CD Review: Usher’s Sixth Release Raymond Vs Raymond Is A Solid Album!

Everyone knows I love Usher!  I feel like I have grown up with Usher. It is nice to see Usher evolving, growing, changing.

According to media reports, Usher finally fired his mother she is no longer his manager.  It was a tough decision for Usher to fire his mom but the man is thirty one years old.

He wants to be independent and he demonstrates his growth on “Raymond Vs Raymond”. Usher is now living his life on his own terms and his mother has to accept this fact.

One example of Usher’s maturity. is the song “Mars Vs Venus”, it explores the differences between men and women.

Although some critics hated Usher’s 2008 “Here I Stand”, I love that album.

The most important fact about Usher is, that he is an incredible singer. For instance, Usher’ s phrasing, pitch, tone, and vocal range is very impressive. I believe Usher is the most talented male vocalist of his generation.

Of course, I immediately bought his sixth album Raymond Vs Raymond.  I  admit, Usher’s best album was 2004 “Confessions”.

However, how can Usher possibly top “Confessions” that album old 20 million copies worldwide?

On “Raymond Vs Raymond”,  it appears Usher he is conflicted about his identity. Inside the album jacket, there is a picture of Usher being a responsible black man spending time with children.

However, at the back of the sleeve of the album, there is a  photograph of Usher and a half-naked young  black woman.

It seems Usher doesn’t know what direction he wants to take his career?

Usher is in his thirties now, he realizes he has to become more mature and reach an older demographic market. The problem is, Usher is cognizant that the young kids are the target audience he still wants to reach.

Some of the tracks feel a bit “forced” because he wants to reach young people. For example, the song “Monstar” feels contrived it doesn’t sound authentic.

The fact remains, the music industry is marketed towards the teenagers and the early 20 somethings.

Since Usher is thirty-one, some people may feel the lyrical content is a bit “immature.”

Another point to consider is, can’t a thirty-one year old straight man enjoy sex? Usher certainly isn’t old, he has a right to have casual sex .

The tracks  “Hey Daddy” (Daddy’s Home),  “guilty”, “OMG”, “Lil Freak”, and  “She Don’t Know” Usher is confident in expressing his masculinity.

I love Usher because he’s not afraid to demonstrate he is vulnerable and that he has feelings. So many male singers try to hide their true emotions and Usher doesn’t do this.  On the song “papers”, he discusses his divorce from his cougar ex-wife Tameka Foster.

On the songs “Okay” and  “There Goes My Baby”  Usher illustrates on these  sweet ballads that can be  a sensitive and tender lover.

Usher is not afraid to show his emotions and declare his love for women, unlike some male singers.

I like Usher because he is so “normal” black man. Usher is an intelligent, good-looking, hardworking ,black man and I respect Usher so much. Usher is presenting a positive image of black masculinity in pop culture. He loves his two sons, he’s dedicated to them.