I’ve been listening 2 Usher’s latest album, Here I Stand, the past few days and I came up with some interesting conclusions that I feel like sharing w/ everyone. In fact, consider this my first lil’ album review and we may make this a permanent segment. Overall, it is an excellent R&B album and if any other ordinary, up and coming R&B singer came up with an album like this, it would make their careers. That being said, I feel like it had the potential 2 be a classic and just falls short. I feel the album’s shortcomings lie within the lyrics, as they are quite frankly pretty weak in a few spots on the album (conversely, there are points where the lyrics are ridiculous as well…). However, it seems as if Usher relies on his voice 2 sing some of the lyrics that, if not sung so wonderfully, would sound even more weak. A couple examples:

“I’ll be waking u up to a cup of Folgers
Pancakes and eggs I owe ya breakfast in bed, oh baby
And your orange juice sitting on the coaster
Toast on the side baby strawberry and grape jelly”

Usher “Trading Places” (not really feelin’ the detail I suppose…)

“Light as a feather,
but hard as a rock,
Daddy know just what u like…”

Usher “Love You Gently” (lil’ corny for my tastes at least)

Not exactly the strongest lyrics on paper, but like I said above, Usher comes through and makes it tolerable. However, when u take a step back and analyze some of the lyrics, I think it detracts from the quality of the album. There’s a few trax that I’m just indifferent on (”Trading Places”, “Love You Gently”, “Lifetime”) and then some gems (in order of my fav. trax) that are on point with production, lyrics, and performance (”What’s A Man To Do”, “This Ain’t Sex” - my fav. beat, “Moving Mountains”, “His Mistakes”). There are a few trax that I can see growing on me even more that would enhance my opinion of the album like “Best Thing”, “What’s Your Name”, “Will Work For Love [Hidden Track]”, & “Something Special” that I like a lot and it’s probably a matter of time til they get repeat status.

In closing, all you Usher fans will definitely find some favorites on Here I Stand, but given Usher’s previous classics, you might find yourself feeling disappointed. If I had 2 choose right now, I’d rank it 3rd behind Confessions & 8701, but not by much. It is still a great album where Usher grows as an artist, with the overall content dealing with more mature relationship situations, rather than the “lemme get your number” type situations on 8701 for example. Because of that, it may take a few listens 2 fully appreciate the album as a whole and I would hold off judging it until u do reach a few listens. And finally, I can’t go this whole review without mentioning Usher’s banging singles “Love In This Club” & “Love In This Club (Pt. II)” f/ Beyoncé & Lil’ Wayne. Truthfully, I still have not gotten into either. I was waiting for both 2 grow on me, but I don’t think it ever will. I know it’s a HUGE hit with everyone, but I’m just not feelin’ the repetitive chorus, the beats are aite, and it may not be fair 2 compare, but it simply doesn’t compare 2 “Yeah!”. Again, Here I Stand in stores NOW, and u should def support the artist and purchase a copy for a measly 10 bucks!

Hope u enjoyed my first lil’ album review. Expect some more writing from all 3 of us as our unique perspectives will further generate some depth and interest for our GWHH fans! Comments and criticisms are encouraged!

*Tibs Favs

03. This Ain’t Sex

05. Moving Mountains

08. Something Special

10. Best Thing f/ Jay-Z

12. His Mistakes

14. What’s A Man To Do

17. Here I Stand / Will Work For Love [Hidden]

Production: 9/10

Lyrics: 7.5/10

OVERALL: 8/10

~ Sgt. Tibs