As Usher readies his 5th studio album tentatively titled ‘Raymond vs Raymond’ for a December release, two new cuts -presumed to be from the LP – have surfaced, the Red One produced ‘More’ and ‘Daddy’s Home’, which was produced by The Runners.

Usher’s seems to be onto something with his partnership with producer Red One. While the sound they are churning  out is by no means original (see: Lady GaGa and just about every other uptempo R&B-meets-Electro Pop cut released over the last year!), I’m really feeling their output on ‘More’ as well as the previously heard ‘Rockband’).

Cranking up the tempo and not trying to ‘move mountains’ seems to be call of the day with this new project, as further evidenced by the stormer that is ‘Daddy’s Home’. The slick production and easy on the ear hook, make this one a sure-fire radio smash in waiting.

It’s quite clear to see after the relative tanking of ‘Here I Stand’, Usher is re-positioning himself as the artist and performer we know and love, doing away with the defensive declarations of his manhood and disdain for those who talked about his private life. Come to think of it, had the material on this project been what he released as his last album during the Tameka times, I’d imagine it would have done well. More artists need to swallow the pill they are public figures (hence folk will always talk), and simply serve up the hits. Mr Raymond seems to be getting the memo now…

Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

More

Daddy’s Home