Many months ago I was writing a post about the American Idol show. It went something along the lines of, "Clay Aiken looks like Pee Wee Herman and Ruben Studdard is an amazing artist." Well, Studdard went on to win the competition, but Aiken, appealing to the larger, younger (female) teen audience, has been far more prominent in the media. Now Studdard's album is finally out.

I have given Aiken's "Measure of a Man" a quick listen. I figured, "if I can listen to Britney, I can do anything!" Anyway, straightforward, radio-friendly pop has reached a point where you don't need great songs and you don't need a very talented artist - you just need good production. That said, Aiken's stuff is not as evil as it could be. Beneath the prefab radio finish of "Invisible," his hit song, is a competent vocalist with some very obvious, and very outdated, mainstream influences. Unfortunately, it's one of the best songs on the album.

So yesterday I sat down to give Studdard's new release, Soulful, a long listen.

I still like Studdard more. "Sorry 2004" and "What Is Sexy" are both cool songs which highlight Studdard’s timbre and delivery. The album has the "required" rap and hip-hop influences to sound "modern." Too bad, because Studdard is a classic soul man, no gimmicks required.

There's plenty to criticize. Unfortunately, many of the original songs are not exactly inspired. In contrast with mainstream pop, you can't get away with weak songs in R&B, and although a few tracks sound pretty good, some do sound half-baked. On "Ruben" and "Can I get your Attention," you get the impression that the Studdard team is trying to emulate someone else's songs. And I don't like covers. Those featured on this disc are not exceptions.

I just barely recommend this album... only a few songs are really good. But make no mistake, this guy can really sing.

Ruben Studdard's Soulful is a keeper, although cholly was overly nice about it. Believe me, you'll be hating a few tracks. Clay Aiken's "Measure of a Man," however, is something we do not wish on you (unless you're twelve). That means, "not a keeper." .