Raymond V Raymond

About

By 2010, it still felt like USHER had room to rest on his <i>Confessions</i>-era laurel, even though he was coming off of releasing 2008’s <i>Here I Stand</i>. That album was more conventionally pop than anything he’d done up to that point, maybe due to the fact that the Atlanta-based superstar had room and capital to experiment as he pleased. But 2010’s <i>Raymond v Raymond</i> saw USHER getting back into his stride, making music that was timely without being overzealous in its pursuit of guaranteed chart-topper. “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” one of the lead single, brandishes his sweet falsetto, and “There Goes My Baby” features a similar delivery, while rejoicing in how good it feels to be in love. An ascendant Nicki Minaj shows up on “Lil Freak,” and USHER’s regular collaborator Ludacris shows up for the solid "She Don’t Know.” The clearest improvement on <i>Raymond v Raymond</i> from its predecessor comes with the will.i.am-produced “Omg,” a super time-specific hit that expands and improves upon their work on <i>Here I Stand</i>. “Guilty” with T.I. shares similar pop sensibilitie, as it tells the story of a man who’s deeply in love even though he’s not yet ready to give up his participation in the nightlife. .

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

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