The artistic zenith that Usher Raymond reached his last go around was one that combined an impeccable blend of hits, emotion, and truth be told: magic. Confessions was the equivalent of capturing lightning in a bottle with no clue on where it was going to hit. The right record at the right time, subsequently elevating Usher’s star from “super” to “mega” and bringing in accolades by the boatload.

But the last four years has seen significant changes in the R&B poster child’s life that’s sure to affect the scope of his music. Recently married with his first child, it’s inevitable for the subject matter to take on a more focused stance in relation to his current lifestyle. As expected, his fifth album Here I Stand includes all sentiments of a fresh romance while still revolving around Usher’s strengths of an artist. It’s factors like this that allow the album to succeed without harboring any explosive or breakthrough material.

With vocals that are synonymous with a hit record for more than a decade, the inclusion of infectious tracks like “Moving Mountains” or the will.i.am’s best disco rendition “What’s Your Name?” come as no surprise. As the title suggests, Here I Stand is more so about solidification than breaking new ground to get to the next level. The breezy “Best Thing” features Jay-Z repaying the favor for 2006′s “Anything” and makes for a decent collabo, nothing more – nothing less, while Usher works the vibe over Danja’s mysterious harmony on “Appetite” rather steadily. But the ballad is man’s best friend as best exhibited on the title track where Usher serenades his lady with a sweet symphony.

On the other hand, Usher and his all-star lineup crew of producers and songwriters tend to fall in the realm of cliché that plagues R&B singers with one foot in the Pop market. The bizarre slow jam, “Trading Places” has Usher switching roles with his lover where he even “takes out the trash with nothing but her t-shirt on…” (Say what!?!?!). He painfully forces the issue on “What’s A Man To Do” where he puts his heart out on the table, before dipping it in nacho cheese, and despite the radio and powers that be’s continuous efforts to push the first single “Love In This Club,” their resilience only highlights the fact that they’re trying to sell a smash that’s simply not there.

Naturally anything short of Thriller 2K as a successor to Confessions will have various obstacles to hurdle for acceptance alone, but Usher hits his mark without really even trying. Opting to make the ballad his comfort zone instead of pushing the envelope musically may have resulted in a slight underachievement, but Usher stands firm with his latest and his fans are likely to follow suit.

3.5 CIGARETTES

Previously Posted — Usher – “Moving Mountains” Video | Usher – Love In This Club (Remix) Feat. Beyonce & Lil Wayne