WHAT MATT LIASSE THINKS: In the opening 40 seconds of ‘Raymond vs Raymond,’ Usher says he is a number of things: “captivating, perfection, [an] innovator, seductive, superstar, passionate, incomparable.”
The huge claims he makes sets the album up to be either the best ever recorded or simply allows him to fall from too big of expectations.
This is not the best album ever created. The truth is there are only a number of memorable tracks on Usher’s latest disc.
Using his reputation as a ladies’ man, he places sex appeal perfectly in his music with the attempt to swoon any woman. “Monstar,” “Mars vs Venus,” Pro Lover” and “Okay” drip in such appeal, but borderline between inactivating, or just plain annoying.
But the album is filled with phenomenal tunes to be balanced with the less than stellar.
“Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” features a sensual attitude, “There Goes My Baby” stands as the album’s best slow jam and “So Many Girls” offers a beat perfect for the dance floor.
The album’s guest spots give great fun to the album, featuring Ludacris, Will.i.am and T.I.
The biggest song by far is “Lil Freak” which features newcomer and Weezy protégé, Nicki Minaj. The X-rated theme is nicely partnered with a chantable chorus and a beat bigger than Usher’s ego.
The underlining theme of the album is that Usher is no longer married (apparent in the song, “Papers”), and even though he “took a chance on love,” Usher claims he turned into a man he never thought he’d be. So now, the old Usher is back, but there’s no “Yeah!” or “U Got It Bad” this time around.
Rest assured; he’s bound to get another woman pregnant, and we’ll have another set of “Confessions” on our hands.
Artist Name | UsherGrade | C+
