Today’s From The Vault pick comes courtesy of one of the greatest entertainers to grace a stage.
This week’s selection is ‘Confessions (Pt II)’ by the mighty Usher.
The title track from the artist’s blockbuster fourth studio album, the song was served up as its third single following the monumental success of ‘Yeah!’ and ‘Burn.’ Talk about a trifecta!
Penned by Usher alongside Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, the latter duo also produced the track.
Lyrically, ‘Confessions’ tells the tale of a man in a committed relationship who has impregnated his “chick on the side” and how he confesses his sins to his (soon to be former?) girlfriend.
Like its predecessors, the track charted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, replacing the previous single ‘Burn’ in position. Although not the international hit the other two had been, the release managed to climb to the 5th position on the UK Singles Chart.
Chris Robinson directed the song’s visual. Mirroring the song’s lyrical story, the clip kicked off with Usher in the studio receiving the call from his mistress before going to his car, seemingly on his way to meet up with his partner.
Embodying the confessional concept of the song, the lionshare of the action takes place in a darkly lit room. Dancing on a chair or on top of a piano, Mr Raymond relies largely on his charisma and showmanship to convey the narrative.
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While a refresh in his overall proposition is definitely in order, the music world could absolutely benefit from an Usher project. One of on the epic scale of ‘Confession.’
Ironically, after 2012’s ‘Looking 4 Myself’ era, Ush has been navigating his way back to his musical sweet spot. And we’re hopeful his incoming LP marks the long-awaited arrival.
After a successful Las Vegas residency and with R&B enjoying some kind of resurgence as of late, the time is most definitely right.
We’re ready when you are, Ush.