American Idol alum Ruben Studdard has announced that he will be releasing his fifth studio album, ‘Letters From Birmingham,’ on March 11th, 2012 via Shanachie Entertainment.
The Alabama native has made his way back into the studio with only one producer and one writer to work on the “entire album to create one sound.” The eleven-track project was produced by Elvis “Blac Elvis” Williams and songwriter, Harold Lilly. Between these two, they have worked with the likes of Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, and Luther Vandross, amongst others.
“I wanted to make an album that you could put in and not take off and it be on from start to finish,” Studdard explained. “I think we did that. I hope in the next 5 years people will still be asking me to sing ‘Love Skies.'”
On the album title, Studdard revealed that he drew his inspiration from civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.
“Martin Luther King Jr. had this famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail and being from Birmingham, I’ve read it so many times,” he said. “We were going through the Atlanta airport one day and they have this display for Martin Luther King Jr. and it just struck me to do the album as letters.”
The upcoming album is formulated of songs in the concept of love letters, and it consists of uptempo R&B tracks, as well as the occasional ballads. Fans can currently get a taste of what to expect from the Velvet Teddy Bear with his first single, “Rock Witcha,” with R&B singer K. Michelle assisting on the background vocals. The song also serves as a cover of Bobby Brown’s 1989 hit.
Studdard also enlisted vocal powerhouse Chrisette Michele on the vivacious track “Tonight,” which he knew she would be the perfect feature for. “I’m a huge fan of Chrisette since her first album. When I heard that song I instantly said her name because it has that jazzy feel to it and I knew she would do it justice,” he said.
‘Letters From Birmingham’ will serve as a follow-up to Studdard’s 2009 project ‘Love Is.’ Studdard recently made news headlines with his divorce to wife, Zuri McCants, of three years.
Listen to the remake of the Bobby Brown classic “Rock Witcha,” the first release from the project featuring K. Michelle.
Ruben Studdard, the American Idol winner from 2003 and R&B singer-songwriter, is getting ready to release his new album ‘Letters’ in March 2012. The record contains twelve tracks that were written by Ruben himself or co-written with some of the top songwriters in music today. It’s sure to be a great compilation of songs for fans who have been waiting eagerly to hear more of Studdard’s music!
This will be Ruben’s sixth studio album since he rose to fame on American Idol nine years ago. He has had an amazing career as both a recording artist and live performer during this time, which makes it even more exciting when he puts out new work. His latest offering features several well-known guest vocalists including Ne-Yo and Kierra Sheard, making Letters an interesting mix of styles and sounds sure to please everyone listening.
So if you’re looking for something fresh and different this March, make sure to check out what Ruben Studdard is up to with his upcoming album Letters! With so many talented artists involved in its creation, one thing is certain: You won’t want to miss it!
Background Information
Ruben Studdard is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer. He rose to fame in 2003 when he won the second season of American Idol. Since then, Ruben has released six studio albums, most recently his 2013 album Unconditional Love. Now, after eight years since his last release, he’s preparing to drop his seventh – Letters – on March 26th 2021.
Letters marks an exciting new chapter for Ruben as he brings together influences from classic soul and gospel music throughout the project. The twelve track album features collaborations with some of today’s biggest names in hip hop and r&b such as Chance the Rapper, Brandy, Big Krit, Snoop Dogg and Tank along with several other notable producers.
Already we have heard two singles off the project “Change Me” featuring Chance the Rapper and “Tonight” ft. artist Redding which gives us a taste of what’s to come from this highly anticipated body work from one of R&B’s greatest voices;’ Letters’. With its nostalgic sound combined with modern day influences – this is sure to be an album that will stand out amongst others and remain timeless for fans around the world!
Album Details
To further build the anticipation for Letters, Ruben has revealed a few details about what fans can expect from this album. He’s described it as “a reflection of my life and music that I’ve experienced over the past 8 years”. It will feature 12 tracks, with artists such as Chance The Rapper, Big Krit, Brandy, Snoop Dogg, Tank and Redding featured on select songs.
The production on the project is said to blend together classic soul sounds with contemporary hip-hop vibes – making it an exciting mix of genres that appeals to both new audiences and long time fans. One thing we know for sure is that listeners are in store for something special; a timeless body of work ready to make its mark in 2021!
It’s clear that Ruben Studdard is back and better than ever with Letters. With its diverse collection of collaborations and mesmerizing melodies, this album promises to offer something unique and meaningful to everyone who listens. We can’t wait until March 26th when Letters finally drops – it’ll be one you won’t want to miss!
Conclusion
I am excited for Ruben Studdard’s new album, Letters. This is his first collection of original music in six years and it promises to be an eclectic mix of soulful R&B and pop. It will feature guest appearances from Grammy-winning gospel artist Kierra Sheard, GRAMMY Award-nominated singer/songwriter Musiq Soulchild, and the legendary Earth Wind & Fire.
The songs that make up this album are sure to be a powerful combination of Studdard’s smooth vocals with honest lyrics reflecting on love lost and found again. I’m looking forward to hearing how these different sounds come together as one cohesive record. With such talented artists featured on the project, there’s no doubt that the end result will be something special.
This upcoming March 2012 release date cannot get here soon enough – I can’t wait! The anticipation is killing me! For fans of Ruben Studdard or those who just appreciate great music, Letters is sure to deliver something unique and memorable for everyone who listens.
