Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime performance in 2024 cemented what many already knew: he is not just back, but perpetually relevant. While the Super Bowl stage is reserved for a select few, Usher’s re-emergence into the forefront of pop and R&B feels like a natural progression for an artist of his caliber. The “usherssaince” of 2024 is a testament to his enduring appeal, reminding us why he remains one of the most celebrated performers in contemporary music.
But was Usher ever truly gone? Perhaps not entirely, but his presence on the Billboard charts and in mainstream media certainly waned for a period. Between 2017 and 2022, Usher only grazed the Billboard Hot 100 a mere three times, never leading as a solo artist and peaking at a modest No. 40. His last foray into the chart’s top 10 was over a decade prior, with “Scream” reaching No. 9 in 2012. Beyond chart positions, his R&B radio dominance became inconsistent, his tour venues shifted from arenas to theaters, and media narratives increasingly focused on controversies rather than new music.
However, context is crucial. Sustaining superstardom for decades is a challenge for any artist, especially navigating the transitions from their late 30s into their 40s. Yet, Usher is no ordinary star. He is a generational talent, a singular force who has defined eras. He boasts era-defining singles across at least three distinct top 40 periods. He reigned as the world’s greatest pop star for a year. His album sales achieved Diamond certification even in the post-Napster era. He gifted us the quintessential friend-crush anthem of the 90s, the defining cheating song of the 2000s, and the ultimate breakup track of the 2010s. His cameo in Hustlers is arguably the greatest singer-playing-themselves film moment ever captured on screen. Even during a perceived “pause” in superstardom, Usher continued to create compelling music, releasing some of his most refined singles and rewarding deep cuts over the last decade. Discussions about a Verzuz battle with Justin Timberlake or Chris Brown always missed the mark; in the pantheon of Usher’s peers, Beyoncé is a more fitting comparison.
Now, any notion of absence is definitively dispelled. Usher graces the cover of Billboard, headlines the Super Bowl Halftime Show – the most-watched musical performance globally – and releases Coming Home, his first solo album in eight years, featuring the hit collaboration “Good Good” with Summer Walker and 21 Savage. Following a successful Vegas residency that revitalized his live performances, he embarks on an arena tour, reclaiming his rightful place in the venues befitting a modern pop icon.
Before this new chapter fully unfolds, we delve into a retrospective: a curated list of Usher’s 50 best songs, selected by our staff as the quintessential tracks from the artist affectionately known as Ursher, baby, spanning his remarkable three-decade career. We eagerly anticipate the unfolding of his fourth decade.
50. “Lil Freak” (feat. Nicki Minaj) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Sampling Stevie Wonder’s poignant protest song “Living for the City” for a sexually charged club track like “Lil Freak” might raise eyebrows. Yet, this audacious move is precisely what makes it memorable. Usher’s effortless sensuality is palpable, and Nicki Minaj’s verse is a playful, slightly sapphic romp that somehow name-drops Santa’s reindeer and Everybody Loves Raymond. A bold and provocative entry in Usher’s discography of top songs.
49. “I’ll Make It Right” (Usher, 1994)
48. “Tell Me” (Hard II Love, 2016)
“I just wanna take my time,” Usher croons in “Tell Me,” and he means it. This eight-minute epic, the longest in his catalog, is a showcase of old-school falsetto artistry. Featured on the underrated Hard II Love album, the song unfolds at a leisurely pace, building atmosphere with heartbeat drums and icy synths. Usher’s commitment to crafting a mood and experience, rather than rushing to a climax, is commendable, making “Tell Me” a unique and immersive addition to ushers top songs.
47. “Peace Sign” (with Zaytoven) (A, 2018)
“One of his most unappreciated songs” is a common sentiment found online about “Peace Sign,” and it rings true. This collaboration with Zaytoven from the album A is an overlooked gem. Its languid beat, sultry groove, and suggestive lyrics (“Legs up like a peace sign/ Two cups down, got her tongue-tied/ Can’t wait ’til I’m inside”) are quintessential Usher. It’s perplexing how “Peace Sign,” a clear standout, didn’t chart, making it a prime candidate for rediscovery among ushers top songs.
46. “Can You Help Me” (8701, 2001)
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’s track record of creating career-defining hits for R&B artists is legendary. “Can You Help Me,” from 8701, while not a career-altering hit, solidified Usher’s status as a premier vocalist of his generation. This promotional single, with its shimmering production, features Usher pleading for a lost love. It’s a testament to his talent that he could take a song reminiscent of New Edition’s Heart Break era and make it a hit in the futuristic, keyboard-driven soundscape of 2001, demonstrating the enduring appeal of ushers top songs.
45. “Can U Get Wit It” (Usher, 1994)
Young Usher Can U Get Wit It
“Can U Get Wit It,” Usher’s debut single, produced by DeVante Swing of Jodeci, is pure mid-90s R&B nostalgia. With its slow-grinding rhythm, melismatic vocals, and robotic backup voices, it’s a sonic time capsule. At just 15, young Usher already exuded a mature confidence, hinting at the R&B sex symbol he was destined to become. Lines like “I might sound a little hasty/ But let’s do what we came to do” signaled LaFace’s intention to position him as the R&B icon of the millennial generation, a foundation for ushers top songs.
44. “Don’t Look Down” (Martin Garrix feat. Usher) (non-album, 2015)
Usher’s 2015 collaboration with Martin Garrix, “Don’t Look Down,” is an underrated gem from his foray into dance music. Garrix tempers his progressive house style with pop sensibilities, creating a backdrop for Usher’s passionate vocals. The song captures the exhilarating intensity of falling in love, hoping for reciprocation. The “Oh-oh-oh-oh” build-up to the euphoric xylophone drop provides a sonic high, perfectly aligning with the song’s theme of defying gravity, making it a standout among ushers top songs in a different genre.
43. “Dive” (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
While the metaphors in “Dive,” a standout sex jam from Looking 4 Myself, might not be subtle (“It’s raining inside your bed”), Usher fully commits to the double entendres. He sounds transcendent against the hazy guitar and echoing drums. “Dive” showcases Usher’s technical skill – note the falsetto crescendo within “precipitate” – and his arena-ready power. It’s a song that invites both intimate moments and stadium singalongs, a testament to the versatility of ushers top songs.
42. “Bedtime” (My Way, 1997)
“Bedtime,” a Babyface-produced deep cut from My Way, lays the groundwork for Usher’s career as a romantic lead. His youthful vocals, at just 19, imbue the chaste lyrics with an innocent energy. The song’s PG-13 edge emerges with a heated sigh before the line, “I’ll freak you wherever you want.” However, it’s the bridge, featuring a conversational call-and-response with 90s hitmaker Shanice, that elevates “Bedtime.” It’s more about yearning than explicit desire, underscored by perfectly placed ad-libs, a subtle yet effective entry in ushers top songs.
41. “Risk It All” (with H.E.R.) (The Color Purple, 2023)
“Risk It All,” a duet with H.E.R. from The Color Purple soundtrack, is a welcome addition to Usher’s collaborations. The seamless blend of their smooth, buttery vocals evokes soulful R&B pairings like Ashford & Simpson and Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. Usher and H.E.R. bring a contemporary flair to this empowering song about perseverance. Usher described his first collaboration with H.E.R. as stemming from their friendship, leading to a “remarkable song” that expands the scope of ushers top songs into modern duets.
40. “Missin U” (Hard II Love, 2016)
Usher Missin U
Hard II Love was an album that challenged audiences, filled with less obvious singles but rewarding deep cuts. “Missin U” exemplifies this. It takes a classic R&B song title and twists it into a midtempo track that’s part lurching trap, part shuffling jazz. The lyrics contemplate longing for a future relationship (“I reminisce of all of the things that don’t exist yet/ Like the breakfast on Sunday mornings after drunk sex”). Like the album’s unconventional cover art, “Missin U” defies expectations and ultimately succeeds, securing its place among ushers top songs.
39. “Best Thing” (Here I Stand, 2008)
While Here I Stand didn’t replicate the commercial success of Confessions, it contained high-quality deep cuts showcasing Usher’s evolution. “Best Thing” exemplifies this growth, highlighting his transition from club-goer to devoted husband. The song portrays Usher abandoning his player persona after finding genuine romance. “No more trickin’ and kissin’,” he vows. With a guest verse from Jay-Z, “Best Thing” successfully captures Usher’s leap into committed love, a mature theme within ushers top songs.
38. “Twork It Out” (8701, 2001)
“Twork It Out,” an 8701 slow burner produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, exudes grown and sexy vibes. While “Netflix and chill” wasn’t yet a phrase in the early 2000s, the song evokes that intimate date night setting. Usher sets the mood with rose petals, bedroom theatrics, and dulcet vocals, creating an atmosphere of seduction. “Twork It Out” is a testament to Usher’s ability to create intimate and alluring tracks, a quieter but potent entry in ushers top songs.
37. “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Before “Hey Daddy” became a TikTok meme for Gen Z, it was the lead single from Raymond vs. Raymond, signaling Usher’s Lothario era. Claiming the “daddy” moniker, Usher glides over Rico Love and The Runner’s sleek production of synths and handclaps, promising sexual escapades to female backing vocalists. Their dynamism elevates the song, and Usher’s big belt in the final chorus adds to its bombastic energy, making “Hey Daddy” a bold and assertive track in ushers top songs.
36. “Looking 4 Myself” (feat. Luke Steele) (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
Usher’s R&B roots often intersect with pop, but “Looking 4 Myself” took a distinct turn with new wave-adjacent textures. This buoyant track, inspiring the album title, features Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun, whose electro-pop influence is undeniable. Usher injects the metallic pop-rock with his signature soul, resulting in a unique and exploratory sound. “Looking 4 Myself” showcases Usher’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries within ushers top songs.
35. “Come Thru” (Summer Walker feat. Usher) (Over It, 2019)
Summer Walker Come Thru featuring Usher
Summer Walker paid homage to her Atlanta hero by sampling Usher’s 1997 hit “You Make Me Wanna…” for her Over It single, “Come Thru.” The original acoustic guitar and atmospheric hi-hats lend a nostalgic feel to this modern hook-up jam. Usher’s contribution, referencing his classic with the line, “Yeah, you got somebody, I been in this predicament,” underscores his lasting influence on contemporary R&B and highlights the cyclical nature of ushers top songs inspiring new generations.
34. “Call Me a Mack” (Poetic Justice Soundtrack, 1993)
The difference a year makes is evident between “Call Me a Mack” and “Can U Get Wit It.” Released just 11 months prior, “Call Me a Mack” finds a 14-year-old Usher sounding younger, adopting a new jack swing persona. Despite his youth, Usher’s vocal abilities and charisma shine through. The fact that his debut single was featured in the classic film Poetic Justice foreshadowed his destined “Mack” status, an early glimpse into ushers top songs potential.
33. “DJ Got Us Falling in Love” (feat. Pitbull) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
“DJ Got Us Falling in Love” is a quintessential dance-pop anthem. This 2010 top five hit, with its infectious Europop beat crafted by Max Martin and Shellback, soundtracked countless dancefloor romances. Usher’s lyrical pickup lines and soaring falsetto perfectly complement the thumping rhythm. The collaboration with Pitbull, a defining feature of early 2010s dance-pop, further solidified its status as a club classic and a high-energy addition to ushers top songs.
32. “Crash” (Hard II Love, 2016)
“Crash,” a non-album single that felt like an unofficial sequel to “Climax,” shares the same nervy romantic tension. Its falsetto hook and woozy electro-pop create a sense of excitement tinged with impending heartbreak. While acknowledging the relationship’s doomed trajectory, Usher savors the ride: “I’m not thinking ’bout nobody else but you/ You’re the only one who takes me there.” Less dramatic than “Climax,” “Crash” is equally visceral and emotionally resonant within ushers top songs.
31. “Bad Habits” (Non-album, 2020)
“I love love, I’m just bad at it,” Usher confesses in “Bad Habits,” a sentiment that encapsulates much of his discography. Co-written by Grammy-winning songwriter Theron Thomas, this sparkling track finds Usher in his familiar mode: navigating the line between good intentions and flawed actions. The retro electro-R&B production, including a “Computer Love” sample, evokes sympathy even for his missteps. “Bad Habits” showcases Usher’s ability to portray complex characters within ushers top songs.
30. “Appetite” (Here I Stand, 2008)
Following Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, producer Danja collaborated with Usher for “Appetite” on Here I Stand. The song explores the temptation of infidelity while on tour. The beat, with its space synths and woodwinds, provides an atmospheric backdrop for Usher’s vocal performance. While the scenario of a superstar seducing women online might be slightly less believable, “Appetite” is a sonically interesting exploration of temptation within ushers top songs themes.
29. “Crush” (Yuna feat. Usher) (Chapters, 2016)
Seven months before Hard II Love, Usher guested on “Crush,” the lead single from Yuna’s Chapters album. This gold-certified duet showcases the soft vocals of both artists, tenderly expressing the thrill and anxiety of crushes. The ballad’s spare production highlights their vocal interplay. “Crush” peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart, demonstrating its appeal as a gentle and heartfelt addition to ushers top songs collaborations.
28. “There Goes My Baby” (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2020)
“There Goes My Baby,” another single from Raymond v. Raymond, is a vocal showcase. Usher’s seductive tone and expansive range are on full display, residing almost entirely in his warm falsetto. Rico Love and Jim Jonsin’s production blends EDM elements with R&B, creating a backdrop for Usher’s cooing about a love that pains him despite his belief in it. “There Goes My Baby” highlights Usher’s vocal prowess, a key element in ushers top songs.
27. “Slow Jam” (feat. Monica) (My Way, 1997)
Before becoming R&B icons, Usher and Monica, barely out of their teens, recorded “Slow Jam.” This track literally finds them requesting a DJ to play slow ballads for dancing. Despite their youth, both singers deliver mature vocal performances, harmonizing and trading ad-libs. It’s their gospel-rooted grit in the bridge that elevates “Slow Jam,” showcasing early talent and a classic R&B duet within ushers top songs.
26. “Can U Handle It?” (Confessions, 2004)
Buried within Confessions lies “Can U Handle It?,” an underrated gem. Usher is in peak tease mode, questioning his lover’s bedroom prowess. The simple question, “Can you handle It?” is met with an affirmative response over a soulful groove. “Can U Handle It?” is a testament to the depth of Confessions and Usher’s ability to create subtly seductive tracks within ushers top songs collection.
25. “OMG” (feat. will.i.am.) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Usher OMG featuring will.i.am
“OMG,” perhaps the most divisive song in Usher’s catalog, sparks debate: cringeworthy trend-chasing or stadium anthem? It’s arguably both. Emblematic of 2010 with Auto-Tune and EDM production, and will.i.am-penned lyrics about “booties and boobies,” Usher’s vocal commitment, catchy beat, and irresistible hook make it undeniable. “OMG” is a guilty pleasure, a dumb-yet-brilliant stadium banger within ushers top songs.
24. “Throwback” (feat. Jadakiss) (Confessions, 2010)
Built around a prominent sample of Dionne Warwick’s “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” “Throwback” was a standout non-single from Confessions. Usher’s frenzied vocals about regret match the intensity of Just Blaze’s beat. Jadakiss’ guest verse heightens the late-night panic. “Throwback” is “Confessions, Pt. III: Too Little, Too Late,” a powerful and emotionally charged track within ushers top songs from the album.
23. “Good Kisser” (Non-album, 2014)
“Good Kisser,” a 2014 single that peaked at No. 65 and never made an album, is packed with hooks. From falsetto rhymes to a funk riff, it risks overstuffing, but Usher’s smoothness prevents this. He effortlessly navigates the rhythmic segments, infusing each with charisma. “Good Kisser” is a showcase of Usher’s vocal agility and ability to make complex songs sound effortless within ushers top songs.
22. “My Boo” (with Alicia Keys) (Confessions (Special Edition), 2004)
Following their “If I Ain’t Got You” remix, Usher and Alicia Keys reunited for “My Boo.” Portraying exes reminiscing about their past, they declare each other “my boo” with soaring harmonies. Released on the Confessions special edition, “My Boo” continued the album’s No. 1 streak, spending six weeks atop the Hot 100. It’s a classic R&B duet, highlighting the vocal chemistry between Usher and Keys in ushers top songs collaborations.
21. “I Don’t Know” (feat. Diddy) (8701, 2001)
“I Don’t Know,” featuring Diddy and produced by The Neptunes, could have been another 8701 top 40 hit if properly released. This party-starter finds Usher eager for a night out, refusing to be held back. With its dancefloor-ready energy, “I Don’t Know” should have been the club-conquering sequel to “U Don’t Have to Call,” showcasing another facet of ushers top songs.
20. “My Way” (My Way, 1997)
Usher My Way
“My Way,” the title track of Usher’s sophomore album, marked the beginning of his fruitful partnership with Jermaine Dupri. It showcases Usher’s versatility, moving between smooth singing and hard-edged rapping over a pulsating bassline. The memorable music video solidified Usher as the premier dancing solo star of his era. “My Way” became a megahit, peaking at No. 2, and defined a pivotal moment in ushers top songs trajectory.
19. “I Need a Girl (Part One)” (Diddy feat. Usher & Loon) (We Invented the Remix, 2002)
Following LL Cool J’s “I Need Love,” Diddy’s “I Need a Girl (Part One)” enlists Usher’s silky vocals and yearning ad-libs. Usher’s magic is sprinkled throughout, like his sweet “Let’s chilllll” and whisper-sung “Girl, you mean that much to meeee.” He brings heart to what could have been a bro-fest, elevating this Hot 100 smash and demonstrating his collaborative strength within ushers top songs.
18. “Don’t Waste My Time” (feat. Ella Mai) (Non-album, 2019)
Usher’s seamless collaborations shine with Ella Mai in “Don’t Waste My Time.” Teaming with Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri, Usher and Ella Mai match each other’s forward energy. Ella Mai’s sass balances Usher’s cool. Inspired by The Jacksons, this duet is perfect for a two-step, highlighting the synergy between bass and strings and adding a modern R&B touch to ushers top songs.
17. “Without You” (David Guetta feat. Usher) (Nothing But the Beat, 2011)
“Without You” blends Usher’s balladry and banger instincts. He details the paralysis of being without a loved one, while Guetta’s beat drop creates a moment of euphoria. Usher’s spirited “Oh-oh-oh” chorus and mellifluous outro demonstrate his crossover appeal. “Without You” showcases Usher’s versatility, seamlessly moving between emotional depth and dancefloor energy in ushers top songs.
16. “Caught Up” (Confessions, 2004)
“Caught Up,” the fifth Confessions single, is a mid-00s uptempo R&B defining track. Over Dre & Vidal’s syncopated beat and synths, Usher’s voice conveys confusion and longing. Like the best Usher songs, it has a memorable vocal moment – the repeated “caught UP!” refrain. “Caught Up” defined an era and remains a standout uptempo track among ushers top songs.
15. “Love in This Club Part II” (feat. Beyoncé & Lil Wayne) (Here I Stand, 2008)
Usher Love in This Club Part II featuring Beyoncé & Lil Wayne
“Love In This Club,” a No. 1 hit, is an ode to dancefloor flirtation. The remix, featuring Beyoncé and Lil Wayne, is more opulent and thoughtful. Usher’s declarations become a dialogue with Beyoncé, and the hook transforms into a more heartfelt expression. Beyoncé and Lil Wayne elevate any remix, making “Love in This Club Part II” a star-studded and enhanced version of ushers top songs.
14. “Burn” (Confessions, 2004)
“Burn” tackles the pain of ending a relationship head-on. “I do, but you don’t, think it’s best we go our separate ways…” Usher sings plaintively, capturing the complexities of heartbreak. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, “Burn” is the second No. 1 hit from Confessions, peaking with the memorable climax: “Too many days, so many hours, I’m still burning till you returrrrnnn!” “Burn” is a quintessential breakup anthem within ushers top songs.
13. “Bad Girl” (Confessions, 2004)
“Bad Girl,” with its blazing guitar and booming drums, injects energy into the latter part of Confessions. “What y’all know about a supermodel?/ Fresh out of Elle magazine,” Usher teases in falsetto. Though not officially released as a single, its funk groove was too captivating to ignore. Usher cleverly used it as a fakeout in the “My Boo” video, highlighting its contrast with the sentimental ballad, and cementing “Bad Girl” as a hidden gem among ushers top songs.
12. “New Flame” (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross) (X, 2014)
“New Flame” was a dominant force in 2014. This collaboration with Chris Brown and Rick Ross felt like a royal passing of the torch, but Usher arguably outshone Brown on his own song. Over Count Justice’s electro-R&B beat, they trade verses about new relationships. Usher’s effortless vocal performance, soaring harmonies, and understated moments define “New Flame” as a mature and captivating exploration within ushers top songs collaborations.
11. “Nice & Slow” (My Way, 1997)
“Nice & Slow” is the song that taught everyone Usher’s full name. Highlights include the opening line (“It’s 7 o’clock on the dot”), the rap breakdown (“They call me U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D”), and the braggadocious bridge. But its real achievement was establishing the 18-year-old Usher as a sex symbol, with sultry production and suggestive lyrics. “Nice & Slow” was Usher’s first No. 1 hit, a landmark moment in ushers top songs.
10. “Lovers and Friends” (Lil Jon feat. Usher & Ludacris) (Crunk Juice, 2004)
“Please tell your lovers and friends/ That Ursher, Jon and Luda had to do it again,” Ludacris declares in “Lovers and Friends,” the sequel to “Yeah!” Unexpectedly, they followed up the danceable pop-rap smash with an emotionally vulnerable slow jam. “Lovers and Friends” remains a warm, swaying R&B summit, with Usher’s vocals leading and Lil Jon’s production surprisingly light, a testament to their versatility within ushers top songs collaborations.
9. “Superstar” (Confessions, 2004)
Usher Superstar
The opening riff of “Superstar” is iconic, and only Usher can make it sound that good. Beyond the intro, “Superstar” showcases Usher’s multidimensional artistry. He balances bravado with vulnerability, becoming selfless in love: “Front row, there I am/ Jumpin’ and hollerin’, wavin’ both hands/ Would you notice me, little me?” With an earnest vocal performance and seductive guitar, “Superstar” is a gem among ushers top songs.
8. “U Remind Me” (8701, 2001)
Usher U Remind Me
“U Remind Me,” the lead single from 8701, launched Usher’s comeback. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it portrays Usher haunted by his ex, every girl reminding him of her. While playful lyrics and video added sheen, Usher’s vocal performance is the star, hitting high notes with breath control. “U Remind Me” propelled Usher back to the Hot 100 summit, becoming his second No. 1 and a key track in ushers top songs.
7. “You Make Me Wanna” (My Way, 1997)
Usher My Way
“You Make Me Wanna” was Usher’s breakout hit, an ode to forbidden love. He professes love for a friend while in another relationship, asking What should he do? Produced by Jermaine Dupri, this No. 2 hit makes perfect use of acoustic guitar. Usher’s cool confidence and authenticity resonated, establishing the Usher we know and love, and marking the true beginning of ushers top songs legacy.
6. “I Don’t Mind” (feat. Juicy J) (Non-album, 2014)
“I Don’t Mind” is a marooned classic, lost between albums but standing as one of Usher’s finest. A surprisingly sweet anthem for men supporting their stripping girlfriends, it lacks an official video or album home. The minimal production keeps it light, and Usher’s vocals dance gleefully. Juicy J adds his signature ad-libs and verse. “I Don’t Mind” is a unique and mature perspective within ushers top songs.
5. “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) (Confessions, 2004)
Usher Yeah! featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
“Yeah!” a 12-week No. 1 smash from Confessions, catapulted Usher to superstardom. Lil Jon’s crunk production, punctuated by the staccato synth, creates a libidinous atmosphere. Lil Jon’s excitement perfectly counters Usher’s frantic vocal performance about being seduced by someone he shouldn’t. Ludacris’ verse is the icing on the cake. “Yeah!” is an irresistible and defining track among ushers top songs.
4. “U Don’t Have to Call” (8701, 2001)
Usher U Don't Have to Call
“U Don’t Have to Call,” from 8701, set the stage for Confessions. Produced by The Neptunes, this upbeat breakup anthem, peaking at No. 3, remains fresh after 20 years. Usher showcases his vocal range over Pharrell and Chad Hugo’s timeless beat. “U Don’t Have to Call” is a perennial party-starter and a high point in ushers top songs.
3. “Climax” (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
Usher Climax
“Climax” silenced doubts about Usher’s vocal abilities. Produced by Diplo, it’s an EDM-era revelation, blending tenderness and power, soulfulness and industrial sounds. Usher’s live performances showcase his vocal mastery, ascending to rarely heard registers. “Climax” may have peaked at No. 17, but it’s arguably one of Usher’s best songs ever, redefining perceptions of ushers top songs as more than just dance hits.
2. “Confessions, Pt. II” (Confessions, 2004)
“Confessions Part II” is a masterclass in storytelling. Usher confesses a damning secret: his mistress is pregnant. Singing with conviction, he makes listeners believe it’s his story. It became Confessions’ third consecutive No. 1, dethroning “Burn.” Its cultural impact continues, inspiring the “Watch this” meme and being used to announce Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. “Confessions, Pt. II” is a narrative masterpiece within ushers top songs.
1. “U Got It Bad” (8701, 2001)
Usher U Got It Bad
From the opening guitar riff, “U Got It Bad” announces itself as special. The riff tempers Usher’s technique with vulnerability, his first note a cry more than a melisma. “U Got It Bad” answers: What happens when the player falls in love? Usher’s voice conveys pain, woven around Jermaine Dupri’s arrangement. His diction mirrors the digitized drums, his range spars with the weeping guitar. He references Maxwell and Prince, building on legacies. “U Got It Bad” isn’t just Usher’s best song; it’s his defining song, synthesizing vocal talent, empathy, and legacy, making it the ultimate number one among ushers top songs.
