Usher - Raymond v. Raymond
Daddy’s coming home, but will he be getting a warm welcome?
Two years after his album, Here I Stand, received a cold greeting from fans and critics alike, Usher is back with Raymond v. Raymond. The album is his first since splitting with his ex-wife, Tameka Foster, and is said to serve as a re-introduction to the club prowling playboy we fell for on his multi-platinum Confessions.
Matching the Confessions success is proving tough for the 31-year-old singer. He’s released lukewarm buzz single after lukewarm buzz single before deciding on “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” as the first single. Much like the sales of his previous album, the song went nowhere, and it grew more evident that this album would probably do the same.
Raymond v. Raymond is out today, but it’s already hit the internet weeks ago, giving listeners a chance to decide if they should go out and drop some change on it. We scanned the album for some hot cuts, and though underwhelmed by the set as a whole, there are a few tracks that are iPod worthy. Here are four we think you should check out:
1. Lil Freak featuring Nicki Minaj – Listen + Watch Video
Maybe it’s the addition of the IT girl of the minute, Nicki Minaj, rapping about bringing Ush a couple chicks to have some bedroom fun with, or maybe it’s the sample of Stevie Wonder‘s “Living For The City” played out in violins, but “Lil Freak” is the first of Usher’s many singles (buzz or otherwise) from Raymond v. Raymond that could actually do something on the charts. And have you seen the video!?
2. There Goes My Baby – Listen
Usher is reaching for King of Pop-like greatness with this Michael Jackson-styled groove. “There Goes My Baby” could be the grandson of MJ’s “Lady In My Life,” sonically and subject-wise. Usher doesn’t lyrically trumpet his admiration of his significant other as eloquently as MJ, but it’s a good attempt and a shining moment in a mountain of mediocrity.
3. OMG featuring Will.i.am – Listen
“OMG” isn’t your typical Usher track. Like everyone else these days, he’s trying to take his sound more international, and he’s enlisted Black Eyed Peas rapper/producer Will.i.am to tap into that Euro-pop sound. With its whirlpool of electronic beats and infectious hand-clap hook, there’s no way you’ll be able to get “OMG” out of your head after listening to it.
4. Pro Lover – Listen
Looking for something to blast riding down the street in the whip with the windows rolled down on a sunny day? The breezy stunner “Pro Lover” is the one for the job. It’s the closest Usher comes to conjuring up those warm feelings felt while listening to Confessions, but it isn’t desperate to revisit that time. If the entire album was approached with the same finesse as this cut, the album would be sheer bliss.
I only liked a few tracks from Usher’s new one as well. Most of the tracks I liked are his released singles though. I’ll still be supporting him, but he will never live up to Confessions.
whatever
I will always love USHER and actually was one of the few in attendance last night to see him perform in Tribeca at the iheartradio concert! He did this one cover of Stevie Wonder that was unreal! Check it out…
http://tinyurl.com/yl54uuc
You are spot on about these tracks!
I love the albums. My favorites song are fooling around an guity an there goes my baby. I love u an god bless u an your family.
i just wanted to say that i love usher is my star and is the best all my dream is to see u someday i love u usher raymond