It was always inevitable. Perhaps not headlining the Super Bowl – a feat reserved for a select few where destiny and opportunity perfectly align – but the undeniable resurgence of Usher in 2024. Mr. Raymond has once again solidified his position as one of the most relevant and celebrated artists in pop and R&B.
Was he ever truly gone? Not entirely, but arguably more so than he deserved. Between 2017 and 2022, Usher only graced the Billboard Hot 100 thrice, never as a lead solo artist, and peaking no higher than No. 40. His last top 10 appearance on the chart dates back over a decade to 2012 with “Scream,” which reached No. 9. And it wasn’t just chart performance; his R&B radio dominance waned, his tour venues shifted from arenas to theaters, and media coverage increasingly focused on controversies, lawsuits, and the infamous Usher Bucks, overshadowing his new music.
Some ebb in prominence is perhaps expected for any superstar navigating their late 30s and early 40s, three decades into a recording career. However, Usher is no ordinary star; he is a generational talent. He boasts era-defining singles spanning at least three distinct top 40 eras. He reigned as the greatest pop star for a year. His album achieved Diamond certification purely on sales, released years after Napster’s arrival. He gifted us the quintessential friend-crush anthem of the ’90s, the definitive cheating song of the ’00s, and the ultimate breakup track of the ’10s. He delivered the greatest singer-playing-themselves film cameo of all time. And while superstardom may have taken a pause, his artistry never faltered. The past decade has yielded some of his most exceptional singles and rewarding deep cuts. Speculation in the early pandemic about a Verzuz battle against Justin Timberlake or Chris Brown always missed the mark; Usher’s true peer is Beyoncé.
Whether he was truly absent or not, his return is now irrefutable. Usher graces the cover of Billboard today, headlines this weekend’s most-watched global event, and is set to release his first solo album in eight years, Coming Home, this Friday. The album already boasts a significant hit in the Summer Walker and 21 Savage collaboration, “Good Good.” Following a successful Vegas residency that revitalized his live performances, he’s embarking on an arena tour this summer, rightfully reclaiming his place in the venues befitting one of modern pop’s greatest artists.
In anticipation, we present a retrospective of the Best of Usher to date: our staff’s selection of the 50 best songs from the artist affectionately known as Ursher, baby, spanning his first three decades. We eagerly await the fourth.
50. “Lil Freak” (feat. Nicki Minaj) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
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Sampling Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” – a poignant protest song about Black poverty in America – for a suggestive club anthem about an orgy might raise eyebrows. But what else would you expect from a track titled “Lil Freak”? Usher effortlessly exudes sensuality, and Nicki Minaj’s playful verse manages to be both Sapphic and whimsical, name-dropping Santa’s reindeer and referencing Everybody Loves Raymond. — JOE LYNCH
49. “I’ll Make It Right” (Usher, 1994)
When LaFace sought to showcase their teenage prodigy’s maturity, they enlisted Sean “Puffy” Combs, then aspiring to R&B royalty, to oversee Usher’s debut project. The opening track set the stage with Alex Richbourg (of Trackmasters fame) crafting Puff’s signature sound: sensual R&B seamlessly fused with club-ready percussion. Usher enters with hints of the smooth tenor that would mature and propel him to stardom. Did anyone truly believe a teenager serenading a woman with promises to “make it right”? Perhaps not. But everyone sensed this kid was destined for greatness. — DAMIEN SCOTT
48. “Tell Me” (Hard II Love, 2016)
“I just wanna take my time.” True to his word, this eight-minute epic from 2016’s underrated Hard II Love is arguably Usher’s longest song – a throwback falsetto showcase where the singer is in no hurry. “We’re going to a whole ‘nother level,” he insists over heartbeat drums and icy synths that invite close contact. Whether it resonates or not, you have to admire his dedication to making his case. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
47. “Peace Sign” (with Zaytoven) (A, 2018)
“One of his most unappreciated songs”: a YouTube comment perfectly encapsulates “Peace Sign”. Given the languid drum beat, sultry groove, and seductive imagery (“Legs up like a peace sign/ Two cups down, got her tongue-tied/ Can’t wait ’til I’m inside”) delivered by Usher’s unmistakable tenor, its chart absence is surprising. This sole single from their A collaboration album strongly advocates for revisiting this 2018 project. — GAIL MITCHELL
46. “Can You Help Me” (8701, 2001)
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have an almost endless list of career-defining hits for R&B artists. This 8701 track wasn’t a career changer for Usher, but this shimmering promotional single, where he pleads for a lost love to return, solidified his status as a premier vocalist of our generation. He’s among the few who could take a song reminiscent of New Edition’s Heart Break era (1988) and make it a hit in the futuristic, synth-driven radio landscape of 2001. That’s the Usher effect. — D.S.
45. “Can U Get Wit It” (Usher, 1994)
Young Usher Can U Get Wit It Music Video
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With its slow-grinding rhythm, abundant melisma, and robot voice backups on the chorus, the debut single from Usher’s self-titled album – written and produced by DeVante Swing of Jodeci – is pure mid-90s R&B bliss. Young Usher was only 15 when this dropped, but lines like “I might sound a little hasty/ But let’s do what we came to do” signaled that LaFace and Arista were discarding the teen heartthrob mold and grooming him to be the R&B sex symbol for the millennial generation. — J. Lynch
44. “Don’t Look Down” (Martin Garrix feat. Usher) (non-album, 2015)
Usher’s 2015 collaboration with Martin Garrix is an underrated but catchy moment from his dance-club era. Garrix softens his progressive house edge with pop-friendly, guitar-backed verses, where Usher’s passionate vocals capture the palpable intensity of falling for someone and hoping for reciprocation. His “Oh-oh-oh-oh” build-up to the euphoric xylophone beat drop provides the ultimate high, fitting for a song about defying gravity (“Up this high, we’ll never hit the ground,” Usher belts in the chorus). — HERAN MAMO
43. “Dive” (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
While the metaphors in this Looking 4 Myself standout sex jam aren’t subtle – the chorus begins with “It’s raining inside your bed” – Usher fully commits to the double entendres, sounding spiritually enlightened above hazy guitar and echoing drums. “Dive” showcases Usher’s technical skill (note his falsetto crescendo within “precipitate”) and arena-ready power (lighters up for the titular word!). — J. Lipshutz
42. “Bedtime” (My Way, 1997)
Throughout this understated, Babyface-produced My Way deep cut, a young Usher (just 19!) lays the groundwork for his leading man persona. Yet, the youthful inflections in his voice lend an innocent energy that complements the chaste lyrics. In fact, the song remains PG until a heated sigh precedes “I’ll freak you wherever you want.” However, the bridge – featuring Shanice in a conversational call-and-response – clarifies that the mid-tempo “Bedtime” is more about the concept of yearning than a specific woman. Regardless, who can resist those perfectly placed ad-libs? — KYLE DENIS
41. “Risk It All” (with H.E.R.) (The Color Purple, 2023)
Gratitude is due to whoever recognized the need for this beautiful duet on The Color Purple soundtrack. The seamless blend of Usher and H.E.R.’s smooth, buttery vocals evokes soulful R&B pairings like Ashford & Simpson and Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. Yet, Usher & H.E.R. bring a contemporary edge to this empowering anthem of perseverance, which H.E.R. produced and co-wrote. Usher told Billboard of his first collaboration with H.E.R., “Our friendship led us to this remarkable song.” — G.M.
40. “Missin U” (Hard II Love, 2016)
Usher Missin U Music Video Screenshot
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Usher didn’t necessarily make Hard II Love easily accessible. The album features few obvious singles but many of his most unconventional (and rewarding) jams. Take “Missin U,” which uses a classic R&B song title for a midtempo enigma that’s part lurching trap verse and part shuffling jazz chorus, with lyrics about 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 fractured cover art, it shouldn’t work, but unlike the cover, it surprisingly does. — A.U.
39. “Best Thing” (Here I Stand, 2008)
While Here I Stand wasn’t the commercial force Confessions was, Usher’s fifth album contained high-caliber deep cuts highlighting his evolution from club-goer to devoted husband. “Best Thing” exemplifies this growth, showcasing Usher abandoning his playboy ways for committed romance. “No more trickin’ and kissin’,” the reformed singer vows. With a guest verse from Jay-Z, Raymond’s leap into love lands successfully. — CARL LAMARRE
38. “Twork It Out” (8701, 2001)
“Twork It Out” is an 8701 slow burner oozing grown and sexy vibes. While Netflix-and-chill wasn’t yet a phrase in the early 2000s, Usher entices his lady with a cozy date night at home. With Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at the production helm, Usher sets the mood with rose petals, bedroom theatrics, and dulcet vocals, more than enough to woo his partner. — C.L.
37. “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Before “Hey Daddy” became a Gen Z TikTok meme sound, it was the lead single from Usher’s sixth album, proclaiming his Lothario era in full swing. Anointing himself “daddy,” Usher glides over Rico Love and The Runner’s sleek mix of twinkling synths and handclaps, making sweet promises of sexual escapades to female backing vocalists. They provide the song’s dynamism, but with a big belt and flashy ad-libs in the final chorus, “Hey Daddy” goes all-in on bombast. — K.D.
36. “Looking 4 Myself” (feat. Luke Steele) (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
Usher’s R&B style has often crossed into pop, but never with the zippy, new wave textures of “Looking 4 Myself,” the buoyant self-exploration that inspired his 2012 album title. Though featured artist Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun offers limited post-chorus responses, the Australian electro-pop duo’s influence is undeniable, as Usher infuses the metallic pop-rock with sleek soul. — J. Lipshutz
35. “Come Thru” (Summer Walker feat. Usher) (Over It, 2019)
Summer Walker and Usher Come Thru Music Video
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Summer Walker paid homage to her Atlanta hero by sampling his 1997 hit “You Make Me Wanna…” for her seductive Over It single “Come Thru.” The original acoustic guitar melody and atmospheric hi-hats give this modern hookup jam a nostalgic feel. Instead of being in a love triangle, Summer debates if her collaborator is worth ditching her other options. “Yeah, you got somebody, I been in this predicament,” Usher croons, nodding to his classic, highlighting its influence on today’s R&B stars. — H.M.
34. “Call Me a Mack” (Poetic Justice Soundtrack, 1993)
Puberty makes a difference. Though released just 11 months before “Can U Get Wit It,” “Call Me a Mack” features a 14-year-old Usher Raymond IV sounding like a kid playing dress-up in new jack swing attire. Even so, his vocal ability and charisma are evident, and its inclusion on the Poetic Justice soundtrack signaled that this “Mack” attack was no fluke. — J. Lynch
33. “DJ Got Us Falling in Love” (feat. Pitbull) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Can a song make you fall in love? This 2010 top five hit likely soundtracked countless dancefloor connections with Usher’s lyrical pickup lines (“Ain’t I seen you before? I think I remember those eyes, eyes, EYES…”). The real love story might be the marriage of Usher’s falsetto with the thumping Europop beat by Max Martin and Shellback, or the DJ’s magnetic pull in a crowded club. Or perhaps it’s the perfect pairing of Pitbull’s verse with early 2010s dance-pop. Whatever it is, it was love at first play. – KATIE ATKINSON
32. “Crash” (Hard II Love, 2016)
A non-album single whose falsetto hook and woozy electro-pop vibe felt like a “Climax” sequel, “Crash” shares the same nervous romantic panic as its predecessor, but with a warmer, more exciting falsetto hook and synth throbs. Usher acknowledges the relationship’s impending doom, yet smiles remembering the ride: “I’m not thinking ’bout nobody else but you/ You’re the only one who takes me there.” Less dramatic, but just as visceral. — A.U.
31. “Bad Habits” (Non-album, 2020)
“I love love, I’m just bad at it,” Usher admits – indirectly summarizing his first 25 years of music. Co-written by Grammy-winning songwriter of the year Theron Thomas, the shimmering “Bad Habits” shows Usher in his element: between a good guy battling bad impulses and a bad boy trying to improve. Few navigate the hero-heel spectrum like Usher. The song’s sweet retro electro-R&B production (including a comforting “Computer Love” sample) offers sympathy even when we don’t. — A.U.
30. “Appetite” (Here I Stand, 2008)
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Fresh off Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds success, Danja, the Virginia Beach producer who co-produced with Timbaland, was in high demand. Linking with the biggest R&B star was inevitable. Featured on Here I Stand, the follow-up to Confessions, “Appetite” finds Usher fighting temptation on the road. The beat is spacey synths and swirling woodwinds, and Usher delivers an admirable vocal. Yet, picturing someone as famous picking up women as described (“My Mac is in my backpack, I’m surfing all the sites”) is a stretch. But anything is possible. — D.S.
29. “Crush” (Yuna feat. Usher) (Chapters, 2016)
Seven months before Hard II Love, Usher guested on this gold-certified lead single from Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna’s Chapters album. The ballad’s subtle sparseness perfectly highlights Yuna and Usher’s soft vocals emoting the thrill and angst of crushes. This gem peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart. — G.M.
28. “There Goes My Baby” (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Another Raymond v. Raymond single, “There Goes My Baby” is a crown jewel of Usher’s second decade – a vocal showcase. From seductive tone to vast range, Usher is a celebrated R&B vocalist. On “Baby,” he’s almost entirely in falsetto, cooing about a love that hurts despite his belief. Rico Love and Jim Jonsin pair Usher’s vocals with production that hints at EDM – those background synths – and handclaps complementing the song’s sappiness. — K.D.
27. “Slow Jam” (feat. Monica) (My Way, 1997)
Before Usher and Monica were R&B icons, they were teenagers recording soulful slow jams of the late ’90s. “Slow Jam” literally has the two ATL heroes pleading with a DJ to play another ballad for dancing – a concept possibly foreign to younger fans discovering Usher via “Good Good.” Despite their youth, both deliver vocally, harmonizing and trading ad-libs over the guitar-forward track. Their gospel-infused grit lifting the bridge to its climax truly impresses. — K.D.
26. “Can U Handle It?” (Confessions, 2004)
Buried in Confessions’ treasure trove is arguably one of Usher’s most underrated tracks, “Can U Handle It?”. Usher is in peak tease mode, questioning if his lady can match his bedroom prowess. Testing limits, he asks, “Can you handle It?” Her confident reply over the soulful groove proves she’s ready to meet his expectations. — C.L.
25. “OMG” (feat. will.i.am.) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Usher OMG ft will.i.am Music Video
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The most divisive song in Usher’s catalog still splits fans: Is “OMG” a cringeworthy trend-chasing attempt, or his greatest stadium anthem? Perhaps both. “OMG” is undeniably 2010-era, with Auto-Tune, EDM production, and will.i.am lyrics about “booties” and “boobies.” But Usher sells the vocal, the beat stop-starts are charming, and the chant-along hook is irresistible. It’s okay to think it’s his dumbest song and a Super Bowl must-play. — A.U.
24. “Throwback” (feat. Jadakiss) (Confessions, 2010)
Built around a blistering sample of Dionne Warwick’s “You’re Gonna Miss Me” – so prominent Usher responds to it in the intro (“That’s the last words she said to me”) – “Throwback” was a Confessions signature non-single, getting R&B radio play as an album cut. Usher’s frantic regret matches the Just Blaze beat, and Jadakiss’ guest verse amplifies the late-night panic. Call it “Confessions, Pt. III: Too Little, Too Late.” — A.U.
23. “Good Kisser” (Non-album, 2014)
A 2014 single that peaked at No. 65 and never made an album, “Good Kisser” might seem hook-heavy – from falsetto verses to the “devil is a LIE!” transition to the funk riff. Yet, Usher’s smoothness prevents it from feeling overstuffed, navigating rhythmic segments and delivering charisma throughout. — J. Lipshutz
22. “My Boo” (with Alicia Keys) (Confessions (Special Edition), 2004)
After featuring on the remix of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” six months prior, Usher reunited with Keys for a duet. They play exes reminiscing, declaring each other “my boo.” Their soaring harmonies on the post-chorus solidify their meant-to-be status. Released on the Confessions special edition, “My Boo” continued the album’s No. 1 streak, topping the Hot 100 for six weeks. — H.M.
21. “I Don’t Know” (feat. Diddy) (8701, 2001)
“I Don’t Know” with Diddy could have been another 8701 top 40 hit if properly released. Produced by The Neptunes, Usher yearns for a night out with the guys, dancefloor as his domain. This club-conquering track should have been the sequel to “U Don’t Have to Call.” — C.L.
20. “My Way” (My Way, 1997)
Usher My Way Music Video
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For Usher’s second album, Jermaine Dupri took over production, starting a fruitful partnership. A key result was the title track, “My Way.” Seesawing between singing and rapping, Usher showcases his vocal range over a pulsating bassline. Combined with a memorable video making him the premier dancing solo star, the JD-produced single became a megahit, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100. — D.S.
19. “I Need a Girl (Part One)” (Diddy feat. Usher & Loon) (We Invented the Remix, 2002)
Following LL Cool J’s “I Need Love,” this Diddy track signals it’s for the ladies by enlisting Usher’s vocals and yearning ad-libs (and a gratuitous ab-revealing shirt lift in the video). Usher’s magic is throughout the No. 2 hit. When Loon raps “I need somebody I can chill with,” Usher sweetly croons “Let’s chilllll.” He brings heart to what could be a bro-fest. – K.A.
18. “Don’t Waste My Time” (feat. Ella Mai) (Non-album, 2019)
Usher excels at connecting with female collaborators – Ella Mai is no exception. Teaming with Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri for this 2019 single, Usher and Ella match forward, hit-it-and-quit-it energy. Ella Mai’s sass balances Usher’s cool. Inspired by The Jacksons’ “Show You the Way to Go,” this duet is perfect for a two-step, driven by the synergy of bass and strings. — K.D.
17. “Without You” (David Guetta feat. Usher) (Nothing But the Beat, 2011)
“Without You” blends Usher’s strengths: heart-wrenching ballads and bangers. Usher details the paralysis of being without a loved one. Guetta’s beat drop creates pure bliss, urging listeners to throw hands up, hoping to avoid that desolate life. Usher effortlessly delivers the “Oh-oh-oh” chant and “Without you-u-u-uu-uuu” outro, proving why he’s perfect for crossover collaborations. — H.M.
16. “Caught Up” (Confessions, 2004)
The fifth Confessions single didn’t top the Hot 100, but was a top 10 hit defining uptempo R&B in the mid-00s. Over Dre & Vidal’s beat, Usher’s voice oozes confusion and longing, the hunter becoming the prey. Like the best Usher songs, it has a vocal moment – the repeated “caught UP!” – that intrusively echoes anytime you hear those words. — J. Lynch
15. “Love in This Club Part II” (feat. Beyoncé & Lil Wayne) (Here I Stand, 2008)
Usher Love in This Club Part II Music Video
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“Love In This Club,” Usher’s 2008 No. 1 hit, is a bleary-eyed ode to dance floor flirtation. The remix, swapping Jeezy for Beyoncé and Lil Wayne, is more opulent and thoughtful. Ursh’s declarations become a dialogue with Beyoncé, the hook a more open-hearted cry. Beyoncé and Lil Wayne elevate any remix; Wayne, mid-mixtape ascent, raps about neck-kissing, referencing his hit “Lollipop.” — J. Lipshutz
14. “Burn” (Confessions, 2004)
Ending a relationship is hard, and Usher gets to the core in “Burn.” “I do, but you don’t, think it’s best we go our separate ways…/ When I’m hurtin’, baby, I ain’t happy, baby…/ I think that you should let it burn,” he sings, later having second thoughts (“I don’t know what I’m gonna do without my boo”). Produced by Jermaine Dupri, “Burn” is Confessions’ second No. 1 hit, peaking with the memorable climax: “Too many days, so many hours, I’m still burning till you returrrrnnn!” — G.M.
13. “Bad Girl” (Confessions, 2004)
Opening with a blazing guitar lick and drum clap, “Bad Girl” arrives two-thirds into Confessions, injecting energy. “What y’all know about a supermodel?/ Fresh out of Elle magazine,” Ush taunts in falsetto. Confessions was so hit-laden “Bad Girl” wasn’t a single, but too good to ignore. Usher cleverly used it as a fakeout in the “My Boo” video intro, its funk groove contrasting the ballad that followed. — A.U.
12. “New Flame” (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross) (X, 2014)
It’s hard to convey “New Flame’s” dominance in 2014, even beyond charts – a “if you know, you know” moment. This Chris Brown and Rick Ross link-up seemed a royal passing of the torch, but Usher subtly outshone Brown. Over Count Justice’s electro-R&B beat, they trade verses about new love’s allure. Brown performs strongly, but Usher’s effortless vocal is captivating, soaring in harmonies, tasteful when understated. Usher used “New Flame” to explore mature love’s avenues. — K.D.
11. “Nice & Slow” (My Way, 1997)
This is the one that taught everyone Usher’s full name – and spelling. Highlights abound: 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 (“I’ll freak you right, I will”). But it sold the 18-year-old as a sex symbol, with sultry production and suggestive lyrics. – K.A.
10. “Lovers and Friends” (Lil Jon feat. Usher & Ludacris) (Crunk Juice, 2004)
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“Please tell your lovers and friends/ That Ursher, Jon and Luda had to do it again,” Ludacris says in “Lovers and Friends,” the sequel to “Yeah!” from earlier in 2004. No one expected a vulnerable slow jam follow-up to that dance-pop smash, but the ATL trio understood a reunion couldn’t be a rehash. “Lovers and Friends” remains a warm R&B summit, Usher’s vocals leading, Lil Jon’s production surprisingly light and caring for a Crunk Juice track. — J. Lipshutz
9. “Superstar” (Confessions, 2004)
Usher Superstar Music Video
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We all know that opening riff, and only Usher makes it sound like that. “Superstar” is stunning beyond its intro. It proves Usher reached R&B heights as a multidimensional artist. He can be bravado-filled and suggestive, but also selfless in love: “Front row, there I am/ Jumpin’ and hollerin’, wavin’ both hands/ Would you notice me, little me?” With an earnest vocal, leaning into love’s schmaltz, and a seductive guitar-anchored instrumental, “Superstar” is a gem. — K.D.
8. “U Remind Me” (8701, 2001)
Usher U Remind Me Music Video
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The 8701 hype train began with lead single, “U Remind Me.” Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Usher has a double take after a breakup – every girl reminds him of his ex. Playful lyrics and video added sheen, but Usher’s vocal performance shines. The bridge showcases his range and breath control. “U Remind Me” propelled Usher back to the Hot 100 summit, becoming his second No. 1 in July 2001. — C.L.
7. “You Make Me Wanna” (My Way, 1997)
Usher You Make Me Wanna Music Video
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Usher broke out with this ode to another woman, confessing love to a friend while in another relationship. What should he do? He explores options in the Jermaine Dupri-produced No. 2 hit (again using acoustic guitar) and makes us sympathize, though the answer is obvious: tell his baby “bye-bye.” But that’s not the point. Usher and JD created the perfect showcase: confident, cool, a little naughty, mostly nice, and authentic. This is the Usher we love, starting here. – K.A.
6. “I Don’t Mind” (feat. Juicy J) (Non-album, 2014)
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“I Don’t Mind” is a marooned classic in Usher’s catalog, between Looking 4 Myself and Hard II Love, lacking a video or album. Yet, it’s one of his finest: a sweet anthem for men supporting stripping partners without jealousy. The airy production (by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Rock City) keeps it light. Usher’s vocals dance on snare hits, with Juicy J blessing it with ad-libs and a verse (“Knock that p—y out the park like my name Babe Ruth”). Few stars had this perspective on women’s agency in the mid-’10s, but Usher, raised in Atlanta, did. — A.U.
5. “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) (Confessions, 2004)
Usher Yeah! Music Video ft Lil Jon Ludacris
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Some smashes overstay their welcome at No. 1, but not this 12-week chart-topper from 2004. Usher was big before Confessions, but this lead single catapulted him to pop superstardom. Lil Jon’s crunk production and synth alarm are iconic. His excitement counters Usher’s frantic vocal, seduced by someone he shouldn’t be with (“her and my girl used to be the best of homies”). Ludacris’ verse is icing on this crunk cake, irresistible to all. — J. Lynch
4. “U Don’t Have to Call” (8701, 2001)
Usher U Dont Have to Call Music Video
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Usher set the stage for Confessions with 2001’s 8701. His third album featured eight “U”-titled songs, including this party-starter: The Neptunes-produced single peaked at No. 3. Its upbeat take on breakups (“Should’ve cherished me/ Listenin’ to friends, now it’s the end … / You don’t have to call … / Cause I’ma be alright tonight”) is still fresh, thanks to Usher’s vocal range and The Neptunes’ beat with knocking drums, soft keys, and chirping synths. — G.M.
3. “Climax” (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
Usher Climax Music Video
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Despite songs like “Can You Help Me” and “Superstar,” Usher was often seen more as an R&B artist than singer. “Climax” silenced doubters. Produced by Diplo, it was an EDM-era revelation for fans thinking Usher was confined to Ibiza clubs. The song is paradoxical: tender yet powerful, soulful yet industrial; R&B for the electronic age. And the vocal performance is stunning. Watch Usher perform it live – his best ever, ascending to rarely heard registers. It only reached No. 17, but it’s one of Usher’s best songs, period. — D.S.
2. “Confessions, Pt. II” (Confessions, 2004)
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After admitting infidelity on “Confessions Part I,” Usher reveals a bigger secret in “Confessions, Pt. II”: his mistress is pregnant. “Confessions Part II” is storytelling mastery, Usher as the unreliable protagonist, confessing with a suave voice that could win back even a hurt woman. Though based on Jermaine Dupri’s life, Usher’s conviction made listeners believe it was his story. It became Confessions’ third No. 1, dethroning “Burn,” and remains culturally relevant. Usher’s Tiny Desk performance birthed the “Watch this” meme, and its video announced his Super Bowl Halftime Show. — H.M.
1. “U Got It Bad” (8701, 2001)
Usher U Remind Me Music Video
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From the opening forlorn guitars and Usher’s wail, “U Got It Bad” announces itself as special. Where “Superstar’s” riff is sweet, “U Got It Bad’s” tempers Usher’s technique with vulnerability. He vaults the first note into a cry, not just vocal display. But it’s Usher, so it’s both.
“U Got It Bad,” 8701’s second No. 1, answers: What happens when the player fumbles, swept up in love? There’s a reason we say “catching feelings.” Just listen to his voice – he’s in pain!
Woven around Jermaine Dupri’s windswept arrangement, Usher’s voice is the track’s center. His diction mirrors digitized drums, his range spars with William Odun’s guitar. An unfussy arrangement Usher contours with a vocal performance reflecting audience woes, proving “everyone of y’all are just like” him. It’s a rare moment Usher centers us, believably.
Usher is in conversation with history, alluding to Maxwell’s “Fortunate” and Prince’s “Adore,” innovating on past blueprints. “U Got It Bad” isn’t just Usher’s best song, it’s his defining song: a synthesis of vocal talent, seduction and empathy, and building on past legacies. — K.D.
