Usher is predominantly an R&B artist although there are other influences in his music. Even if you're not into R&B, chances are you'll have heard many of his tracks, particularly those in softer soul-style.
"Here I Stand" is a 2008 release. As with his previous album, "Confessions", it is reported that various tracks are auto-biographical, the most apparent of which is "What's a Man to Do".
The album has the most unlikely start. A Broadway-style vocal introduction sets the scene in a story-like manner. It's not really what you expect from Usher's commercial offerings but perhaps meanders back to his stage experience in "Chicago". The mood here is black and leaves you wondering whether this is going to be an enjoyable album, but, as we reach climax, the mood lightens and we get what we paid for, a commercial Usher.
The second track provided Usher's first official single from the album and also the first track on the album to feature another artist, Young Jeezey. Radios have given much airtime to this track, "Love in this Club" and it's up-tempo beat together with catchy chorus will have you singing along
in no time. It's probably not got the clubbing staying power of "Yeah" but it's certainly worthy of it's No1 status.
Tracks 3 and 4 are rather dull. Stand-alone singles they are not. Neither "This Ain't Sex" nor "Trading Places" seem worthy of this album. The electronic beat of "This Ain't Sex" is replaced with a piano in "Trading Places" but both tracks are long and, although perhaps reflecting Usher's newly married status, don't really hit the mark.
"Moving Mountains" is a different matter entirely. This is heart and soul Usher with superb slow vocals. There's effort in this track and a desire that was lost in the previous tracks.
"What's Your Name?" hits rock bottom again (despite a guest from Will.i.am), in my opinion and I'm always grateful when it's over as it means that it's time for the absolutely brilliant interlude - "Prayer for you". Every time I hear this track I find myself wondering whether the baby crying in the background is, indeed, junior, and it is at this point the album turns. Usher has reached his "lightbulb moment" and seems to leave his past behind in favour of a more family orientated life. It's at moments like this that one gives credence to the autobiographical nature of the album.
"Something Special" really is. There's a degree of sincerity in this upbeat track talking of life and love. There's an almost country feel to the track which seems to harness the meaning of the words.
We travel down again for "Love You Gently" a rather dull, slow track which has little to commend it before rising again to "Best Thing". "Best Thing" features Jay-Z and is almost a retrograde step in terms of style. It's Usher before marriage and its hip hop style is simply fab. I'm not sure that it works in the album where it is placed as it seems rather out of kilter with the story being told but I'm glad it's there nonetheless.
"Before I Met You", "His Mistakes" and "Appetite" follow, slowly building up the pace as we progress through the tracks. They are all acceptable but seem rather like fillers on the album. If I were Usher's wife I'd not be too impressed with the lyrics on "Appetite" but, maybe given Usher's track record, I shouldn't be surprised at the references to infidelity.
The style changes again with the next track, "What's a Man to Do" which has a rather different feel to it. At this point I'm clamoring for another dance track, but what I get is a mid-tempo affair. The song is fair and, placed elsewhere in the album I might quite like it, but it doesn't work here.
"Lifetime" follows. It's not really my cup of tea, but it does tell me that one of the best remixes is about to follow. "Love in This Club Part II" is simply awesome and a worthy remix on an album. It's slightly slower than the original with guesting by Beyonce and Lil Wayne. As a track in it's own right its focus shifts from the original club to the love. I can't see it peaking as a single but I think I prefer it to the original.
The title track, "Here I Stand" is a slow ballad with piano backing. This is Usher opening up and asking to be accepted for who he is. It's a classy track, more old-crooner, than old-skool. For me the track is a little shallow and it lacks the sincerity that we saw in "Something Special" or "Moving Mountains".
"Will Work For Love" follows and for me, this is a highlight of the album. It's a bonus track which really should have been in the main body of the album. It's catchy toe-tapping feel leaves you with a very positive feeling. CAREBEAR's BOTTOM LINE
This album is a bit of a roller-coaster. For me, the high points make up for the lows and I'm prepared to bear the weaker tracks just to get to the good stuff. It's similar in many respects to "Confessions" as an album. The tracks do flow (with some notable exceptions) and again we're taken on a journey. Where that journey ends up is, perhaps, questionable.
I think the album works as a complete piece and would rather buy the album than download selected tracks as I feel, with the exception of the two "Love in this Club"s that they stand better in context than alone.
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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