Usher - Raymond Vs Raymond

Usher - Raymond Vs Raymond

Usher has truly been missed in the music scene in recent times, and in his absence we have seen a number of new artist stake their claim in the industry. “Raymond Vs Raymond” is Usher’s sixth studio album and already in such a sort time has already reached number one status in the states while making waves of his return to the top. Ushers fifth album “Here I Stand” didn’t please too many fans and failed to reach the benchmark of his previous releases.  So with such a big comeback album we have decided to listen through, track-by-track to give you the lowdown and see how it measures up.

1. Monstar: The intro to the new album definitely has a big cinematic feel to the sound.  As shows of his matured his high vocal range switching between his chest and falsetto tone so effortlessly, also you can really hear that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis sound in the arrangement with the strings sounding Michael Jackson Like.

2. Hey Daddy:  This was the first single released in the U.S and has caught on well through out. The video has Usher back to doing what he does best, dancing up a storm as he reclaims his spot in the industry. Also a mention to the clever lyrics as well.

3. There Goes My Baby: I was critical of the ballads on “Here I Stand” they didn’t reach the high standards he has set previously. In saying this he acquired the production of Jim Jonsin who has really worked with the who’s, who in the industry. This has an amazing hook and lyrics that will surely keep all his female fans happy.

4. Lil Freak: This track really does sneak up on you, and the different layers in the instrumentation are wicked. Nicki Minaj who is doing the rounds on the features at the moment holds it down as well, also I have seen the video for this and it looks hot and definitely does the song justice.

5. She Don’t Know: This track has unique sound but really does sound too busy, there is so much going on and the hook is very average. Even Ludacris featuring on it and a pretty decent bridge doesn’t really make it stand out.

6. OMG: Ok, well its no surprise if you haven’t heard this song yet, you need too. This is seriously from the top draw of Will.I.AM production wardrobe. This genre bending song is really catchy and will have you singing it in no time. There are lush pads and sweeps and then there are hard-hitting percussion and synths that are simply OMG.

7. Mars Vs Venus: This track is the bump and grind song on the album, as usher says in the song himself it’s “the big bang when two planets collide”. Clever lyrics and really ghostly sound palate really creates the mood, something a bit different from what I’m used to hearing from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

8. Pro Lover:  Pro lover is cool it has that back in the day feel about it, the song doesn’t try to do to much production wise its just chilled. Laced with some nice samples and rolling bass line. And lyrically just about Usher being the mac.

9. Fooling Around: Yeah getting round to track nine you can definitely hear the material is starting to thin out. This track sounds exactly like “Let It Burn” from “Confessions”. Not a fan of this track at all.

10. Papers: This track was actually leaked before the album came out, it didn’t get much off a response then and I don’t think it will now. Lyrically is very basic I know Usher been through a lot but he can spear me these types of tracks.

11. So Many Girls: Man the snare in this song slams you when you first hear it; Usher really picks up the pace on this joint. With wicked production from Dangerhandz a very contemporary track, good for the clubs.

12. Guilty: Is produced by Dangerhandz also, he really knows how to cut up a track with some heavy synths. Strong concept in the song-writing department as well I’m sure a lot people will be feeling this track.

13. Okay: Getting towards the end of the album is usually where you find the album filler tracks but in this case it really does solidify the album with another quality track. Smart use of falsetto as only usher can do and you can really hear Usher full vocal array, a smooth track to wind down the album.

14. Making Love: Is a remake of Benny Mardones classic from the 80’s “Into the Night”, but Jim Jonsin and Usher really do this track justice and bring it to a new level. Very sound vocally and the hook proven magic, Usher mixed it up with a the flipped up verse to give extra swagger a brilliant way to finish a great return to form for the super star.

(Sony Music)