Usher: Here I Stand

Released on May 27, 2008 Usher's "Here I Stand" is a testament of growth. After 2004's 10x Platinum album "Confessions", Usher returns with a solid album. My only hope is that people take the time to listen to the album itself and stop comparing it to his previous albums.

"Here I Stands" opens with the #1 hit "Love In This Club" and the album also includes the Pt.2 of "Love In This Club." However, there are a plethora of better songs on the album, including second single "Moving Mountains" were Usher's talks about dealing with the hardships of a failed relationship.

Interestingly, Usher stated that he wanted to "bring something new to R&B music"; however, many of the tracks seem instantaneously familiar, especially in terms of production. Even so, Usher brings his signature energy to the songs and makes them his own.

"Something Special", "Before I Met You", and "Love You Gently" are amazing slow jams, while "What's A Man To Do", produced by Stargate, tells a the story of being in love with two different people. Usher gets creative on "Trading Places" where he imagines literally trading places, in terms of social norms and sexual positions, with his love interest. "Appetite" is a Danja banger that absolutely screams single, as does the JD track "Best Thing" with Jay-Z where both artists confess their love for their spouses.

The album may not be "Confessions" (even though he references it often) but is a solid album that I'm enjoying more and more with each listen.

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Love In This Club
3. This Ain't Sex
4. Trading Places
5. Moving Mountains
6. What's Your Name
7. Prayer For You
8. Something Special
9. Love You Gently
10. Best Thing
11. Before I Met You
12. His Mistakes
13. Appetite
14. What's A Man To Do
15. Lifetime
16. Love In This Club Pt. 2
17. Here I Stand
18. Will Work For Love (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
Best Thing ~ What's A Man To Do ~ Appetite