This week has seen Usher celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ‘My Way’ album. So, what better time than the present to join in the festivities? As such, the latest installment of From The Vault salutes the title track of the superstar’s sophomore set.
Issued as the third and final single from the LP in 1998, ‘My Way’ was written by Usher alongside Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal – the latter two of whom also produced the track.
Armed with the colossal success of preceding efforts ‘You Make Me Wanna’ and chart-topper ‘Nice & Slow,’ the then-rising star further cemented himself with ‘My Way’ which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly, the juxtaposed success and underperformance of ‘Nice & Slow’ in various international regions capped the commercial clout of ‘My Way’ as a single and saw the track not even released in certain major markets like the United Kingdom.
Still, that didn’t deter Ush from delivering s dynamite visual.
Directed by Paul Hunter, the clip saw the performer dance up a storm in a broken-down garage stationed at a colorful location. Mr. Raymond leads one ensemble, while the rival group is helmed by none other than Tyrese.
***********
Two and a half decades on, ‘My Way’ – as a song, an album, and an era – remains the blueprint for so many that came after Usher. Here’s to this force receiving his flowers while he’s here to smell them.
All I see is H*E*R*P on his lips in that thumbnail.