Usher

HERE I STAND


On,'Here I Stand',Usher's smooth style transcends the usual R&B production styles.What I mean by this is that you pretty much get your standard R&B album here...yet you get more.


You get the atypical intro-a quarter of a possibly great song somewhat out of style with the rest of the cd....average fare.

The first full song is the hit single,'Love Is In the Club'.The only problem with this song is a problem most artist wish they could have...it seems like it was picked as a single simply because was the first song on the cd.There really is nothing standoffish about this song that sets it apart from the rest of the cd.It is first amongst equals....Oh,that's a good thing.

'Trading Places',is one of my favorite songs.It is romantic,sensual,and somewhat,just a tad,kinky...what's not to love?

I have to mention that I love Usher's singing voice.In this day and age of cookycutter R&B,it is a pleasure to listen to an artist that transcends the genre.Cooky cutterism is a problem in most all styles of the music industry..R&B and Metal seemingly catching the blunt of the commercial crassness...more of the same..the Wal-Mart-settle for mediocrity mentality...gone are the days of the 60's-70's musical mini-Renaissance.

I am not saying that,'Here I Stand' does not have it's typical songs.Most cds either have a death or baby song...'Prayer For You' fits that bill.Most albums have their double entendre song...'Love You Gently' fills that void.And of course,a guest rapper song has to added['Best Thing'].

What I am trying to say is: Usher turns these 'isms' into very good Usher songs.Songs where you go,'Yeah,Usher'.The prime example of this is,'Love Is In The Club Pt.II'.The guest artists(Beyounce' & Lil Wayne)do not overpower Usher,they add a nice nuance.

The title track is a cool addition-two songs in one.Pretty sweet....Usher shoots above the average on 'Here I Stand'...


....Now,if he could only get LeBron some help and transcend the Cavs the same way....


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