What Hast Usher Wrought?

So I just started listening to Here I Stand, Usher's long-awaited new album. I clearly gave him a world of shit when "Love In This Club" leaked, mostly because I expected either a complete reinvention, or something so cloberringly awesome that Justin Timberlake would be crying in the fetal position. That single was neither and, unfortunately, the same must be said about the album.

Which isn't to say it's not good. It's actually very good. On par with, or a at least little bit better than Confessions.(I can't be sure, still need to digest some.) What I can say is that I'm going to stop making fun of him, at least for a little while, and let me tell you something, I had PAGES of material about the interlude where he includes a soundbite of his son crying, but, I'll be the bigger man and only discuss what I like, as the album technically isn't out yet and it'd be nice to generate a little buzz for the man.

Ursh is to be commended for shying away from his usual MJ impersonation and coming more into his own and, rather than pretending he can keep up with the Chris Browns of the world, embracing a more Marvin Gaye-ish maturity. Whether its the aforementioned fatherhood acknowledgment or the tones of the Ne-Yo penned "His Mistakes." It's not a giant leap forward, but it's less of a step back than I imagined.

The album isn't stacked with collaborations, a welcome change in hip hop today. Of the few collabs the only one I don't like is Jeezy's appearance of "Love In This Club" but it's totally redeemed by Weezy and Beyonce popping up on the penultimate track "Love In This Club pt. II" and Jay-Z assisting on "Best Thing."

It's hard to call what the hits might be. Its too early to tell if there's a "Yeah" or "Burn" in this bunch, but my early favorites are "What's Your Name" and "Moving Mountains" from will.i.am and Timbaland, respectively. It has that nice one-two punch of playful, synthy come-on and spare, contemplative lament. Vintage Ush.

This looks like it might be kind of a slow year in the R&B department, so who knows, Usher could be covered in little gold gramophones next February, to say nothing of the millions of potential units to be sold. For now all I can do is nod approvingly and maybe, just maybe, start a solemn slow clap. Well played, Mr. Raymond. We shall see.

Usher f. Jay-Z - Best Thing
Usher - Moving Mountains
Usher f. will.i.am - What's Your Name

BONUS
Omarion f. Usher & Fabolous - Icebox (remix)