly sassy "Pocketbook." And Hudson certainly pushes herself where you'd expect, in the retro-gospel cry to Jesus that closes out the set. Mostly, though, she's taking instruction. The cautiousness could pay off commercially, but it makes this fretted-over debut feel strangely like a first step.

Hudson can take comfort in knowing that Aretha Franklin, whose throne she strives to inherit, made many albums before hitting on the Alabama soul stew that made her a national treasure. The pop industry now blesses very few with that kind of time to develop, but Hudson's truly exceptional voice and proven appeal may buy her some time. For now, we'll live with numerous singles from this debut, see what sticks and hope that this process will educate Hudson about what she actually likes.

David Cook's new single, on the other hand, may be a very bad sign of his personal taste. "Lght On" is a vigorously commonplace power ballad that's already reminding critics of all that's come before -- my colleague Todd Martens immediately thought of Daughtry, while our pals over at Idolator heard an old Dan Hill-Vonda Shepherd duet, and I couldn't stop muttering, "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word."

Cowritten by former Soundgarden/Audioslave stud Chris Cornell, who's in the midst of an aggressive career makeover, "Light On" packs a mighty wallop and little else. Cook's biggest vocal gift is a flexibility uncommon in rock singers: He can nail those hard high notes, but he's good with transitions too, and has a lovely, maple-syrup timbre when he tones things down. But "Light On" sends him to the ceiling 25 seconds in, and he barely returns until the song's end.

There's something cynical in the relentlessly arching choruses of this song. The generic, simple imagery of the lyrics is one thing; rock ballads often have silly words, which can be saved by a great hook and passionate delivery. But "Light On" feels mechanically generated from top to bottom.

The song's structure forces the listener into a sing-along, much the way an advertising jingle clamps on to the brain. Repetition can be gracefully seductive, used in a dynamically sophisticated way -- who doesn't feel uplifted after hearing "Ooh Child" by the Five Stairsteps? But "Light On" has no subtlety, no restraint. It's a banger, in the worst sense of the word.

I know (I hope!) Cook can do better than this. His personal picks for "Idol" were always slightly quirky -- songs by marginal modern rock bands like Our Lady Peace and Switchfoot, and, of course, his savvy borrowing of Cornell's cover of "Billie Jean." Plus, his secret love of musicals, confessed during Andrew Lloyd Webber week, could make his brand of modern rock unusual, if not unique.

But so far he's pulling easily yankable heartstrings to make bank. That's not the way to become a real rock hero, if such a thing even exists anymore. It's not even the way to be the next Daughtry -- that dude has a real marriage and real neuroses he's not afraid to confront in his songs. Who ever thought the bald Messiah would start to seem like "Idol's" biggest advocate for truth?

-- Ann Powers

Photo of Hudson at BET's "106 and Park," by Peter Kramer/Associated Press; Cook reacting to his winning moment on "American Idol" in May 2008, by Mark Mainz/AP Images

Comments

[Diane]

Wow I couldn’t disagree more with your critique of Cook’s single. I guess you know nothing about the man to attack him on a personal level since he has had his fair share of life’s anguish from with to draw inspiration. To say Daughtry’s music is better because he is married and neurotic is ridiculous. Besides the goaty vocals Daughty’s lack of emotional delivery is one of the biggest problems with his music. He leaves me cold. Light On wraps circles around anything put out by Daughtry. And I totally fail to understand the critics’/media’s insistence on comparing these two. David Cook is nothing like Daughtry nor does he want to be anything like him. Let it go. Additionally, one would think you would have some knowledge of how today’s music industry works in general and specifically with regard to AI alum. You know full well the circumstances pertaining to song/single selection by the label.

I love Light On and think it’s a great start for David Cook. The vocal on it is wonderful. You might want to listen to the song a little more closely instead of worrying about what the other critics are saying. You might find some interesting things in the song.

[Cathy]

I think 19/RCA expected a hit record, and they're going to get one. It's a catchy tune with a sweet sentiment, even though it is forced on the listener with overproduction and oversinging in places. The song intro is very reminiscent of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" but that's where the similarity ends.

Of course Cook can do better. And he will. We just have to wait until November 18th. It can't come too soon for me.

[anonymous]

I agree with a lot about the song that you've written...but have more optimism about DC...let's see the rest of the album before writing him off to not maintaining his "truth." This is the guy who bucked everything he could within reason...on American Idol. This is the guy who won the competition with "The World I Know." This is ONE song off the upcoming album...and the only one, I think, that won't be written or co-written by him. Methinks this was the "producer's pick." I think the producers are playing it safe, not DC. Unfortunately..he probably only has so much say in what is released as a single. There' also some speculation that this release was a "payback" to Chris Cornell for the success David generated off Chris's version of Billie Jean...both on the show and the tour.
So let's do keep the "light on" for DC. There's lots of time and songs to come for this man.

[NYer]

David Cook, a big empty voice? That is the total opposite of the truth. I think he has incredible depth of emotion and expression. Nobody's voice has affected me as emotionally as his voice has in decades! I guess we all don't process singers the same way. Light On made me cry.

Jennifer Hudson isn't an empty big voiced singer either, but unfortunately, she's not terribly distinctive in todays' big sea of R&B type singers. Her screen presence is fantastic, however. I loved her in Sex and The City.

[Annie]

We all know Cook can do even better than this.

The strategy behind this release belies the fact that it's still a beautiful song. The theme is universal and I really do hear Cook coming through loud and clear in the song (I have all of his available music). I don't know what was owed to Cornell that Cook's first release had to be one of his. But, looking back at songs that Cook has covered in the past (Hunger Strike with MWK and CC's version of Billie Jean), he's obviously a CC fan and does well with his material. For all we know, Cook is proud of being the voice behind this CC song, regardless of any business involved.

While I like the song, I would prefer something that is all David's. Will that happen now that he's got the big label contract and AI image to maintain? We'll see. He has told us that he's heavily involved in the creative process, that he's focusing on the album (or like he endearingly says "the record"), that he will not settle for anything other than a record that he is proud of, and that the label will worry about the singles and promotions.

I trust him. Bring on that album.

And, i agree with Powers on at least one thing: Please, stop the over-grooming... I love all his quirks and imperfections, they're part of the package.

[penny]

I think when someone as intelligent as David Cook comes along, critics must look for hypothetical weaknesses and high flown wordage to seem intelligent beside him. It's a fun song. He isn't working on the RARHOF yet. Let him go through the normal stages of musical talent. I can sense that you like him, but don't think that you must seem so sublimly deep in rock theory that your review comes across as an angsty whine.

[shea]

spot on in terms of Light On. Honestly the worst song I have heard in recent memory.

[Matt]

Now you have gone and done it. A marginally critical review of Cook. Prepare to be attacked by all of those crazy American Idol groupies. Good luck....

[melissa]

Cook - what were you thinking?

[brewster]

Cook's problem is not can he live up to that stupid American Idol title, but in determining what kind of music suits him. I think he fell into the hype that AI foisted upon him, that he was going to be the rock savior. The fact that so many people were gullible to think that Cook is a rocker underscores the reality that the music industry has not been able to find or develop a true rocker. Where is the next Springsteen going to come from? I guarantee you that he won't be found on some tv game show. Cook is more emo or pop, they should let him do his thing and not try to force feed another manufactured artist on us.

[Dana]

I think that Chris Cornell was very smart to give this song to David Cook. David Cook's voice and talent for nuance is what saves this song from being another cheesy anthemic rock ballad. I actually really like this song and I think that people outside the American Idol bubble who do not have preconceived ideas about who Cook should be as an artist, will also be drawn to it. I suspect that a lot of people who watched David Cook on AI and listened to his early independent CDs, expected something groundbreaking for his first single, rather than something formulaic. I think that being formulaic is smart, if you want to attract a wide audience. Remember, this is probably one of the few songs that Cook did not write or co-write on his album, so I think that the rest of the songs will be a lot more risky. Either way, I think this is a good start. Lastly, it would be nice to read an article about Cook that did not see the need to compare him to Daughtry....it just comes off as lazy journalism, since the two are nothing alike.

[Queen Europa]

Ms.Powers,
You obviously don't know what David Cook is all about!! Its one thing to critique his song....everybody has a right to their own opinion.But when you start attacking him personally,that's totally different.And do not ever compare him to Daughtry or anyone! David Cook is as unique as they come! I've know many famous people in my 58 years.....many of them huge rock stars.None of them comes close to being the amazing human being that David Cook is! He soars above them all! The most incredible thing about the man is that he really cares about his fans and loves interacting with them! So please in the future write reviews but stay away from people's personal lives,unless you have done your research and truly know about the person you are criticizing!

BEWARE!!!!! David Cook's fans are loyal and extremely protective of him! Try and bring down David an you will have to deal with us all! Queen Europa

[anonymous]

I think you make some very honest points, but I just disagree about the song. I agree that such strategies for launching someone new exist, but this isn't anything new. It's been a reality for a long, long time now. I think Lights On is an excellent song, brought to the highest levels by David and his amazing talent. This is all very subjective, and I know (and understand) that it isn't everyone's cup of tea. I do believe the rest of the new album will be different and even better... perhaps far better than Lights On. I think it's a great start and an excellent way to transition from Time of My Life to the new album's rock vibe. And to the poster who said expect an onslaught of crazy Cook fans, you might see a bunch of us posting but we are pretty mature and will counter with an opinion worthy of a solid debate. Let's keep this clean folks!

[SRG]

I'm glad the name David Archuleta wasn't mentioned (Ann Powers seems way to focused in her thoughts and smart to get into the lame David vs. David thing).... but Ann, I'm sorry Daughtry's name came up. I'm over the David vs. Chris thing as well. You started out great in this blog (remember folks, this isn't an LA Times article, it's a blog), but it kind of went south with some observations and opinions that I simply don't buy into. Maybe you're a rock snob... or perhaps I'm a rock sap. Either way, it's all subjective. I know when I like a song when I hear it, and I know when I don't. And as much as I love Light On, I think David Cook's best work, and best days, lie ahead. Starting November 18th.

[mom of 4]

Wait a minute Diane!! I'm a David Cook fan too and I like his new song. BUT easy does it on the Daughtry bashing!! Leave Chris out of this!! They are two different people with two different styles. By the way....you should go see Daughtry perform. If by the end of the show you still feel that he has a goaty voice and lack of emotion, then you have a serious lack of taste!! Rock on David AND Daughtry!!

[Tina]

I agree, the song is not great. But, David's voice is what makes the song for me. The man can sing!

I think we all need to remember that David does not have the only say... or the final say (as far as this single goes). I fully believe that this is his compromise. He has gotten more freedom than any other Idol (written the majority of the songs on his album, worked with writers and producers that he wanted to, getting his own friend/s to be in his band, etc). This was where he had to give up a little bit, and listen to the 'higher ups'. I think they knew this song would do well, and that's why it was released, plain and simple. Hell, even his brother calls it a 'transition song'. That says it all.

I just can't wait to hear the entire record.

[A TRUE DAVID COOK FAN FROM CHICAGO]

Ann Powers you have no idea what your talking about !
get over it lady !
and I'm not just saying that because i like David Cook
but only saying the truth about what how you think, feel, and what your opinions are.
because its all negative you need to do alot more research on this because millions & millions of dc fans cant be wrong !!!!!!!!!! period get it right and dont just wright about him and his music just to get a pay check.

[David rocks !]

Ann Powers you need a reality check
and to do alot more research sweetie
because all what you mostly wrote about dc was untrue, not making any sense, and was negative.
don't just wright about him and his beautiful single "Light On" to make a pay check.
p.s congratz to david cook ! i cant wait for the album and most of all his tour. :)

[Antoinette DePrima]

I think you're being somewhat hard on David. He is just beginning in the "real" world of music. Give him time. I'm sure he's album is going to be great. He's not only talented but he is very smart and well spoken and knows what he wants and doesn't want. How can you judge someone on one song. How many really famous singers and/or bands come out with a song that you think is horrible or don't like -- a lot.

David is never going to please everyone. No one can please everyone but I know he will please his avid fans and I feel he has a strong career ahead of him.

Now the surprise. I am an Archuletta fan. But I am also a Cook fan. I like them both the same. They obviously have different styles in the music they like but they are both truly talented and they know that of each other and I believe that is why they truly and genuinely respect one another.

I wish both Davids the best life has to offer them!!!!!!!!

Let's speak positive, think positive and stop being so critical. It's only the beginning.

So I think the critique was harsh, especially for someone, as I said before, just beginning in the "real" music industry.

Antoinette

[Wham]

I concur with the writer of this article, not about Hudson, but about Cook. Cook can do much better than that.

[Skidley]

Wow, this is a bad song. Ann, you are right on the money about this one. I keep reading where people say this song "grows on you." Yeah, like a migraine. If you've heard Cook once, you've heard him a thousand times. A thousand, screaming, screeching times.....

[mjd]

At first listen to LO, I'm afraid Cook is being too market-ified. He's going to need to sit up and pay attention to what's being decided FOR him, now, before it's too late. I trust David, but I don't trust
19/RCA or their producers, marketing departments, photographers, or advisors manipulating an
artist like him. It's all fantastic fun isn't it, until he realizes he's been had. Unfortunately, they control it all at this point.

[Helen Riddell]

Good to see I'm not the only one questioning this single. At first I thought I was the only one...
David Cook has a great voice, no question, he also has that special quality of appeal, as does Jennifer and I read hope in Ann Powers critique. It's honest and it also admits to the expectations we have of both these great voices. I guess we just have to be patient and let them find their way, but please don't let us wait too long. Would be sad if their talent got lost along the way, buried under over-pressured to produce songs like ' Light On'.
Helen

[POKESMOT]

Pretty harsh with the reveiws aren't we?

I'm sure if any one of you handing out the bad reviews (especially the author of this article) can pen and hand David Cook a better written song, he would be more than happy to sing the heck out of it and put it on his upcoming album, due to release on Nov 18th.

Just keep in mind that this is not this man's hobby, it's his career. And while we make think we know him and what's best for him and his musical career, only he can make those decisions. Can we not respect those decisions? Must they be torn down so publically and ruthlessly? I sure most of us would love to have the same done to our career decisons.

Sorry for the lecture...peace out.

[Suzie]

I didn't really care for David Cook's music. I do think that over time, he will rise up to his singing.