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

[fed up]

Whoever wins AI comes a major record deal of which David Cook says his biggest dream came true. In saying that his magic rainbow was already there and he is truly experiencing it. Since it is a big Sony Music Corporation, I mean BIG SONY, their idea of a single must be truly big and since David Cook is a new artist under their umbrella, he has to obey what ever their rules are. For sure SONY knows how to take good care of David Cook and that's the way it is.

[Time 4 A Reality Check]

Get used to the negative criticism Cook fans. You have lived under the misconception far too long that David was the saviour of rock, and you dared to denigrate and trash any other person or group who disagreed with you. What's with this sentiment that you are protective of him? He's a 25 year old grown man... last time I checked he had a mother, and a nice girlfriend to provide that kind of protection. Welcome to the real world, and it ain't no manufactured Idol bubble. Cook's good points and his flaws will be under a scrutiny you've never imagined, and you won't be able to power vote him through to the next round. This song is not up to the standard expected of The American Idol winner - one your OWN deluded fanbase has compared and hyped to rivaling Elvis, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and U2 in artistry and popularity.... Such statements are so ridiculous and illogical they cause one to question not only the taste level of the proclaimer, but their sanity as well. Light On is your run of the mill generic rock song, by a run of the mill generic rock singer... nothing personal against Cook for trying, but he will need better material than this to get that rock cred and respectability he and his fans crave.

[U Ain't On Idol Anymore]

Yes sir - No more free rides "Cookies"... and it's a good thing. How will David grow if all he hears are the fawning, over the top praises that have been up till now lavished upon him from the Idol crowd? It's a WHOLE new ballgame, no Simon or Paula to save him now....time to take the blinders off and bring your expectations down to reality. Light On is good, not great and it's not the end of the world. Cook's has been propped up as an original, innovative rock star, and Light On has just revealed that, in essence, the emperor has no clothes. He's young, so there is time, and hope that one day he will live up to the inflated expectations.... I wouldn't bet money on it though.

[cris]

i think his fan have to accept the reality that this song is not a good song. Is very fortunate that this song is sang by Cook so it received less of critic. If it were sang by an unknown artist i'm very sure this single will thrown into dustbin.

[sarah]

Don't you guys get it? It doesn't matter what David Cook put out musically...It could have been a masterpeice and people like this would have picked it apart. He can't win in some people's eyes. I personally love the song.

I think it will be a hit for david, then he can have the last laugh.

[ann]

Oh great here comes another article where people are gonna type up as many names as they can make up and write crazy things about david. Bottom line, if you like the song...buy it on itunes and buy the cd. If you don't like it, go away. I love the song

[Linda]

Once I read "barkeep-for-life", I knew this review was going downhill. Check your facts. He's been playing in bands for 10 years and writing songs and putting out records while bartending. Anyway, I liked the song when I first heard it but, the more I listen to it, the more I really like it. It is a transitional song for him but it works!

[Linda]

Once I read "barkeep-for-life", I knew this review was going downhill. Check your facts. He's been playing in bands for 10 years and writing songs and putting out records while bartending. Anyway, I liked the song when I first heard it but, the more I listen to it, the more I really like it. It is a transitional song for him but it works!

[Yuka]

I always wonder... There are lots of rockers that sounds like Cook, but definitely Daughtry isn't one of them! I mean come on people! Daughtry and Cook are not the only rockers in the world! Mention some other good names! Come on!

I don't think Light On is phenomenal, but it's not bad at all. I seriously doubt his voice is empty.

It will be a bit hard for them to discover stuffs that will be suitable for Cook. IMO, Cook is the first real rocker in AI that they would love to sell. Daughtry case is a bit different. He got a nice and clean voice that can be accepted by non rock fans. But Cook's voice is much raspier than Daughtry's. They can easily market Daughtry in pop world like they use to do with every other idols. But not with Cook. He definitely can sing any other genres, but his voice will not be catchy enough.

I think the best think is to let him write the song himself. IMO, most of rockers that I like don't have a very good voice. Cook is one of the best. But they have something that make them more attractive than just somebody with good voice. But now, I don't think he'll have much time to write all the stuff himself. My favourite band need 3 years to produce 1 album and Cook only have few months!!! Poor Cookie... I really hope they don't waste his talent!

I always wonder why lot of critiques seem to be hard on Cook. It kind of give me an impression that they used to give AI critiques. But I don't think they use to criticize something like Cook's stuff.

[Jennifer]

I only partly agree with your comments about David Cook. (I haven't heard the Jennifer Hudson CD, so I can't say a thing about that.) While I like Light On, it definitely isn't my favorite Cook song and I also believe that he can do better. But I'm not sure why you think that the fact that the first single off his new CD is a mainstream pop-rock song is somehow a sign of him have bad personal taste. Smart money says that the label selected this song to be the first single because it really wants a hit to establish Cook and the new CD. It wouldn't be at all surprising to learn that he had very little say into that decision. But if this is the most mainstream song on the CD, it should be really good. I also suspect that it is going to turn out that the label knew what it was doing, because Light On seems like it will get a lot of radio play.

Besides, there is a lot of evidence of Cook's taste outside of this single---not only his choices of songs during the Idol competition and his selection of a Foo Fighters song for the Idol tour, but also his previously recorded independent records, and particularly, Analog Heart. Still radio-friendly, but I'd say better songs lyrically than Lights On.

[Eva]

Cook has incredible vocal talent but I honestly don't hear any emotion in his voice. I wish I did. It does not give me goosebumps, nor chills or move me or touch my heart, my soul or whatnot, unlike a lot of rock singers can do and have done.

[Trish]

While I find your criticisms of Cook's new single fair (haven't heard J. Hudson's album, so can't comment), I find it odd that you practically write him off because of one song. Yes, it's generic and formulaic. Yes, it's overproduced, no question. But the reality of the marketplace requires these things, unfortunately. For some reason, the average music consumer prefers this kind of pablum. Yes, Cook is capable of more, much more, but he will never get a chance to make the kinds of albums you're craving if he's not a commercial success out of the gate. That's the sad reality, like it or not.

Re his personal life, however, I don't get the "barkeep-for-life" jibe. The kid managed to graduate from high school and earn a bachelor's degree, all while singing in his own bands for a decade. He wrote most of his own music and struggled plenty enough to earn the respect of the very people who would dismiss his as merely "somebody who won a nationally-televised karaoke contest" if they bothered to find out anything about him besides the AI spin.

And why the Daughtry comparisons? Daughtry's married? OMG! He must have so much more credibility then! Please. David Cook, like many young people, has had his hard knocks. He is a child of divorce, has a sibling with a life-threatening disease, and has had to deal with the normal angst-inducing issues that every kid has to. It makes him no better than anybody else, but he surely isn't deserving of such flippant contempt.

And do your homework, Ann, the kid has written a lot of music over the last ten years. It really isn't that hard to find his stuff. Just google "Analog Heart" (his independent solo release) and "Axium" (the name of his previous band).

[Matt]

Ann,
I told you a few days ago that the crazy Cook fans would be gunning for you. Your slightly critical review has the nut jobs all a twitter. Imagine what would have happened if you had actually said you hated the song. These loons must not be getting out or their homes too often. In what reality does Cook become their rock "god"? The guy has a mediocre voice, at best. He has yet to pen a song that has the industry taking notice, and he has a first release that is second rate Daughtry. These nut jobs need to relax, unwind their panties, and wait to see what the guy can do.

[Katie]

Haha, you dare criticize or give your opinion of Cook and have it not be a positive one? WATCH OUT! Cooktards are coming off worse then the Soul Patrol right about now. I personally don't find anything unique or special about Cook or his music and think his cd will be full of modern "rock" in the same vein as Daughtry, Nickleback, Hinder etc.

[brewster]

Does a singer like David Cook warrant the creepy idolization that is evident with some of these comments? Queen Europa wrote that of all the people she has met "no one comes close to being the amazing human being that David Cook is." Wow, really. Uh, note to Cook: Consider a restraining order.

[Say What]

David has released a single. But that is exactly what it is. A SINGLE. Not his whole album and definitely not his whole career. You guys are acting as if this is the deciding moment of his career and that he is now retiring because some people dislike his music. Personally, I disliked "Light On" when i first listened to it, but it has grown on me and i find my self listening to it over and over again. And as for the people that say Cook sings with no emotion, you really should watch his "Billie Jean" performance on American Idol on YouTube.

[luckeee55]

I loved Cook on AI, but this song is really disappointing because of the interviews he gave hyping his album. He talked of twists and turns and innovation and progression. This is standard and stale and does nothing to showcase his great voice. Anyone can scream and that is what he is doing in parts of this song. I am hoping his album is much, much better. It will have to be in order to have a chance. And yes, it will probably be a huge hit because this is the kind of drivel popular right now. I thought Cook was better than all that, I bought into the AI hype, I have come back to reality and learned my lesson.

[CFCC - Cook Fan for Common Courtesy]

Yikes!

To all the people who made courteous comments, pro or con, the column, cool on you.

Folks who are David Cook fans: please don't insult the columnist or other commenters.

Each rude remark actually makes other readers' less likely to check out Cook's music.

You can disagree without telling other people that they are ignorant, etc. And please not the snotty "do your research" line--is this how you speak to people you disagree with in real life?

You're not going to hurt Ms Powers' feelings, she's a professional, but you may cause others to think "uh oh, only Idol crazies like this guy."

If you love the guy, help give him a shot by staying positive and avoiding the nasty remarks.

I like the guy, too, and hope for good things from his album.

[Linda]

Matt, maybe you need to unwind your panties!! You're the one who sounds like a nut job! What I see here is a bunch of comments that are quite coherent and reasonable with the exception of a few of your comments. You must really LOVE Daughtry to come to a DC blog and repeatedly post here. I like Daughtry as well but actually prefer David Cook's range and emotion he puts in his songs. To each his own.

[David's So Much More]

Ms. Powers, will you please do more research on David Cook, besides his big beautiful voice. He has done some amazing things things since being chosen American Idol winner, He is sooo much more than a fabulous voice and attractive looks.

[Laurie]

I respectfully disagree with this article and some of the comments. Anyone who did any research on this guy outside of Idol has no doubt about this guy's credibiltiy as a true rocker. Listen to AC , his song penned for his brother Adam. I was amazed that a guy so young, could pen such a beautiful song. The frustration entwined with his anger and sensitivity just grabs your ears and soul. He would have had to be maybe 23 or so when he did this song. His Analog Heart album has deep emotions and lyrics that I would expect from a much older person. There is nothing vacuous about this man. This talent is real , raw, and pure rock. As far as the airbrushing - well I met him and saw him up close at a meet and greet and trust me, there is not much to airbrush! The skin is clear, the eyes are quite piercing and his features speak for themselves. I personally don't get the Daughtry comparisons, other than the fact that they were on Idol. Put it this way, for me I tried to get into AI in the past and just couldn't. That is until David Cook. So, no I am not an AI fan, but I am definitely a David Cook fan. My male friends and nephews love him too. This guy transcends stereotypes and judging from his past work, he is definitely unique. If someone had told me I would be going to an American Idol concert back in January, I would have told them they were insane! For me, he was that good. I wanted to hear in person and he does not disappoint. He had the crowd in the palm of his hands, mesmerized by every bit of banter he threw our way The crowd never stopped screaming. I've been to concerts many times and obviously they were much bigger stars, but I did not see this reaction. And this was not the reaction that the other performers illicited, other than David Archuleta. This guy is the real deal and I can't wait to buy the album. Total EAR BLISS!

[linddar]

Even though I am a Cook fan, I enjoy reading critiques by those who are totally objective and not emotionally involved. To me it helps balance the real quality of the music with my personal feelings which are I love anything he does because it's "him". Regarding LO, I agree with you to some extent but I still like it. It actually came out accidently in an interview with one the the bar owners in Tulsa where he supposedly worked that he really wasn't a bartender. He actually just filled in a few shifts. I believe AI just latched on to the bartending thing to add something to the "story". Your "fashion clueless" statement was ridiculous. Is a sweater vest all that disturbing to you? Obviously when the wardrobe people took over the clothes were quite fashionable and appropriate. Granted, the hair wasn't right, but he's paid the price for that I believe.

[carly]

RE: the Daughtry/Cook comparison at the end of your blog....I assume you are referencing the thematic similarities between Daughtry's Home and Cook's Light On. I think you should print out the lyrics to Cook's single, revisit what the public knows of David Cook, the person and the artist, and rethink your initial impression. Yes, everyone was aware that Daughtry had a wife and child at home, and its an easy leap to assume that the song Home was a song to them. But we also know that David Cook had to spend an inordinate time apart from a family he's very close to and a brother who was battling a horrible illness during American Idol in order to find himself in the position to make this big label record. I don't think it's a huge leap to imagine that the Light On lyrics spoke to Cook in that regard. I mean, you don't exactly use the word "grieving" when you're talking about leaving the little woman behind at home. But being apart from your brother as he bravely battles cancer? Oh yeah. Your contrast and compare mini-analysis that found Cook lacking in "truth" vs. Daughtry because Cook doesn't have a "real wife" and "real nerousis" only holds water if you assume that Light On amounts to Cook singing to his chick. The lyrics are inherrently ambiguous enough that such assumptions, to me, seem very myopic and a little unfair. You also mention his choices on AI...this song reminds me a lot of Cook's cover of ALways Be My Baby. On the surface those lyrics could be about a chick and a break up, but Cook sang them to his brother Adam and they took on a whole other meaning.

[Light Off]

"The music of the...NIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

LMAO. Anyone noticed how Cook relgiously always ends his songs with a sudden, frightening high pitched growl? LOL! Cracks me up everytime.

EVERY song. Give it a rest man. It's become comical.

[Cook.]

One word: WANNABE.