Artist: Usher

Album: Here I Stand

Label: LaFace Records

The R&B phenomenon has returned with probably his most anticipated album to date. Now a father and a husband, Usher Raymond is still on that soulful tip, but with a more mature approach this time around as he brings you ‘Here I Stand.’ Before the album had a chance to even hit the shelves, it has already spawned three incredible hits that has received worldwide critical acclaim. The video for the third single, ‘Moving Mountains,’ has already been shot and has already been released to the internet. Sometime in February, several unreleased tracks were leaked to the internet, proving that the fans couldn’t wait. However a selected few of those leaked tracks will not make the album including the radio hit ‘That Girl Right There’ that featured Ludacris. Never the less, the tracks chosen to make the cut comprise the makings of yet another Usher masterpiece.

For a long time there has been an absence of contemporary R&B in the industry, Usher has brought that missing feel back again. With his fifth studio album, he has incorporated different elements in the production of this more subtle approach. With more producers in the game today, he ventured for a newer sound with a more grown subject matter. Even though he gave due respect to one of the original producers from all four of his past albums, Jermaine Dupri, in this album he only graces two tracks adding that instrumental melody. As a matter of fact, the instruments that bring out the superlative part of album, next to the lyrics, include an avid collection of classical piano and acoustic guitar. The melodies in each song basically make the song come alive blended perfectly with the lyrics that entrails a storyline. Each track on the album captures certain subject matters on different levels; his lyrics have always provided a vivid storyline for everyone to relate to. There is even a brief interlude where he sings a prayer in a lullaby for his newborn son.

His first single, ‘Love in this Club,’ was produced by Polow Da Don and featured the versatile lyricist, Young Jeezy. Before the label could approve the launch of the single, Polow took it upon himself to release it two weeks prior to the date that label agreed upon. His decision to leak the track didn’t cause any damage to the label or to Usher, however it rose to the top of the charts in a short period of time. The second single is in fact the sequel to ‘Love in this Club’ and features the soulful songstress, Beyonce, and arguably the best rapper alive, Lil Wayne. They added that missing element to the song with production from Soundz. The third official single, ‘Moving Mountains,’ was one of the original tracks that were previously leaked in early February; however it did make the album cut, undeniably. The production to this track along with the lyrics is immaculately powerful. This was definitely a hit record before it was officially released. Usher’s maturity and obvious talent shines through in this outstanding track. Interestingly enough, the track was produced by Tricky Stewart with additional production of another R&B sensation, The Dream. I got to admit, Usher and The Dream honestly make a good team. Another track that needs proper mentioning is called ‘Best Thing’ which features Jay-Z and is produced by Jermaine Dupri with additional production from Manuel Seal.

Other producers that added their elemental sound to the album include mega producers, Will.I.Am, Stargate, Bryan-Michael Cox, Danja, J.R. Rotem and Ne-Yo.

On the real, Usher has never ceased to amaze me. His creative ideas that he incorporates in his tracks can always relate with a lot of situations with a lot of people. This is something you want to pop in the CD player or the IPod when you’re vibing with your girl or even when you’re driving in the car reminiscing about that girl. Either way, I guarantee you will definitely relate. It’s also interesting to see how three R&B stars work on the same album. Listen to the track, ‘His Mistakes,’ it has production from both Stargate and Ne-Yo. I must admit the collaboration between Usher and The Dream on ‘Moving Mountains’ is astounding as well.