Usher Raymond IV, known simply as Usher, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in 1978, Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with his smooth R&B vocals and charismatic stage presence. His debut album, *Usher* (1994), showcased his talent at a young age, but it was his second album, *My Way* (1997), that propelled him to superstardom with hits like “Nice & Slow” and “You Make Me Wanna…”.
Throughout his career, Usher has continued to dominate the R&B and pop charts with songs like “U Got It Bad”, “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, and “Confessions Part II”. Known for his impressive vocal range and ability to blend various musical styles, Usher has won numerous awards including Grammy Awards and has solidified his place as one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
Beyond music, Usher has also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as *She’s All That* (1999) and *In the Mix* (2005), as well as television roles. He remains a cultural icon, influencing both music and fashion trends while continuing to innovate and evolve within the entertainment industry.
1. OMG (feat. will.i.am)
“OMG” is a song by Usher featuring will.i.am, released in 2010 as the lead single from Usher’s sixth studio album, *Raymond v. Raymond*. The song is an uptempo electro-pop and dance-pop track that became a commercial success, topping charts worldwide.
Lyrically, “OMG” is a catchy and infectious song that celebrates a sense of excitement and awe, particularly in the context of a romantic relationship. Usher’s smooth vocals and will.i.am’s production blend seamlessly, creating a high-energy anthem that resonated with listeners.
The song’s memorable chorus and upbeat tempo contributed to its popularity on radio and in clubs, making it one of Usher’s most recognizable and commercially successful singles. “OMG” further solidified Usher’s status as a dominant force in contemporary R&B and pop music.
2. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love (feat. Pitbull)
“DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” is a dance-pop song by Usher featuring Pitbull, released in 2010 as the first single from Usher’s EP *Versus*. The song is characterized by its infectious beat, catchy chorus, and upbeat tempo, making it a club and radio favorite.
Lyrically, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” explores the exhilarating feeling of falling in love on the dance floor. Usher’s smooth vocals are complemented by Pitbull’s energetic rap verses, adding to the song’s party anthem vibe.
The collaboration between Usher and Pitbull proved successful, with the song reaching high positions on charts worldwide and becoming a staple in both artists’ repertoires. Its upbeat energy and memorable hooks solidified its popularity, making it a standout track in Usher’s discography.
3. You Make Me Wanna…
“You Make Me Wanna…” is a song by Usher, released in 1997 as the lead single from his second studio album, *My Way*. It became one of Usher’s breakthrough hits, propelling him to mainstream success and establishing him as a prominent R&B artist.
Lyrically, “You Make Me Wanna…” explores themes of desire and longing in a romantic relationship. The song’s lyrics depict the emotional conflict of being attracted to someone new while still being in a committed relationship, capturing the internal struggle and emotional complexity of infatuation.
Musically, “You Make Me Wanna…” features a smooth and soulful R&B sound, with Usher’s emotive vocals conveying vulnerability and passion. The song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus contributed to its commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts in multiple countries.
The song’s impact solidified Usher’s reputation as a talented vocalist and songwriter in the R&B genre. “You Make Me Wanna…” remains a fan favorite and a classic in Usher’s catalog, celebrated for its relatable lyrics, melodic hooks, and timeless appeal.
4. My Boo (feat. Alicia Keys)
“My Boo” is a song by Usher and Alicia Keys, released in 2004 as a duet. It became a chart-topping hit, known for its catchy melody and romantic lyrics.
The song revolves around the theme of reconnecting with a past love and reminiscing about the special bond they once shared. Usher and Alicia Keys deliver soulful vocals that complement each other, creating a smooth and intimate duet.
“My Boo” combines elements of R&B and soul, featuring a laid-back groove and melodic hooks that resonate with listeners. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and infectious rhythm made it a popular choice for couples and fans of contemporary R&B music.
“My Boo” received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It remains a beloved song in Usher and Alicia Keys’ discographies, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and memorable vocal performances.
5. Burn
“Burn” is a song by Usher, released in 2004 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, *Confessions*. It became one of Usher’s biggest hits, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving critical acclaim for its emotional depth and soulful delivery.
Lyrically, “Burn” explores themes of heartbreak and loss in a relationship. The lyrics depict the pain of realizing that a romantic partnership is coming to an end, with Usher’s vocals conveying raw emotion and vulnerability. The song’s lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced the anguish of a breakup or unrequited love.
Musically, “Burn” features a stripped-down production with a melancholic piano melody and understated instrumentation, allowing Usher’s vocal performance to take center stage. The song’s slow tempo and soulful R&B style showcase Usher’s vocal range and ability to convey intense emotions through his singing.
“Burn” received widespread acclaim for its lyrical honesty, musical craftsmanship, and Usher’s powerful performance. It became a chart-topping hit and remains a standout track in Usher’s discography, celebrated for its poignant portrayal of love and loss.
6. Confessions Part II
“Confessions Part II” is a song by Usher, released in 2004 as the second single from his fourth studio album, *Confessions*. It’s known for its candid and introspective lyrics, where Usher addresses personal mistakes and regrets within a relationship.
Lyrically, “Confessions Part II” continues the narrative from the album’s title track, where Usher confesses to infidelity and the consequences of his actions. The song’s lyrics delve into themes of guilt, remorse, and the complexities of love, reflecting on the challenges and consequences of dishonesty in a committed relationship.
Musically, “Confessions Part II” features a smooth R&B production with a mid-tempo groove and memorable hooks. Usher’s emotive vocals convey sincerity and vulnerability, capturing the emotional turmoil of confessing wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness.
The song’s candid lyrics and soulful delivery resonated with listeners, making it a commercial success and a critical favorite. “Confessions Part II” further solidified Usher’s reputation as a compelling storyteller and R&B artist, showcasing his ability to blend personal narratives with infectious melodies and heartfelt performances.
7. Nice & Slow
“Nice & Slow” is a song by Usher, released in 1997 as the lead single from his second studio album, *My Way*. It is known for its smooth R&B sound and sensual lyrics, becoming one of Usher’s signature songs early in his career.
The song “Nice & Slow” revolves around the theme of seduction and romantic intimacy. Usher’s silky vocals and the song’s slow tempo create a mood that is both romantic and seductive, with lyrics that emphasize taking time to enjoy the moment with a partner.
“Nice & Slow” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It solidified Usher’s reputation as a rising R&B star and showcased his ability to deliver soulful performances with a contemporary edge.
The song remains a fan favorite and a classic in Usher’s discography, remembered for its smooth melody, romantic themes, and Usher’s charismatic vocal delivery.
8. Scream (feat. Lil Jon)
“Scream” is a song by Usher featuring Lil Jon, released in 2012 as the second single from Usher’s seventh studio album, *Looking 4 Myself*. The track blends elements of dance-pop and electronic dance music (EDM), showcasing a departure from Usher’s traditional R&B sound.
Lyrically, “Scream” explores themes of desire, passion, and letting loose on the dance floor. The lyrics capture the exhilarating feeling of being captivated by someone’s presence and losing oneself in the moment of celebration and liberation.
Musically, “Scream” is characterized by its uptempo beat, infectious hooks, and electronic production. Lil Jon’s energetic contributions add a hyped-up element to the song, enhancing its club-friendly vibe and danceable rhythm.
“Scream” was well-received commercially, reaching high positions on charts worldwide and becoming a staple in Usher’s repertoire of hits. Its infectious energy and catchy chorus contributed to its popularity, making it a standout track in Usher’s discography during his exploration of different musical styles and genres.
9. Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris)
“Yeah!” is a song by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, released in 2004 as the lead single from Usher’s fourth studio album, *Confessions*. It became one of Usher’s most successful and iconic songs, topping charts worldwide and solidifying its place as a club anthem and cultural phenomenon.
Lyrically, “Yeah!” is an energetic party track that celebrates nightlife, dancing, and having a good time. The lyrics emphasize the excitement and thrill of being in a club environment, where Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris each contribute verses that complement the song’s upbeat and infectious vibe.
Musically, “Yeah!” is characterized by its catchy hooks, infectious chorus, and upbeat tempo. The song blends elements of crunk, hip-hop, and R&B, with Lil Jon’s signature production style adding a hyped-up energy to the track. Usher’s smooth vocals, combined with Ludacris’ dynamic rap verses, create a dynamic and memorable collaboration.
“Yeah!” received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, infectious energy, and the chemistry between Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for several weeks and became one of the best-selling singles of 2004. The song’s success further cemented Usher’s status as a global superstar and remains a beloved favorite among fans for its party-ready atmosphere and memorable hooks.
10. U Got It Bad
“U Got It Bad” is a song by Usher, released in 2001 as the second single from his third studio album, *8701*. It’s a soulful R&B ballad that showcases Usher’s vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Lyrically, “U Got It Bad” explores themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. The lyrics depict the emotional struggle of realizing deep feelings for someone and the pain of missing them when they’re not around. Usher’s heartfelt delivery and smooth vocals convey the intensity of these emotions, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar sentiments in relationships.
Musically, “U Got It Bad” features a minimalist production with a gentle piano melody and understated instrumentation. The song’s slow tempo and soulful R&B style highlight Usher’s vocal range and ability to convey emotional nuance through his singing.
“U Got It Bad” received critical acclaim for its lyrical honesty, musical craftsmanship, and Usher’s powerful performance. It became a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Usher’s reputation as a leading figure in contemporary R&B. The song remains a fan favorite and a classic in Usher’s catalog, celebrated for its timeless appeal and poignant portrayal of love and heartache.