From The Vault is back this week with an R&B classic which certainly stood the test of time. Today’s pick is Usher‘s ‘Burn.’
The second piece of one of Pop’s most immaculate trifectas, ‘Burn’ followed monster hit ‘Yeah!’ and preceded #1 ‘Confessions (Part II).’ All three were lifted from the diamond-certified ‘Confessions’ LP, which was released in 2004.
Produced Usher’s right hand man Jermaine Dupri, the track reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 where it reigned for 8 non-consecutive weeks – replacing ‘Yeah!’.
The definition of a worldwide smash, the cut also peaked at #1 in the UK, reached the second place of the Australian tally, and climbed to #11 in Germany.
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Jake Nava was the director selected to bring the fiery song to life and he opted for a sensuous yet dramatic visual. The clip showcases Usher and his love interest drifting apart before he drives away for a dance solo on the street.
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Unfortunately Mr Raymond’s latest effort ‘Hard II Love’ found itself being exactly that commercially.
Sure it didn’t have a huge single akin to ‘Burn’ to propel it to the top of the charts, but one would think Usher’s name alone should be enough to do so.
It goes to show that “hit singles” are still a necessity in today’s “new rules” obsessed industry. Rather than trying to “out edgy” one another, we wish more artists would realize that made-for-radio (or Apple Music) doesn’t equate to inferior quality, superficial depth or lack of authenticity. Such songs, much like Usher’s ‘Confessions’ singles proved, serve as a powerful vehicle to drive to album success too.
Food for thought.
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What a legendary album! We’ve not had a legendary album for some time now.
20,000,000 albums worldwide, Diamond certification, 1.1 million copies the first week in the U.S., four #1 singles that spent a whopping 28 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the list goes on…and ALL12 songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004 were performed by African-American recording artists! An absolute slay of a year and Usher was KING.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_Hot_100_number-one_singles_of_2004
Chile, when I say this was an ERA! Usher dominated everything that had to with music in 2004. From radio/music video plays to topping the album and single charts for weeks, snagging all the awards and slaying every stage he set his foot on, this was when he was on top of the music world. If it weren’t Adele’s 21 and later on, Nelly’s Country Grammer being certified Diamond, Confessions may have been the last true blockbuster album we may have seen in the U.S. Shame about his latest efforts. Someone of his talent should not be releasing forgettable albums like Hard II Love.
Probably the only song that I really like from him.
Usher still has potential.., his brand might be in the doldrums but he has not lost his talent, he has his looks and can still sing and perform his b*** off. What Usher really needs is a new publicist and image consultant. Maybe he should give Stella Bulochnikov a call? Usher is a Junior Legend and needs to start behaving like one.
Who would’ve thought Usher, Britney, Alicia and the Spice Girls will flop? Their albums were so huge back then.
Best album of all time!!
Awesome