Usher Raymond IV, known mononymously as Usher, is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer, born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, Usher has established himself as an influential figure in contemporary R&B and pop music.
Usher’s debut self-titled album was released in 1994, but it was his second album, “My Way” (1997), that catapulted him to stardom with hits like “You Make Me Wanna…” and “Nice & Slow.” His smooth tenor voice, impressive dance moves, and charisma set him apart in the music industry.
The early 2000s saw Usher’s career reach new heights with the release of “8701” (2001) and “Confessions” (2004). The latter, featuring chart-topping singles like “Yeah!” and “Confessions Part II,” became one of the best-selling albums of the 2000s. Usher’s ability to blend R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements contributed to his widespread appeal.
Beyond music, Usher has ventured into acting, starring in films like “She’s All That” and “Hustlers.” His impact on the music industry earned him numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and he continues to influence the genre with his versatility, dynamic performances, and enduring presence in popular culture.
1. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love (feat. Pitbull)”
“DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” is an infectious and energetic dance-pop song by Usher featuring Pitbull. Released in 2010 as the lead single from Usher’s EP “Versus” and later included in his album “Raymond v. Raymond,” the track became a commercial success and a dance floor anthem.
The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy hooks, and the collaborative energy between Usher and Pitbull. The lyrics convey the excitement and spontaneity of a night out, where the music, specifically the DJ’s selections, plays a central role in creating a memorable experience.
Usher’s smooth and soulful vocals blend seamlessly with Pitbull’s rhythmic rap verses, creating a dynamic synergy. The production incorporates electronic and dance elements, making it a club-friendly and radio-friendly hit.
“DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” not only dominated the charts but also showcased Usher’s ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends while maintaining his distinctive style. The song’s success reaffirmed Usher’s status as a pop and R&B icon, and its infectious energy made it a popular choice for parties and celebrations around the world.
2. “There Goes My Baby”
“There Goes My Baby” is a contemporary R&B song by Usher, released in 2010 as a single from his sixth studio album, “Raymond v. Raymond.” The track, written by Usher along with Rico Love and James Scheffer, is a soulful ballad that explores themes of love, desire, and the impact of a romantic relationship.
In “There Goes My Baby,” Usher’s smooth and emotive vocals take center stage, conveying a sense of passion and longing. The song is characterized by its lush production, incorporating elements of classic R&B and modern pop. The arrangement features a prominent guitar riff, a steady rhythm, and melodic keyboard lines, creating a romantic and atmospheric feel.
Lyrically, the song expresses the intense emotions of seeing a captivating and alluring person who becomes the center of attention. The chorus includes the refrain “There goes my baby, whoa / You don’t know how good it feels to call you my girl,” capturing the sentiment of being captivated by someone special.
Released to critical acclaim, “There Goes My Baby” was a commercial success, earning Usher accolades for his vocal performance and the song’s production. It further solidified Usher’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B. The track’s smooth and soulful sound contributed to its appeal, making it a popular choice for fans of Usher and R&B music.
3. “Love in This Club (feat. Young Jeezy)”
“Love in This Club” is a hit R&B song by Usher featuring Young Jeezy. It was released in 2008 as the lead single from Usher’s fifth studio album, “Here I Stand.” The track, produced by Polow da Don, is known for its catchy and infectious blend of R&B and hip-hop elements.
The song revolves around the concept of a romantic encounter in a club setting. Usher’s smooth vocals and Young Jeezy’s rap verses create a dynamic collaboration, and the chorus captures the atmosphere of the club scene with the repeated line, “I wanna make love in this club.”
The production features a pulsating beat, synthesizers, and layered vocals, creating a contemporary and club-friendly sound. The use of Auto-Tune on Usher’s vocals adds a modern touch to the track, aligning with the prevailing trends in R&B and hip-hop at the time.
“Love in This Club” received commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Its combination of Usher’s charismatic delivery, Young Jeezy’s rap contributions, and the infectious production made it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations. The song’s popularity contributed to the overall success of Usher’s “Here I Stand” album and showcased his ability to stay relevant in the evolving landscape of R&B and pop music.
4. “OMG (feat. will.i.am)”
“OMG” is an energetic and electro-pop single by Usher featuring will.i.am, released in 2010 as part of Usher’s sixth studio album, “Raymond v. Raymond.” The track marked a departure from Usher’s traditional R&B sound, incorporating electronic and dance-pop elements.
Produced by will.i.am, “OMG” is characterized by its pulsating beats, synthesized instrumentation, and catchy hooks. The lyrics revolve around the exhilaration and excitement that come with infatuation and attraction, with the repeated refrain “Oh my gosh” contributing to the song’s playful and carefree vibe.
The collaboration with will.i.am brought a contemporary and club-friendly sound to Usher’s repertoire, showcasing his versatility as an artist. “OMG” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Usher another hit in his illustrious career.
The song’s blend of Usher’s smooth vocals with will.i.am’s production prowess appealed to a broad audience and further solidified Usher’s ability to evolve with the musical landscape. “OMG” remains a standout track in Usher’s discography, reflecting the artist’s willingness to explore new sonic territories and experiment with different genres.
5. “Scream”
“Scream” is a song by Usher, featuring rapper Pitbull. It was released in 2010 as a single from Usher’s sixth studio album, “Raymond v. Raymond.” The track is an energetic and danceable song that incorporates elements of electronic dance music (EDM) and synth-pop.
In “Scream,” Usher sings about hitting the dance floor and letting loose with a romantic interest. The lyrics are suggestive and focus on the electrifying and sensual atmosphere of a club or party. The chorus features the catchy repetition of the word “scream,” emphasizing the high-energy and exhilarating experience of dancing and celebrating.
The production of “Scream” is marked by pulsating beats, synthesizers, and electronic effects, creating a modern and club-friendly sound. The collaboration with Pitbull adds a rap element to the track, contributing to its dynamic and genre-blending nature.
“Scream” was well-received commercially, achieving chart success and becoming a popular anthem in the realm of dance and pop music. The song’s fusion of R&B and EDM elements showcased Usher’s versatility as an artist and his ability to adapt to contemporary music trends. “Scream” is an example of Usher’s foray into the electronic dance genre, capturing the energy and excitement of the dance floor.
6. “U Got It Bad”
“U Got It Bad” is a soulful R&B ballad by Usher, released in 2001 as the second single from his fourth studio album, “8701.” The song, written by Usher, Jermaine Dupri, and Bryan-Michael Cox, became a major hit, showcasing Usher’s vocal prowess and emotional delivery.
The lyrics of “U Got It Bad” revolve around the theme of heartbreak and the realization of how much one values a past relationship. Usher expresses vulnerability and introspection, acknowledging the impact of love lost. The chorus features the iconic line “You got it, you got it bad,” emphasizing the depth of emotions associated with a difficult breakup.
Musically, the song is characterized by a smooth and melodic R&B sound. The production incorporates a gentle guitar riff, a laid-back rhythm, and Usher’s expressive vocals. The arrangement is complemented by harmonies and subtle orchestration, creating an emotionally resonant atmosphere.
“U Got It Bad” received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s relatable lyrics, combined with Usher’s soulful delivery, contributed to its widespread appeal. It remains one of Usher’s signature tracks, celebrated for its emotional depth and its impact on contemporary R&B.
7. “Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris)”
“Yeah!” is a high-energy, crunk-influenced party anthem by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, released in 2004 as the lead single from Usher’s fourth studio album, “Confessions.” The song became a massive hit and is widely regarded as one of Usher’s signature tracks.
Produced by Lil Jon, “Yeah!” is characterized by its infectious beat, energetic tempo, and catchy hooks. The collaboration with Lil Jon and Ludacris added a hip-hop and crunk flavor to the R&B track, creating a perfect blend of genres for a club-friendly and radio-friendly hit.
The lyrics celebrate the excitement and thrill of a night out, with Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris each contributing their own style and charisma to the song. The repeated refrain of “Yeah!” became a cultural catchphrase and contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
“Yeah!” topped charts worldwide, earned Usher Grammy Awards, and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. The track’s success not only solidified Usher’s status as an international superstar but also showcased his ability to create music with cross-genre appeal. The song remains a staple in playlists and party environments, remembered for its infectious energy and collaborative synergy.
8. “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.” Co-written by Usher, Jermaine Dupri, and Manuel Seal, the track is an upbeat R&B and dance-pop song that explores themes of infidelity and the emotional conflict between loyalty and temptation.
In “You Make Me Wanna…,” Usher sings about being in a committed relationship but feeling drawn to someone new. The lyrics express the internal struggle of wanting to remain faithful while being enticed by a new romantic interest. The chorus features the memorable line “You make me wanna leave the one I’m with, start a new relationship with you.”
The song’s production combines smooth R&B melodies with an infectious danceable rhythm. The use of upbeat instrumentation and Usher’s charismatic vocal delivery contribute to the overall appeal of the track. The music video for “You Make Me Wanna…” showcases Usher’s dancing skills and became notable for its choreography.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its impact solidified Usher’s status as a rising R&B star. “You Make Me Wanna…” is often regarded as one of Usher’s early signature hits, marking a pivotal moment in his career and contributing to the success of the “My Way” album.
9. “Crash”
“Crash” by Usher is a soulful ballad that highlights the singer’s smooth vocals and emotional range. The song, released in 2016, is a departure from Usher’s more upbeat tracks, and showcases a more introspective side of the artist. The production is understated, allowing Usher’s voice to take center stage. The lyrics describe the feeling of being completely consumed by a romantic relationship, and the fear of losing that connection. “Crash” is a beautiful and heartfelt song that demonstrates Usher’s versatility as an artist.
10. “No Limit (feat. Young Thug)”
“No Limit” is a song by American rapper G-Eazy featuring rapper A$AP Rocky and rapper/singer Cardi B. It was released in 2017 as the lead single from G-Eazy’s third studio album, “The Beautiful & Damned.” The track also features additional vocals from singer and songwriter Jeremih.
The song’s title and chorus reference the idea of having “no limit” in terms of luxury and enjoyment, particularly in the context of a lavish lifestyle. G-Eazy, A$AP Rocky, and Cardi B deliver verses that boast about their success, wealth, and romantic conquests. The chorus, sung by Jeremih, reinforces the theme of living without restrictions.
“No Limit” is known for its catchy hook, energetic beat, and the charismatic performances of the featured artists. The production includes a trap-influenced sound with a pulsating bassline, which was a popular trend in hip-hop at the time of its release.
The song became a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in several countries and earning platinum certifications. Its popularity was fueled by the star-studded lineup of featured artists and its infectious and dynamic sound. “No Limit” further solidified G-Eazy’s presence in the mainstream hip-hop scene and contributed to the success of his “The Beautiful & Damned” album.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
