Join us as we celebrate a major musical anniversary. Today’s From The Vault pick is the first single from an album that turned 20 years old this weekend.
It’s Usher‘s ‘U Remind Me’ from the iconic ’8701.’
Issued as the lead offering from the entertainer’s third studio effort, ‘Remind Me’ finds Ush unable to shake off how much a new girl is reminiscent of an ex-girlfriend, hence his inability to date her.
The track was penned by Anita McCloud and Edmund Clement; it was produced by the latter alongside Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
A US smash, the song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also fared well worldwide, reaching the Top 5 in the UK, France, Australia, and Canada. Furthermore, it earned Usher his very first GRAMMY in 2002.
The ever-enduring force that is Dave Meyers directed the song’s visual which presented Usher serenading several girls around before ending up at a club with his girlfriend-at-the-time, Chilli from TLC.
Who could forget that iconic solo dance sequence that proved once and for all that Mr. Raymond doesn’t need to rely on a troop of dancers to bring the house down.
20 years on, this single (and its parent album) still bang and remain radio, club, and bedroom fixtures.
Speaking on ‘8701’ just this week, ‘Usher said: “this album defined me.” And we agree in earnest.
Truly, the era at large set him apart from the other male R&B artists thanks to its powerful storytelling, memorable melodies, slick production, exciting music videos, and a killer accompanying tour.
Two decades later, it’s fantastic seeing him perform these very songs with the same gusto and precision as when he presented them to the world for the first time.
Salute to Usher for 20+ years of embodying excellence.