Written by Alan Lindgren & Neil Diamond

“Hello Again” was a beautiful love song performed by the unparalleled talent of Neil Diamond. The legendary singer co-wrote it with his former musical director and collaborator, Alan Lindgren, for the soundtrack of his 1980 movie debut, The Jazz Singer. Diamond was at the peak of his career. The gorgeous melody of “Hello Again” gave Diamond another solid hit reaching #6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Contemporary charts.

Fast forward to 2014 when David Foster, who worked steadily with Diamond throughout the 80’s, recorded a new version of “Hello Again” for Ruben Studdard’s cd, Unconditional Love. The former American Idol alumni was already a fixture of Foster’s musical events and tours. The natural sequence of events had the Hitman sign Studdard to Verve Records.

Unconditional Love was a perfectly crafted record. It had a refined atmosphere in a soul/R&B vein that was clearly unfluenced by the incomparable Luther Vandross (1951-2005). Foster oversaw the whole project while playing and producing a few tracks including “Hello Again.” Studdard’s version of this adult pop classic goes in a soulful direction with an arrangement based on multi-layered keyboards and lush strings. Studdard gave his usual outstanding vocal performance, smooth yet powerful and perfectly suited for the song’s tender atmosphere. Studdard’s vocals throughout Unconditional Love were  remarkable and confirm him as one of the best soul singers of his generation.

Here are a few words from Foster about this song and collaboration:

“I love Ruben’s voice, always have. I thought ‘Hello Again’ would be a great song for him and I think I was right. He really sounds like silk on this production and, of course, Neil is one of the best songwriters ever.”

• Lead Vocals: Ruben Studdard
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Synth, Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag

• Arranged by David Foster
• Produced by David Foster & Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

Hello, again, hello
Just called to say hello
I couldn’t sleep at all tonight
And I know it’s late
I couldn’t wait

Hello, my friend, hello
Just called to let you know
I think about you every night
When I’m here alone
And you’re there at home
Hello

Maybe it’s been crazy
And maybe I’m to blame
But I put my heart above my head
We’ve been through it all and you love me just the same
And when your not there
I just need to hear

Hello, my friend, hello
It’s good to need you so
It’s good to love you like I do
And I feel this way when I hear you say
Hello

Hello, my friend, hello
Just called to let you know
I think about you every night
And I know it’s late but I could’t wait
Hello

written by Mike Reid & Allen Shamblin

Out February 4, 2014, Unconditional Love was the sixth cd release by American Idol alumni and superb r&b singer, Ruben Studdard. Studdard’s mentor, David Foster, signed him to Verve and oversaw the whole project, producing and playing on selected tracks. Unconditional Love was a meticulously crafted cd in the most noble r&b tradition. This recording was chocked-full of intimate ballads and glorious danceable numbers, all sporting an irresistible, old-school feel that echoed the legendary works of the late Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 to July 1, 2005).

This week, the focus is on Studdard’s elegant cover of Bonnie Raitt’s 1991 hit ballad, “I Can’t Make You Love Me. ”  Co-written by noted country tunesmiths Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, Ms. Raitt’s take of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” became a Top Twenty hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 and a Top Ten hit on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song’s beautiful melody immediately attracted a large number of covers including the late George Michael (June 25, 1963 to December 25, 2016) and Prince (June 7, 1958 to April 21, 2016), Boyz II Men, Kelly Clarkson and Bon Iver. In Foster’s capable hands, Studdard’s rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” becomes a sophisticated soul affair with a nocturnal feel. Here, the so-called Velvet Teddy Bear delivers a stunning vocal, his tender performance so full of passion. Foster is on the backing track with his electric piano playing and various synths enhance the colorful, rarefied taste of the arrangement. With the help of Jochem van der Saag in the control room, the production of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is also deemed a big success.
Since the late seventies, it was an event for music lovers when the Hitman brought his adult pop skills to the r&b field. Unconditional Love was no exception. Look in the archives for reviews of two other gems from this cd; the single “Meant To Be,” a Foster co-write, plus a wonderful cover of Burt Bacharach’s “(They Long To Be) Close To You” featuring the great Stevie Wonder on harmonica.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/I-Cant-Make-You-Love-Me_11-27-13.mp3|titles=I Can’t Make You Love Me|artists=Ruben Studdard]

Lead Vocals: Ruben Studdard
Keyboards: David Foster
Synths, Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag

Arranged by David Foster
Produced by David Foster & Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

Turn down the lights
Turn down the bed
Turn down these voices inside my head
Lay down with me
Tell me no lies
Just hold me close, don’t patronize
Don’t patronize me

‘Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t
You can’t make your heart feel something it won’t
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power
But you won’t, no you won’t
‘Cause I can’t make you love me, if you don’t

I’ll close my eyes, then I won’t see
The love you don’t feel when you’re holding me
Morning will come and I’ll do what’s right
Just give me till then to give up this fight
And I will give up this fight

‘Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t
You can’t make your heart feel something it won’t
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power
But you won’t, no you won’t
‘Cause I can’t make you love me, if you don’t

written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David

American Idol alumni Ruben Studdard recently released his new CD, “Unconditional Love.” This collection will put a big smile on the faces of all music lovers who have missed the smooth soul/R&B sounds of great performers including the late Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson and Jeffrey Osborne. “Unconditional Love” is the brainchild of Studdard and Verve’s chairman, David Foster. Together, they selected the material to be included on the album. This incorporated some of the most romantic songs ever written plus a couple of new love ballads.

Besides supervising the whole project, Foster personally produced, with Jochem van der Saag, two of the songs, “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” a modern standard originally recorded by Bonnie Raitt in 1991 and “Hello Again,” a 1980 Neil Diamond hit. Both songs receive the refined, adult contemporary Foster treatment and are perfect vehicles to appreciate Studdard’s tender vocal.

Foster also appears on piano on a gorgeous remake of “(They Long To Be) Close To You.” The Burt Bacharach and Hal David evergreen delivers a rarefied arrangement sporting an enchanting vocal performance by the singer and a special guest appearance of Stevie Wonder on harmonica. “(They Long To Be) Close To You” and its refined setting follow the footsteps of Vandross’ timeless recordings of Bacharach/David standards like “A House Is Not A Home” and “Anyone Who Had A Heart.” Vandross’ musical heritage is a huge influence on both the singer and the overall mood of “Unconditional Love.” Listen to the ear-candy rendition of Paul McCartney’s “My Love.” The upbeat arrangement is a dead ringer for the Vandross’ production of the early eighties. “My Love” has a very catchy beat and screams for a single release. Studdard also does a remake of “If This World Were Mine,” the classic Marvin Gaye/Tammy Tarrell ballad covered in 1982 with great success by Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. It pairs Studdard with the talented Lalah Hathaway for a duet that’s absolutely phenomenal. Although respectful to the original, this new version contemporizes the atmosphere with incredible results. Both songs are perfectly produced by frequent Studdard collaborator, John Jackson.

R&B star Eric Benet with Demonte Posey, produced two of the many highlights of “Unconditional Love.” One is a rendition of the late Teddy Pendergrass’ signature tune, “Close The Door.” Again, it’s an effective update of that classic slow jam. Although impossible to match Pendergrass’ steamy original, Studdard does a very good job with his intense vocal performance that would have made the late R&B singer proud. Benet also produced a remake of Boz Scaggs’ “Look What You’ve Done To Me,” originally co-written and produced by Foster in 1980. This effective tribute to the Hitman is further evidence of Studdard’s superior talent.

There’s a lot more to enjoy on “Unconditional Love.” Studdard and Jackson made a spectacular remake of “The Nearness Of You” that’s transformed into an irresistible jazzy jam. A fantastic moment is the cover of Donny Hathaway’s “Love, Love, Love,” a personal favorite of Studdard’s. This track sounds a lot like a reinvention of the trademark Al Jarreau/Jay Graydon era. It has an irresistible groove, jazzy mood, superb vocal and instrumental performances enriched by muted rhythm guitars and swinging horns.

A few weeks back, we reviewed the first single, “Meant To Be,” from “Unconditional Love.” This Foster/Studdard collaboration is one of the two new compositions included on the album, the other being the romantic title track. Throughout “Unconditional Love,” Studdard reaffirms himself as one of the most personal and best voices in the business. Do yourself a favor. Look for this CD. You’ll savor a fine collection of love songs crafted with class and expertise. A must have!

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/they_long_to_e_close_to_you.mp3|titles=They Long To Be Close To You|artists=Ruben Studdard]

Lead Vocal: Ruben Studdard
Harmonica: Stevie Wonder
Piano: David Foster
Drum Programming: Jochem van der Saag
Drums: Gorden Campbell
Violin: Ginny Luke
Keyboards: Onreé Gill
Background Vocals: Aisha Morris Gill
String Arrangement: David Foster & Onreé Gill
Bass Guitar: Reggie Young

Produced by Onreé Gill

Lyrics

And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you

Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you

Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you

On the day that you were born
And the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust
In your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue

That is why
All the guys in town
Follow you all around
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you

On the day that you were born
And the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust
In your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue

That is why
All the guys in town
Follow you all around
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you

written by David Foster, Bernie Herms, Ruben Studdard, Jay Landers & Charlie Midnight

Ruben Studdard’s soul-drenched version of Michael Buble’s hit “Home” was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of David Foster’s “Hitman Returns.” Studdard, the winner of “American Idol” season two, is one of the best traditional R&B singers around. His warm baritone is a true pleasure to listen to and he can be rightly considered the heir to the late Luther Vandross.

Studdard has toured extensively with Foster and his talent has earned the super-producer’s attention and respect. Foster recently signed Studdard to his Verve label and anticipates the singer’s forthcoming album, “Unconditional Love,” which is out next February. “Unconditional Love” is a collection of pop and soul classics covers including Paul McCartney’s “My Love” and Billy Preston’s “With You I’m Born Again,” a duet with the talented Lalah Hathaway. The album also includes a couple of original tracks, among them the new single, “Meant To Be,” the first fruit of the Foster/Studdard collaboration.

“Meant To Be” is a fantastic R&B ballad with a delicious retro feeling that echoes the classic tunes of the Seventies sung by Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Gaye. Studdard’s superior vocal charm is in the spotlight. On this tune, he caresses the lyrics and is surrounded by gorgeous strings and horns. The music for “Meant To Be” was co-written by Foster with Bernie Herms while Studdard co-wrote the inspirational lyrics with the help of Jay Landers and Charlie Midnight. The smooth arrangement by Foster, Herms and Jochem van der Saag is nothing short of brilliant while the production handled by Herms and van der Saag is the usual top notch affair.

A special treat for Foster’s fans comes with the inclusion on “Unconditonal Love” of Boz Scaggs’ “Look What You’ve Done To Me,” originally co-written and produced by Foster in 1980. As we wait for “Unconditional Love” release, we suggest quality music lovers and fans of the most sophisticated R&B to look for “Meant To Be” on iTunes. You will be enjoying another gem of Foster’s unique songbook delivered by one of today’s most gifted singers.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/meant_to_be.mp3|titles=Meant To Be|artists=Ruben Studdard]

Lead Vocals: Ruben Studdard
Keyboards: Bernie Herms
Synths, programming and sound design: Jochem van der Saag
Trumpet: Wayne Bergeron, Chris Walden
Tenor Sax: Brandon Fields
Trombone: Chris Walden
Violins: Beate Walden

String Arrangement by Bernie Herms
Horn Arrangement by Chris Walden & Bernie Herms
Arranged by David Foster, Bernie Herms & Jochem van der Saag

Produced by Bernie Herms & Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

No Lyrics