Album: The Return

Introduction
"The Return", the third studio album by American artist Ruben Studdard, was released on October 17, 2006. Following his win on the second season of "American Idol" in 2003, Ruben Studdard increased to fame and quickly ended up being understood for his smooth R&B vocals and charismatic phase existence. "The Return" was an extremely anticipated album that showcased Studdard's signature soulful sound while incorporating components of hip-hop and gospel. With a mix of initial tracks and cover tunes, the album enabled Studdard to further establish his musical identity and contribute to the R&B genre.

Album Production and Collaborations
"The Return" was produced by prominent music manufacturers such as The Underdogs, Scott Storch, Ne-Yo, and Stargate. These collaborations assisted to create a refined and well-rounded album that successfully showcased Studdard's singing talent. The album includes significant collaborations with prominent artists and songwriters, including rap artist Fat Joe on the song "Make Ya Feel Beautiful" and gospel legend Kim Burrell on the track "I'm Not Happy".

Single Releases and Chart Performance
The lead single from "The Return", "Change Me", was released in August 2006. The song, composed by Ne-Yo and produced by The Underdogs, is an effective ballad that highlights Studdard's soulful and emotional vocal range. The single peaked at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 12 on the Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The second single, "Make Ya Feel Beautiful", was produced by Scott Storch and included rapper Fat Joe. The upbeat, hip-hop-infused track aimed to display a more flexible side of Studdard's music. Although the song did not chart as high as "Change Me", it still got favorable evaluations and additional cemented Studdard's position in the R&B music scene.

In overall, "The Return" peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 2 on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart. It offered over 71,000 copies in its very first week, making it among the best-selling albums by an "American Idol" alumnus at that time.

Vital Reception and Legacy
"The Return" received combined to favorable evaluations from music critics. Numerous applauded Studdard's vocal ability and the overall production quality of the album, but some slammed the lack of development and character in the songwriting. Although not as successful as his launching album "Soulful", "The Return" still handled to solidify Studdard's reputation as a skilled R&B vocalist.

In the years following the release of "The Return", Ruben Studdard continued to release brand-new music and develop a successful profession as an R&B and gospel artist. The album's themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection resonated with lots of fans, and its legacy depends on its authentic representation of Studdard's emotional noise and charming personality.

Track Listing
"The Return" consists of 14 tracks that display a wide variety of musical styles. Some of the notable tunes on the album include:

1. "The Return (Of the Velvet Teddy Bear)".
2. "Change Me".
3. "Make Ya Feel Beautiful" (including Fat Joe).
4. "Get U Loose".
5. "Our Story".
6. "One Side".
7. "I'm Not Happy" (featuring Kim Burrell).
8. "To Da Crib".
9. "Rather Just Not Know".
10. "Blow Ya Mind".
11. "If Only for One Night".
12. "My Love Is a Rock".
13. "Not Gon' Be Another Love".
14. "Play Our Song".

In conclusion, Ruben Studdard's "The Return" is an emotional and melodic album that showcases the artist's effective singing abilities and more establishes his track record as a skilled R&B singer. With its mix of initial tracks and covers, the album has rightfully earned its place as a memorable record in Studdard's renowned music career.