Usher

8701

Today's Best R&B Vocalist. Tomorrow's Legend.

Review Score:

(10/10)
I truly believe that Usher Raymond will be remembered for giving us some terrific love songs and memorable jams. He is not the NEXT ANYONE, but in a category all his own. He isn't selfish and flashy like Sisqo (all act, no show). His music is certainly going to be what I will be listening to in twenty years. Although many haven't gotten a chance to purchase his first album, by breaking into the mainstream with MY WAY, he's gotten a broader fan base to show what he can accomplish with his God given talent. With 8701, he's here to show us a more mature (as if he wasn't!) singer, dancer, and all around entertainer rolled into one. He's in his own words, "TTP" (The Total Package).

And that's what 8701 provides us. Love ballads, MEANINGFUL SONGS that we can all relate to (in love or not!) and hot club jams that you can hear in the clubs, or just to play during house parties, in your car or at home. This is a classic disc that no fan (R&B or not) should be without. Whether it's to hear his crystal clear vocals, the rich production, or the stories he tells us, 8701 picks up where many R&B "singers" failed to. Everything fits like a glove. The beats match the singer, which is crucial and can either make or break the talent. This was a problem with Tyrese's 2000 Watts.

On another note, this is also by far the best sounding CD I've heard. Kudos to Arista. It sounds far clearer and crisp than any recent album I've heard. Usher's vocals blast through the speakers loud and clear.

I read on MTV NEWS that Usher decided to re-record his album due to pirating of his music on the internet. This displeased many Usher fans as they would have to wait some time until it was released. I say, this is the sign of a true singer who cares about his fans. Why make them pay for something they've already heard? It seems to me that money doesn't get in the way of this young man.

Some people may not like this record because it may sound "too commercial." Listen again and again and you will hear a man pouring his soul out to you, the listener. The next time you go to the record store (not the internet), pick this record up. You will bob your head to the jams, cry to the ballads, and most of all, be moved.

I really hope Usher continues to bring us great music. If 8701 is a sign of the next ten years in his career, we've got ourselves a legend in the making. And we should listen.

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