Usher is finally back with his 5th album- 'Here I Stand.'
The album was released on May 26 2008 with record label LaFace. Recording of the album took place between 2007 and 2008. The albums songs consist of the various genres of R&B, pop and hip hop. There are 3 versions of the album with the various lengths as follows: 74:09 (main edition) 77:12 (UK edition) 86:30 (deluxe edition)
The Producers are: Usher (executive), Mark Pitts (executive), Polow da Don, Tricky Stewart, will.i.am, Jermaine Dupri, Dre & Vidal, Bryan-Michael Cox, Stargate, Danja, James "JLack" Lackey, The-Dream, Jazze Pha, L.O.S., Manuel Seal, Soundz, J.R. Rotem, LRoc, WyldCard, Craig Love, Ne-Yo, Kuk Harrell (Vocal Production), Johnta Austin (Vocal Production). So as can be seen, there is some very good musical talent which has worked on this album.
Usher originally hoped to release his latest album in October 2007 and songs for the album were originally recorded with Timbaland, T-Pain, Mario Winans, Rich Harrison, Shea Taylor and Melvin Coleman, however none of these collaborations actually made it onto the album.
Tracks and Ratings
That's enough 'technical' information. This next section now details a list of the tracks with personal ratings
and opinions being given for each. Track List:
Intro - Only lasts 1:28. This intro is a small part taken from the song 'Forever Young' on a different version of the album. This song is ok as an intro for the album as it has a smooth and relaxed tone to it. However I have listened to the full version of the song and I have to say it isn't one of my favourites. It becomes a little monotonous half way through the song as it all seems on one level. So, I think the decision to have it as an intro is a good one.
Love In This Club (featuring Young Jeezy) - I am sure you've heard this song as it is the first song released of his album and if you are an Usher fan you probably will have grown to love it. Definitely good as a first release and although it has now been out a while it is still great to listen to. The song is an upbeat one which is great to dance to. Saying that, 'Yeah' off Usher's previous album 'Confessions' is much better. 9/10.
This Ain't Sex - good bassy beat in the background. Good upbeat tune worthy of being released as a single. 8/10
Trading Places - one of my favourites on the album. Another great background beat. Interesting lyrics as the subject of the song is also interesting. Catchy, in between slow and fast tempo and I liked this tune as soon as I heard it. 9/10.
Moving Mountains - Second single to be released off his album. Toned down a bit from his first-Love in This Club. A slow song comparable to 'Burn' off his previous album 'Confessions' and is almost as good. The lyrics are well constructed for this one. 8 and a half / 10
What's Your Name featuring will.i.am - another one of my favourites on this album. Upbeat tempo, dancy tune with yet another great background beat which will make you want to get up and shake whatcha momma gave ya! 9/10
Prayer For You Interlude - simple short calm interlude talking about his child who has a part crying in it!
Something Special - slower, relaxing tune - one to listen to when you are lying in the sun with your shades on, lotion in one hand and a beer/glass of wine in the other. 8/10
Love You Gently - follows on from the previous song, similar in terms of being relaxing and slow-toned. However you may end up skipping to the next track after a couple of minutes as it can become a little tedious. 7/10
Best Thing featuring Jay-Z - back to another great unique background beat with a faster pace which is always good. Also featuring Jay-Z! Catchy tune which you will find yourself singing along to- once you've learnt the words! 9/10
Before I Met You - Great song. After listening to this a couple of times you will be singing the catchy chorus all day in your head! Good lyrics also. 9/10
His Mistakes - slower, love song with some good lyrics the wider audience can probably relate to. Good one to listen to when you just want to relax. 8 and a half / 10
Appetite - another one of my favourites and yet another catchy one. Back to upbeat tone which I prefer Usher to do rather than slower songs although some of his slower songs have been great. 9/10.
What's A Man To Do - good lyrics again. Slower almost love song like. A good one of its kind although not ground-breaking stuff. 8/10
Revolver - only on the deluxe edition of the album. When I first listened to this track I wasn't raving but after listening to it a couple of times more I realised it was quite unique with a strange tone to it which I now really like, although at first the song seems a little monotonous. 8/10.
Lifetime - simple tune. Not brilliant unlike many of Ushers other songs but still very listenable and relaxing. 7 and a half / 10.
Love In This Club Part II featuring Beyoncé and Lil Wayne - long track lasting 5:09. Good relaxing catchy part 2 song. 8 and a half / 10
Here I Stand - as a title track I expected better things of this. Although it is a smooth soft-toned tune it isn't really anyting special but still very listenable. 7/10
Will Work For Love - last song on the track and a good one to end on. In between slow and fast and almost lifts your mood. Nice happy tune to end on. 8/10
Final Thoughts
Thought this album would not live upto Usher's previous album-'Confessions,' but it has exceeded my expectations and after a few listens can be very much appreciated.
Although there are some great songs on here, overall I feel 'Confessions' is still better which I almost knew would be the case anyway as it will always be extremely difficult to beat. However, 'Here I Stand' isn't far off which is very encouraging and some songs off this album can be compared to ones of 'Confessions.'
All songs are very listenable with a few of my favourites being "This Ain't Sex," "Trading Places," "Whats Your Name" "Appetite" and obviously "Love in This club." Will be interesting to see which ones he releases. Another great album by usher, although a couple more up-beat songs would have been preferred instead of slower ones, but still-Usher has done it again. 9/10.
Thanks for Reading.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Forever Young Love In This Club featuring Young Jeezy This Ain't Sex Trading Places ... more
Moving Mountains What's Your Name featuring will.i.am Prayer For You Interlude Something Special Love You Gently Best Thing featuring Jay-Z Before I Met You ...
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Jun 18th, 2008
(Jul 31st, 2008)
very helpful by (37%):
helpful by (54%):
somewhat helpful by (9%):
