Staff Album Review - Mark

Usher - Here I Stand
R&B superstar grows up quickly.

Usher has released his sixth album entitled Here I Stand. It has high expectations after the success of his last album Confessions, especially the mega hit single "Yeah". "Love in This Club" featuring Young Jeezy is the first song released from the album and was a refreshing jam when it came out earlier this spring. I don't think it carries the energy of "Yeah", but it is a bright and fresh new song for the club for '08 and it has reached #1 on the charts. Initially when listening to the album I was disappointed because I was expecting more high energy songs that could be played at the club, then I remembered Usher is an R&B singer. On the positive side, I realized when critiquing this album that the bulk of the lyrics are written in first person. Usher tells stories and uses situations in his life to build songs around, which I enjoy. Song after song Usher takes from personal experiences to shape the 17 tracks on the record.

Before I bought the Here I Stand I heard the buzz that Usher had grown up, and on this album he only talks about being with one woman. The 29 year-old married Tameka Foster, 37, in August of 2007 and they had a son, Usher Raymond V, in November. (Our kids might be listening to Usher the V). This news about the album was disappointing because I had been a fan of Ushers since I was in high school. Part of his appeal for me had always been that he was a bachelor and his songs explored the life of bachelorhood.
Here I Stand definitely is different. This album is for those who are married or in a relationship. Now, I do believe in love and I know finding that special individual is the ultimate goal for most people in this world.

After listening to the album my disappointment lifted and I respected it for what it was and Usher for where he is in life. Usher has matured and you can find that the majority of the songs talk about the impact his wife has had on his life. What I like about the way he goes about it is, he justifies his feelings, allowing you to join him in his journey. In the song "Something Special" he says, "Baby this is new for me, I get excited when you're here my dear. . .we both know I've been running for so long, this time love won't let me leave." In the song "Before I Met You" he says, "I was a hustler and player (Before I met you), oh but how you made a difference, look what I've been missin’, you got my life together and I thank you forever. . ." Those are pretty powerful lyrics. Anyone who is in a relationship or has been in one can appreciate the essence of what he is saying.

Not every song is so positive though, "Moving Mountains" is the third single released from the album and is one of my favorite tracks. It talks about how things can be when partners aren't on the same page. This song has a music video, and I like it for it's creative and catchy composition. Usher does throwback to his old days as a bachelor in "What’s A Man To Do" and "What’s Your Name" feat. Will.I.Am. He also has a short interlude where he talks about his newborn son in "Prayer For You.”

Even though there isn't any song that matches the energy of "Yeah,” Here I Stand is very satisfying. R&B music is supposed to be about love, and Usher has covered it from all angles. From the bedroom to his deeper feelings about his family, Usher uses a variety of styles to deliver his songs. He sings powerful ballads that use many synthesized instruments, and sings simple finger-snapping-story-telling-rhythms that only use a bass and acoustic guitar. Usher has captured my attention and put out a complete album that elevates him and elevates love. I give it 4 out of 5 spins.