Usher's way!! (My Way - Usher)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	My Way - Usher
Date:	09/05/08 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Vocals, music, recording

Disadvantages: A couple of weaker links

...Introduction...

Following on from my review of Tool's 10,000 days I have decided to review something a little different and it's fair to say there won't be too many people who will like both Tool and Usher as a search on facebook for people who like both artists comes up a blank. Anyway Usher's album My Way was his second album and was released in 1997 it was the album that made him into a star selling over 8 million copies worldwide before he hit the superstar heights with 8701 and Confessions a few years later.

...Album Review...

1.) You make me wanna

This was the lead single from the album and is an infectious tale of wanting to leave someone for the person who set you up with your current partner. A tough subject done well with a great beat. I remember dancing to this at school discos.

2.) Just Like Me

A hip hop ballad which features This track has an infectious hip hop feel with some bass guitar licks and drum beats that are key to the tracks feel. Not the best on the track but has it's appeal as a funky hip hop track.

3.) Nice and Slow

This has an amazing guitar intro that sounds brilliant, It's key to the track's overall mellow feel. The soft drum beat comes through and then Usher's vocals come in. This is a lovely romantic ballad about spending time with your partner. It sounds wonderful too. And it was written by Brian Casey of Jagged Edge.

4.) Slow Jam

This duet with R&B songstress Monicas is a cover of Midnight Star's 1983 hit and It is a lovely ballad about how music can be a part of a relationship. Most couples have their favourite song together and this is not a bad one to have.

5.) My Way

This isnt a cover of Frank Sinatra's well known track but a funky hip hop featuring Jermaine Dupri. It is a song about having confidence in yourself knowing that your way is the right way. A great song with a great message.

6.) Comeback

This starts with piano likes it's going to be a nice romantic ballad and then develops with an awesomely infectious sample of Joe Cocker's woman to woman. This works very well and makes the track stand out even more.

7.) I Will

This ballad is a pledge to a woman that you will do right for her. Some nice piano is joined by a thumping drum beat and some nice background sounds from the keyboards. This is a lovely track that shows off Usher's voice.

8.) Bedtime

This ballad features Babyface and is a lovely track about those bedtime moments with someone special. This has a beautiful feel to it and is one of the best ballads he has done and he has done some amazing ballads.

9.) One day you'll be mine

This features a sample of Footsteps in the Dark" by The Isley Brothers and is a mid tempo track with a hip hop feel. Although a good track it doesnt have the spark of the best tracks on My Way. Still has a nice beat and some smooth vocals.

10.) You make me wanna (extended remix version)

This is an extended remix version of You make me wanna and is a worthwile remix although some will prefer the original this still has great appeal. The song is just so catchy and infectious. brilliant track.

...Overall...

This album is one of the best R&B albums of the nineties and has become a classic for Usher fans around the world with his ballads and hip hop tracks receiving huge acclaim from his fans. This album was what made Usher into a star aged 19. This album ranks behind 8701 and Confessions in my opinion due to the fact that it has only ten tracks and a couple of weaker tracks.

Eleven years on he is set to release his fifth studio album "Here I stand" in a few weeks time which is sure to be an instant hit. I can't wait to buy it when it comes out on 27th May. After hearing a few of the tracks I know he's onto a sure thing.

Summary: Very fine effort.