As much as America rooted for the big guy to physically (and literally) crush Clay Aiken in 2003’s American Idol competition, Ruben Studdard’s sophomore album proves that the heavyweight is just a lightweight when it comes to the music industry. The Return proves that it is possible for Studdard to make a cheesier song than “Sorry 2004.” Most of the CD is poorly produced, lacking in depth and range and leaving the vocally talented “velvet teddy bear” sounding more like cheap, undesirable cotton. Only on the last two tracks, “Blow Ya Mind” and “If Only For One Night,” does Studdard embody that smooth combination between Barry White and Luther Vandross that gained him a following during his Idol days. Grade: C-
— Zola Coleman, Muse Staff