usher1

Never in history has infidelity been as positive to one’s career like it has with Usher Raymond. His magnum opus, the now legendary Confessions, was produced with infidelity being its main ingredient. Now out of a rocky marriage, Ush seems to be attempting to conjure those same feelings again with his new album Raymond vs. Raymond.

The mood surrounding this album was difficult to predict. At best, its buzz was average. “Papers” was certainly a quality record and a nice sample of what was to hopefully come. His appearance on Trey’s hit was a great way to close out 2009. However, when the “album” leaked a few weeks ago, the result was so-so at best. Fortunately, most of those records probably wouldn’t make the final cut anyway. “Foolin’ Around” was not found on the aforementioned leak, but already has the makings of an album standout.

With the guidance of two of the decade’s most successful producers, Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox, the Ocean’s trio seems to have a potential single on their hands. Where “Papers” saw fit to place blame on the female, “Foolin’…” performs the polar opposite. Ush finally caves to the guilt of his wrongdoings and even goes so far to say she “deserves more” than the lie she is unknowingly living. Through no fault its own, the record will likely draw flashbacks to a previous monster single of Usher’s. It’s the same type of feeling matched with the same type of honesty. Whether it mimics the commercial success of its predecessor remains to be seen.

Personal demons. Infidelity. Gult. And breakthrough. Just the type of roller coaster needed for RVR.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download — Usher – “Foolin’ Around” (prod. by Jermaine Dupri & Bryan Michael Cox)

Originator: Team Supreme