Ruben Studdard's Unconditional Love,is his first studio album in two years.
Along with beautiful standards, Unconditional Love features original tunes, one of which; Meant To Be is produced by 16 time Grammy winning producer and Verve Records Chairman David Foster, one of several producers on the CD.
"Silky, classy, sexy, romantic bring you to your knees this is how I describe the incredible voice of Ruben Studdard. He feels every note and every word he sings. He is a man with an extraordinary voice", commented Foster.
Unconditional Love is filled with some of the most romantic songs Studdard has ever recorded including "My Love" by Paul McCartney and Wings, The Carpenters classic, "They Long To Be (Close To You)" which includes Stevie Wonder on harmonica and Bonnie Raitt's poignant, "I Can't Make You Love Me". Additional tracks include a steamy version of Teddy Pendegrass' "Close The Door" which was produced by singer Eric Benet who also produced Studdard's breathtaking version of the Boz Scaggs hit "Love, Look What You've Done To Me". The album also contains a soaring duet with Lalah Hathaway of "If This World Were Mine".
"Unconditional Love is my most romantic album yet. I've wanted to record many of these love songs for a really long time. It's the most heartfelt album I've ever recorded and includes many of my favorite songs from all different eras." commented Studdard.
It s been a decade since Fox Television s American Idol crowned Studdard, a Birmingham, Alabama native, its 2003 winner after he pulled in 24 million votes. In the years since, the Velvet Teddy Bear (as Gladys Knight nicknamed him) has had a string of gold and platinum records, top ten albums and r&b and pop singles. Along with performing around the world, he has toured as Fats Waller in the national stage tour of Ain't Misbehavin and managed to pick up several Grammy and American Music Award nominations along the way.