40-Year Old Usher Reminds Us…

Did you miss it this Friday? Not only did Usher and pianist/producer Zaytoven drop a new eight-track album for his birthday – but also Usher Raymond is 40-years old folks.

Last year, he let us laugh through the trendy memes and rumors about him infecting women with herpes. With the new album, titled “A” (for Atlanta), Usher reminds us that he’s still more than capable of riding a beat.

The beats are smooth and aggressive at the same time, yet Usher finds and owns the melody just as he has so consistently done for more than two decades.

“Stay at Home” featuring rapper Future sets the tone for A. If you’re not a fan of Future’s style, consider this track a complimentary effort by two musical Atlanta representatives. You can just nod your head to this one.

The slower track “You Decide” has more serious undertones, as the singer encourages a female in particular to make the decision to keep him her life. He makes promises and dry attempts to convince her that his behaviors have changed. Because he rides the beat so well, the trite lyrics on this track are tolerable.

Overall there are up tempos, sexy relaxed moments and even a vibe reminiscent of the legendary “Yeah,” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris.

I would imagine this album being played up and down Peachtree over the next few weekends, accommodating both the Hennessy and the Crown crowds.

Most impressive about this project is the fact that Usher and Zaytoven completed the entire album in just five days.

He’s not moving mountains with this one and obviously A won’t ever be considered his most memorable album. But respect is still due to the artist and the incredible amount of artistry he has exemplified throughout his entire career.

My Rating: 3.5 out 5 stars