Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut album isn't a masterpiece. Given that the album had gone through several setbacks and delays prior to its release, it's obvious that there was no one at the helm who knew what to do with the former American Idol contestant and Oscar winner. That being said, and in light of her recent family tragedy, the album does showcase the things she's good at as well as the things she needs to fix in her future musical endeavors.
The best songs on the album, to me, do not include either "Spotlight," which feels Beyonce-ish, or "Pocketbook," a rather mismatched club song featuring verses from Ludacris. The best songs are the ones from her church background. Although a track like "Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There" is tailored to a gospel audience, others such as "We Gon' Fight," "Giving Myself," and "You Pulled Me Through" also seem sprinkled with a bit of the holy ghost.
Trying to do a redux on "The Boy Is Mine," Hudson paired with Fantasia (also from American Idol) for "I'm His Only Woman." The song is okay, but it lacks the punch and slightly dramatic effect of the former. That might have more to do with circumstances back when "The Boy Is Mine" was released, though, as rumors circulated that Monica and Brandy really were enemies and were fighting over Usher.
If Hudson had a tighter collection of songs this go round, she would soar tremendously on the charts. She doesn't appear to be a woman who would favor a hip-hop sound as on "Pocketbook" or something that has a Beyonce kick with "Spotlight." The more mature songs like "You Pulled Me Through" and "We Gon' Fight" are more her steelo. If she feels more slanted towards gospel, then she should take a swing at that genre and forget about climbing the mainstream charts.
I believe Jennifer Hudson will pull through the recent events in her life due to the fact that she has this strong church background within her. Musically, if she taps into that foundation rather than whatever the current musical style of the moment, she will truly be at the place she wants to be on her future albums.