NEW YORK (J Records) -
Ruben Studdard's debut gospel album, I NEED AN ANGEL, took the No 1 spot on the Gospel sales chart this week with sales topping 96,000 copies, also landing at No 20 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart.
I NEED AN ANGEL is the highest selling gospel debut since Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation Project in 1998. To put this achievement in perspective, the No 2 gospel album this week sold only 8,000. The album is Studdard's follow-up to his multi-platinum 2003 Grammy-nominated debut SOULFUL.
The lead single "I Need An Angel" was written and produced by award-winning hit maker R. Kelly. In addition, the album contains new Ruben Studdard renditions of many inspirational classics and traditional tunes, including the much-loved classic"Amazing Grace" and the traditional "Fix It Jesus." Additional tracks include "Goin' Up Yonder," "Shout To The Lord," "Restoration," "We Have Not Forgotten" (featuring Fred Hammond), "Ain't No Need To Worry" (featuring Mary Mary), "Center of My Joy" and "Running Back To You."
"I have been singing gospel songs since I was a child and I really wanted to go back to my roots with this record." explains Studdard." "My mother was in the local choir. I went to pre-school church and it was a teacher there who first heard me sing. I was doing solos at a young age - my first one was "I'm Yours, Lord." I continued singing in church and in school and I listened to all kind of music at home. Every song on this album has a special meaning to me."
Studdard whose musical journey began in his native Birmingham, Alabama when he sang with the local choir at the age of three chose all the songs for the album, focusing on tunes that have played an important role in his life.
Additional producers that contributed to the album include Warryn Campbell (known for his work with gospel duo Mary Mary, Luther Vandross, Brandy and Dru Hill) and Eric Dawkins (of the gospel group Dawkins & Dawkins and writer of songs recorded by Quincy Jones, Tyrese, Commissioned and CeCe Winans).
Studdard, who also won an NAACP Image Award for his debut album SOULFUL, spent much of late 2003 and early 2004 touring across the country, giving audiences a first-hand look at why his emotive performances brought him national recognition and acclaim week after week during "American Idol."
