Usher Raymond IV stands as a monumental figure in contemporary music. For over two decades, he has consistently dominated the charts and captivated audiences worldwide. His journey from a budding teenage talent to a global superstar is a testament to his undeniable charisma, vocal prowess, and innovative spirit. Emerging from the prestigious LaFace Records, Usher quickly established himself as a leading force in the R&B landscape, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of modern pop.
Throughout his illustrious career, Usher has amassed an array of accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His dynamic stage presence and seamless blend of singing, songwriting, and dance have become his signature, inspiring a generation of performers. Even as he celebrates milestones like his 40th birthday and beyond, Usher remains at the forefront of the industry, constantly evolving and pushing creative boundaries, as evidenced by his collaborative album “A” with Zaytoven.
To truly appreciate Usher’s enduring impact, it’s essential to revisit the songs that paved his way to superstardom. While pinpointing Usher’s very first song might lead you to his debut single, it’s the tracks that followed that truly ignited his career. This list delves into 11 game-changing songs that weren’t just hits; they were pivotal moments that defined Usher’s artistry and cemented his place in music history. These are the songs that introduced the world to the icon we know today, showcasing his growth from a promising young artist to a global phenomenon.
11. “Think of You” (1994): The Nascent Star
After his initial foray into the music scene with his debut single, it was “Think of You” that truly introduced Usher to a wider audience. Featured on his self-titled debut album, this track arrived during the golden era of hip hop soul in the mid-90s. “Think of You” marked Usher’s first significant chart success, offering a glimpse into the star power he possessed. Co-written by Usher alongside Donell Jones and Faith Evans, and produced by the legendary Sean Combs and Chucky Thompson, the song delves into the turbulent emotions of teenage heartbreak. While it peaked at No. 58 on the pop charts, “Think of You” was more than just a song; it was a powerful declaration of Usher’s potential and a sign of the incredible journey that lay ahead. This early track hinted at the sophisticated R&B sound he would later master.
10. “My Boo” featuring Alicia Keys (2004): The Duet of Superstars
By 2004, Usher had ascended to the pinnacle of global music stardom. Following in the footsteps of his R&B idols, he sought a timeless duet for his discography, and Alicia Keys, a fellow reigning superstar, was the perfect collaborator. The result was “My Boo,” a classic collaboration that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Penned by Usher, Keys, Jermaine Dupri, Adonis Shropshire, and Manuel Seal, Jr., and brought to life by producers Jermaine Dupri and No I.D., “My Boo” became the fourth single from Usher’s monumental Confessions album. The song poignantly captures the bittersweet nostalgia of reminiscing about a past relationship. “My Boo” became yet another chart-topping triumph for Usher, dominating the number one spot on the pop charts for an impressive six consecutive weeks. It’s a song that perfectly encapsulates the enduring sentiment that first love is never truly forgotten.
9. “OMG” featuring will.i.am (2010): Embracing the Electropop Era
Usher’s sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond, saw him venturing into new sonic territories, notably through his collaboration with writer and producer will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Their partnership on the fourth single, “OMG,” proved to be a resounding success, creating a certified club anthem that defined the sound of 2010. “OMG” marked a departure from Usher’s signature smooth, hip hop-infused R&B, incorporating elements of Eurodance, dance-pop, synth-pop, auto-tune, and energetic crowd chants. This sonic shift, while unexpected, was a stroke of genius, propelling “OMG” to become one of his most recognizable signature songs.
“OMG” achieved the remarkable feat of becoming Usher’s ninth No. 1 hit in the United States, making him the first artist of the 2010s to achieve No. 1 singles across three consecutive decades. The song’s title, “OMG,” perfectly captures the reaction it evoked – a testament to its innovative sound and widespread appeal.
8. “Nice & Slow” (1998): The Ballad that Solidified Stardom
Legend has it that during the creation of the My Way album, Jermaine Dupri challenged Usher to deliver a ballad that would be undeniably impactful. With “Nice & Slow,” they not only met but exceeded that challenge, crafting a song that resonated deeply with listeners. Co-written by Usher, Brian and Brandon Casey of Jagged Edge, Manuel Seal Jr., and Jermaine Dupri, who also produced the track, “Nice & Slow” became Usher’s first No. 1 hit on the pop charts. This song marked a crucial turning point, allowing Usher to shed the teen pop idol image and evolve into a young man with a more mature and sophisticated sound. “Nice & Slow” is a quintessential slow jam, sensual and smooth, that remains a beloved favorite over two decades later, perfect for quiet storm moments.
7. “You Don’t Have to Call” (2001): Dance Floor Fire
While celebrated for his ballads, Usher truly shines when creating high-energy dance music that ignites the club scene. “You Don’t Have to Call” arrived with immediate impact, becoming an instant dance floor staple. The song narrates the story of a man liberating himself from relationship worries and choosing to enjoy life with his friends. Originally conceived for Michael Jackson, “You Don’t Have to Call” was masterfully written and produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, who were rapidly gaining prominence as influential composers. It became the third successful single from the 8701 album, reaching number three on the pop charts and further solidifying Usher’s dominance. “You Don’t Have to Call” consistently sets dance floors ablaze and remains a highlight of Usher’s electrifying live performances.
6. “U Remind Me” (2001): The Triumphant Return
After a three-year hiatus, Usher prepared for a highly anticipated return to the music spotlight. “U Remind Me” served as the lead single from his third album, 8701, and marked a powerful re-emergence. Written by Anita McCloud and Edmund Clement, and produced by the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, “U Remind Me” explores the relatable scenario of meeting someone new who bears a striking resemblance to a past love. The song’s protagonist decides against pursuing a relationship due to the painful memories evoked by this resemblance.
A perfectly paced mid-tempo track, “U Remind Me” was the ideal vehicle for Usher’s comeback. It showcased his artistic growth and re-established him as the leading voice in contemporary R&B. The song soared to No. 1 on the pop charts and garnered him another Grammy Award, signaling unequivocally: Usher was back and more impactful than ever.
5. “Confessions Part II” (2004): Art Imitating Life
Sometimes, the line between art and life blurs, and “Confessions Part II” is a prime example. Following a highly publicized breakup, Usher channeled his emotions with raw honesty into his music, echoing the tradition of R&B greats. “Confession Part II” was the powerful result of this artistic catharsis. Produced and co-written by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox alongside Usher, the song delves into a man’s confession of infidelity to his partner, revealing an affair and an impending child with another woman. Serving as the sequel to “Confessions Part I,” which hinted at his unfaithfulness, “Confessions Part II” ignited intense speculation that it mirrored Usher’s real-life relationship with TLC’s Chili. While rumors swirled, Dupri clarified that the song’s narrative was inspired by the experiences of his friends.
Regardless of its origins, “Confessions Part II” resonated deeply, becoming Usher’s sixth consecutive single to reach No. 1 on the pop charts and solidifying its place as the definitive breakup anthem of the 2000s.
4. “U Got it Bad” (2001): Inspired by Real Life Distraction
The second single from 8701, “U Got It Bad,” explores the universal theme of being unable to move on from a past love. Co-written by Usher, Jermaine Dupri, and Bryan-Michael Cox, who also produced the track, the song’s creation has an interesting backstory. According to Dupri, he and Usher were in the studio, but Usher was noticeably distracted by a woman present. Frustrated by Usher’s lack of focus, Dupri exclaimed, “We’re going to do this session later on. You got it completely too bad right now. You got it bad.” This moment of real-life distraction became the spark of inspiration for the song. Dupri crafted lyrics with the intention of creating a massive hit for the album – a goal that was undeniably achieved.
“U Got It Bad” is a quintessential contemporary R&B track, becoming Usher’s third single to reach number one on the pop charts and further cementing his incredible run of success.
3. “Burn” (2004): The Anthem of Irreparable Love
“Burn” stands as the ultimate anthem for the agonizing moment when a relationship reaches its breaking point. With profound emotional depth, Usher delivers a heart-wrenching performance about the devastation of love turning into despair. Co-written by Usher with Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, who also handled production, “Burn” offered a poignant glimpse into Usher’s personal struggles during his very public relationship challenges.
“Burn” became a global phenomenon, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for eight non-consecutive weeks and reaching No. 1 in the UK as well. Serving as the emotional core of the Confessions album, “Burn” captures the raw pain and acceptance that sometimes, the only option is to let go and “let it burn.”
2. “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997): The Breakthrough to Superstardom
Prior to “You Make Me Wanna…”, Usher, while talented, hadn’t yet achieved the level of success that he and his label envisioned. Beginning a pivotal partnership with Jermaine Dupri at the age of 18, “You Make Me Wanna…” became the breakthrough single Usher desperately needed. It was his first top ten hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and signaling his arrival as a major force. Co-written and produced by Usher, Dupri, and Manuel Seal Jr., the song explores the complex emotions of developing feelings for a girlfriend’s best friend, creating a classic love triangle scenario. With its distinctive blend of acoustic guitar and hi-hats, combined with Usher’s passionate vocals, “You Make Me Wanna…” possessed all the essential ingredients of an R&B classic.
“You Make Me Wanna…” was a career-defining moment for Usher, catapulting him from moderate success into superstardom, a position he continues to hold today. This song is arguably Usher’s first song that truly resonated with mainstream audiences and launched his iconic career trajectory.
1. “Yeah!” (2004): A Global Cultural Phenomenon
After completing the Confessions album, label executives recognized the exceptional quality of the project but felt it lacked a definitive lead single. Returning to the studio, Usher enlisted the production expertise of Lil Jon. With the addition of Ludacris, they created “Yeah!”, and music history was made. Characterized by its minimalist yet infectious musical approach, “Yeah!” transcended the realm of a mere song; it became a global cultural phenomenon. “Yeah!” marked the first time Usher incorporated crunk and R&B, a fusion Lil Jon famously dubbed “Crunk&B.” Released as the lead single from Confessions, “Yeah!” exploded onto the scene, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for an astounding 12 consecutive weeks and selling over four million copies. To this day, “Yeah!” remains Usher’s biggest hit, the song that solidified his legendary status and cemented his place as a true music icon.
More by Rashad D. Grove: [Link to Rashad D. Grove’s articles] (replace with actual link if available)
