Usher
USHER’S NEWEST ALBUM “RAYMOND V RAYMOND” DEBUTS AT NO. 1 IN THE U.S
USHER’S NEWEST ALBUM “RAYMOND V RAYMOND” DEBUTS AT NO. 1 IN THE U.S.
No. 1 Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop and Digital Album In The U.S.
New York, NY – Five-time Grammy-winning artist Usher is back on top of the charts with his newest album Raymond v Raymond (LaFace/JIVE Label Group).
This week Usher’s sixth studio offering is the No. 1 album in the U.S. Raymond v Raymond is No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and the Top Digital Albums chart. The album marks the Atlanta-based singer’s third No. 1 debut on the Top 200 Albums chart and his fourth No. 1 debut on the R&B Albums chart. Additionally, fans are positively responding to burgeoning pop hit “OMG” featuring will.i.am. Within just one week of being available, “OMG” already ranks in the Top 10 on the Digital Singles chart.
Raymond v Raymond is also dominating international charts as the album impressively debuts in the Top 10 on the iTunes charts in Canada, Holland, Australia, Germany, Spain and Italy. The album is slated be released in the U.K. later this month, however, “OMG,” has hit No. 2 on the U.K. iTunes chart and No. 8 on the national singles chart within two weeks of its release.
The album comes as the megastar singer tops U.S. video networks and radio airwaves with over 100 million in audience with four top chart-topping singles including “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),”,“Lil Freak,” a duet with Nicki Minaj, “There Goes My Baby” and “OMG” featuring will.i.am.
In addition to the strong sales and promotional support, critics have embraced Raymond v Raymond: The Boston Herald describes the set as, “diverse and satisfying;” The Los Angeles Times asserts that Usher is “back in action,” rating the album 3 out of 4 stars; and The Washington Post simply declares“…everybody loves Raymond..”.
Following several high profile performances including Good Morning America and American Idol, Usher continues to promote the album and is slated to travel to Europe mid-April.
Usher
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)
Usher
USHER ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN PROMOTIONAL TOUR!
USHER ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN PROMOTIONAL TOUR!
CURRENT SINGLE ‘OMG’ #1 ON iTUNES TOP SONGS CHART
R&B superstar Usher announced today he will be visiting Australia this month for a promotional tour in support of his current album ‘Raymond v Raymond’. Usher’s latest hit single ‘OMG’ featuring will.i.am hit the #1 spot on the Australian iTunes top songs chart this week and is certified Gold. The Grammy Award-winning artist will perform ‘OMG’ along with his previous #1 ARIA Double Platinum hit ‘Yeah!’ on Hey Hey It’s Saturday on Wednesday, May 19th. This will be Usher’s first ever Australian television performance!
‘Raymond v Raymond’ marks Usher’s fourth top ten album in Australia. He last visited Australia in 2004 in support of his ‘Confessions’ album which sold over 4 x Platinum in Australia and sold over one million copies in its first week in the U.S. alone - the highest debut-week numbers ever for a male R&B artist. Over his career Usher has sold over 45 million albums worldwide, won 5 Grammy Awards, 4 American Music Awards, 8 Soul Train Music Awards, 4 BET Awards, 3 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award, 6 Teen Choice Awards, a Blockbuster Music Award, 3 R&B Hip Hop Conference Awards, 9 ASCAP Awards, a staggering 17 Billboard Music Awards and countless other international awards.
‘Raymond v Raymond’ finds the iconic singer addressing various topics reflecting the dichotomies of life. The new album contains the smouldering signature ballads and hypnotic up-tempos the multi-talented, all around entertainer is known for.
Usher will arrive in Australia on May 18th for promotion in Melbourne and Sydney.
‘RAYMOND V RAYMOND’ IS AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE NOW
Usher
New Justin Bieber video - Somebody To Love ft. Usher
Usher
USHER’S OMG CONCERTS IN SYDNEY & MELBOURNE SELL OUT!!
OMG!
USHER’S OMG CONCERTS IN SYDNEY & MELBOURNE SELL OUT IN MINUTES!
SECOND CONCERTS ADDED TO MEET DEMAND.
Tickets to Usher’s OMG Australian tour went on sale this morning at 9am with Sydney and Melbourne selling out in just minutes. Second concerts have now been added on Sunday 20 March at Rod Laver Arena and Thursday 24 March at Sydney’s Acer Arena.
Tickets to the new shows will go on sale at 9:30am TODAY. With Usher promising his biggest arena tour yet the OMG Tour is set to be the must see of the summer. Don’t miss out on these second shows!
USHER OMG TOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 2011
Tuesday 15 March PERTH - BURSWOOD DOME
Friday 18 March ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
Saturday 19 March MELBOURNE - ROD LAVER ARENA
Sunday 20 March MELBOURNE - ROD LAVER ARENA - NEW SHOW!
Tuesday 22 March NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
Wednesday 23 March SYDNEY - ACER ARENA
Thursday 24 March SYDNEY – ACER ARENA – NEW SHOW!
Saturday 26 March BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
All Australian tickets from Ticketek 132 849 or http://www.ticketek.com.au
Tuesday 29 March AUCKLAND - VECTOR ARENA
Ticketmaster 09 970 9700 or http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz
