50. Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Usher Lil FreakImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
Sampling Stevie Wonder’s poignant “Living for the City” might raise eyebrows for a sexually charged club anthem, but “Lil Freak” embraces its provocative nature. Usher’s effortless sensuality and Nicki Minaj’s playful, quirky verse make this track a standout from Raymond vs. Raymond.
49. I’ll Make It Right (Usher, 1994)
Usher’s debut single, crafted under the guidance of Sean “Puffy” Combs, laid the groundwork for his future stardom. With a sensual R&B backdrop and Usher’s burgeoning tenor, “I’ll Make It Right” hinted at the superstar he was destined to become.
48. Tell Me (Hard II Love, 2016)
Clocking in at eight minutes, “Tell Me” is a sprawling, falsetto-driven journey from the underrated Hard II Love album. This song showcases Usher’s willingness to take his time, creating a sensual and immersive experience for the listener.
47. Peace Sign (with Zaytoven) (A, 2018)
A hidden gem from the collaborative album A with Zaytoven, “Peace Sign” is an unappreciated slow jam. Its languid beat, sultry groove, and seductive lyrics delivered with Usher’s signature tenor make it a song ripe for rediscovery among usher top songs.
46. Can You Help Me (8701, 2001)
Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, “Can You Help Me” is a shimmering promotional single from 8701. This track cemented Usher’s status as a premier vocalist, capable of bridging classic R&B sounds with the futuristic soundscape of the early 2000s.
45. Can U Get Wit It (Usher, 1994)
Usher Lil FreakImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
This debut single, produced by DeVante Swing of Jodeci, is mid-’90s R&B at its finest. “Can U Get Wit It” with its slow grind rhythm and youthful swagger, positioned the then-15-year-old Usher as a future R&B sex symbol.
44. Don’t Look Down (Martin Garrix feat. Usher) (non-album, 2015)
An overlooked collaboration with Martin Garrix, “Don’t Look Down” is a catchy dance-club anthem. Garrix’s pop-friendly production and Usher’s passionate vocals capture the exhilarating feeling of falling in love, making it a standout in Usher’s dance-oriented tracks.
43. Dive (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
“Dive” from Looking 4 Myself is a standout sex jam with hazy guitars and echoed drums. Usher’s vocal prowess, particularly his falsetto crescendos, combined with arena-ready power, makes this track an immersive and sensual experience.
42. Bedtime (My Way, 1997)
A Babyface-produced deep cut from My Way, “Bedtime” showcases a young Usher laying the foundation for his leading man persona. His youthful voice adds an innocent energy to the chaste lyrics, making it a charming and understated track.
41. Risk It All (with H.E.R.) (The Color Purple, 2023)
This beautiful duet with H.E.R. from The Color Purple soundtrack is a seamless fusion of smooth, buttery vocals. “Risk It All” evokes soulful R&B pairings of the past while bringing a contemporary take to an empowering message of perseverance.
40. Missin U (Hard II Love, 2016)
Usher Missin U stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“Missin U” from Hard II Love is a midtempo puzzler that defies easy categorization, blending trap verses with shuffling jazz choruses. This unconventional track, with its wistful lyrics about a future relationship, is a rewarding deep cut.
39. Best Thing (Here I Stand, 2008)
From Here I Stand, “Best Thing” highlights Usher’s evolution from club-goer to devoted husband. This track showcases his growth, with lyrics about abandoning player ways and embracing committed love, making it a standout from this era.
38. Twork It Out (8701, 2001)
“Twork It Out” is a slow-burning, grown and sexy track from 8701. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it sets a mood for a romantic night in with Usher’s dulcet vocals and bedroom theatrics taking center stage.
37. Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Before its TikTok resurgence, “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” was the lead single from Raymond vs. Raymond, marking Usher’s Lothario era. With sleek synths and handclaps, Usher confidently proclaims his “daddy” persona in this bombastic track.
36. Looking 4 Myself (feat. Luke Steele) (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
“Looking 4 Myself,” the title track from his 2012 album, ventures into new wave-adjacent textures. This buoyant and self-exploratory song, influenced by Empire of the Sun, showcases Usher’s ability to blend R&B with metallic pop-rock.
35. Come Thru (Summer Walker feat. Usher) (Over It, 2019)
Usher Missin U stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
Summer Walker’s “Come Thru” featuring Usher pays homage to his classic “You Make Me Wanna…” by sampling its melody. This modern hook-up jam blends nostalgia with contemporary R&B, highlighting Usher’s enduring influence.
34. Call Me a Mack (Poetic Justice Soundtrack, 1993)
“Call Me a Mack,” from the Poetic Justice soundtrack, features a 14-year-old Usher displaying vocal abilities and charisma beyond his years. This early single hinted at the star power he would soon unleash.
33. DJ Got Us Falling in Love (feat. Pitbull) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
“DJ Got Us Falling in Love” is a 2010 Europop-infused dance anthem. Usher’s falsetto, combined with a thumping beat and a Pitbull verse, creates an irresistible track perfect for dancefloor romances and solidifying its place in usher top songs lists.
32. Crash (Hard II Love, 2016)
“Crash” feels like an unofficial sequel to “Climax” with its woozy electro-pop and nervy romantic panic. This non-album single balances warmth and excitement, showcasing Usher’s ability to convey complex emotions within a relationship’s impending wreckage.
31. Bad Habits (Non-album, 2020)
“Bad Habits” is a sparkling electro-R&B track where Usher acknowledges his struggles with love. Co-written by Theron Thomas, this song blends retro vibes with modern sensibilities, highlighting Usher’s relatable vulnerability.
30. Appetite (Here I Stand, 2008)
Usher Appetite music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
Produced by Danja, “Appetite” from Here I Stand explores the temptation of infidelity while on tour. With fluttering synths and twirling woodwinds, Usher delivers an admirable vocal performance in this slightly unbelievable scenario.
29. Crush (Yuna feat. Usher) (Chapters, 2016)
Usher’s feature on Yuna’s “Crush” is a gold-certified gem. This subtle and spare ballad showcases the tender vocals of both artists, emoting the thrill and angst of crushes, and achieving success on the Adult R&B chart.
28. There Goes My Baby (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2020)
“There Goes My Baby” is a crown jewel in Usher’s vocal showcase, particularly from his second decade. Exclusively in falsetto, Usher’s warm and honeyed tone expresses the pain and belief in a hurting love, backed by EDM-infused production.
27. Slow Jam (feat. Monica) (My Way, 1997)
“Slow Jam” with Monica is a quintessential late ’90s slow jam. These young Atlanta heroes plead for more slow ballads, delivering vocal performances with finesse beyond their years, blending gospel grit with youthful yearning.
26. Can U Handle It? (Confessions, 2004)
“Can U Handle It?” is an underrated gem within the Confessions album. Usher is in peak-tease mode, questioning his lover’s ability to match his bedroom prowess over a prodding soul groove, proving its place amongst usher top songs for its sensuality.
25. OMG (feat. will.i.am.) (Raymond vs. Raymond, 2010)
Usher and will.i.am OMG music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“OMG” is a divisive yet undeniable stadium anthem. With Auto-Tune, EDM production, and will.i.am lyrics, it’s both cringy and irresistible, proving to be a guilty pleasure and a must-play at any Usher concert.
24. Throwback (feat. Jadakiss) (Confessions, 2010)
Built around a sample of Dionne Warwick’s “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” “Throwback” is a standout non-single from Confessions. Usher’s frenzied belting and Jadakiss’ poignant verse capture the intensity of regret and late-night panic.
23. Good Kisser (Non-album, 2014)
“Good Kisser” is a hook-filled single that, despite not reaching top chart positions, showcases Usher’s effortless charisma. With all-falsetto verses and a funk riff, Usher smoothly navigates the song’s rhythmic segments, making it a memorable track.
22. My Boo (with Alicia Keys) (Confessions (Special Edition), 2004)
“My Boo” with Alicia Keys is a classic duet of exes reminiscing about past love. Their soaring harmonies and declarations of enduring affection made it a chart-topping hit, extending the Confessions album’s dominance and securing its spot in usher top songs lists.
21. I Don’t Know (feat. Diddy) (8701, 2001)
“I Don’t Know” featuring Diddy, produced by The Neptunes, is a party-starter from 8701. This club-ready track, with Usher’s nimble vocals, should have been a club-conquering hit, showcasing his dancefloor appeal.
20. My Way (My Way, 1997)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
The title track from My Way, produced by Jermaine Dupri, is a career-defining single. Seesawing between singing and rapping, Usher showcases his talent and dance moves in the iconic music video, solidifying his status as a megastar.
19. I Need a Girl (Part One) (Diddy feat. Usher & Loon) (We Invented the Remix, 2002)
Diddy’s “I Need a Girl (Part One)” enlists Usher’s silky vocals to create a rap hit for the ladies. Usher’s yearning ad-libs and sweet background vocals bring heart to this track, making it a Hot 100 smash.
18. Don’t Waste My Time (feat. Ella Mai) (Non-album, 2019)
“Don’t Waste My Time” featuring Ella Mai is a seamless collaboration, produced by Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri. Usher and Ella Mai match each other’s forward energy, creating a sultry duet inspired by classic Philly soul.
17. Without You (David Guetta feat. Usher) (Nothing But the Beat, 2011)
“Without You” with David Guetta blends Usher’s balladry with Guetta’s euphoric beats. Usher’s detailed description of heartbreak contrasts with the blissful beat drop, making it a crossover hit and a staple in usher top songs collections.
16. Caught Up (Confessions, 2004)
“Caught Up,” the fifth single from Confessions, is an uptempo R&B anthem that defined the mid-2000s sound. Usher’s voice conveys confusion and longing over a syncopated beat, with the memorable “caught UP!” refrain becoming instantly recognizable.
15. Love in This Club Part II (feat. Beyoncé & Lil Wayne) (Here I Stand, 2008)
Usher Love in This Club Part II music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
The remix of “Love In This Club,” featuring Beyoncé and Lil Wayne, elevates the original with opulence and thoughtfulness. Beyoncé’s guest spot and Lil Wayne’s verse transform it into a sultry dialogue, enhancing its appeal and solidifying it as one of usher top songs remixes.
14. Burn (Confessions, 2004)
“Burn” is a searing breakup classic from Confessions. Usher’s plaintive vocals and Jermaine Dupri’s production capture the pain of ending a relationship, culminating in a memorable climax and becoming a chart-topping hit.
13. Bad Girl (Confessions, 2004)
“Bad Girl” bursts onto Confessions with a blazing guitar lick and booming drums. Usher’s taunting falsetto and lascivious funk groove make it a standout album cut, cleverly used as a fakeout in the “My Boo” video.
12. New Flame (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross) (X, 2014)
“New Flame” with Chris Brown and Rick Ross was a dominant force in 2014. Usher’s effortless vocal performance sonically outshines Brown, exploring mature themes of new relationships over a thumping electro-R&B beat, and cementing its place in usher top songs of the decade.
11. Nice & Slow (My Way, 1997)
“Nice & Slow” is Usher’s first Hot 100 No. 1 hit, introducing his full name to the world. With a time-specific opening line, rap breakdown, and suggestive lyrics, it established the baby-faced Usher as a sex symbol, making it a classic usher top song.
10. Lovers and Friends (Lil Jon feat. Usher & Ludacris) (Crunk Juice, 2004)
Usher Lovers and Friends music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“Lovers and Friends” with Lil Jon and Ludacris is a blockbuster sequel to “Yeah!”. This emotionally vulnerable slow jam showcases Usher’s leading vocals and Lil Jon’s surprisingly light production, proving a successful evolution from their previous hit and becoming an usher top song in its own right.
9. Superstar (Confessions, 2004)
Usher Superstar music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“Superstar” is a stunner with an iconic opening riff. Usher’s selfless declaration of love, combined with an earnest vocal performance and seductive instrumental, make it an absolute gem and a quintessential usher top song ballad.
8. U Remind Me (8701, 2001)
Usher Superstar music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“U Remind Me” launched the 8701 era, becoming Usher’s second No. 1 hit. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Usher’s vocal performance shines, particularly in the bridge, proving his vocal prowess and making it a key usher top song from the early 2000s.
7. You Make Me Wanna (My Way, 1997)
Usher You Make Me Wanna music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“You Make Me Wanna” was Usher’s breakout hit, exploring a love triangle scenario. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, this Hot 100 No. 2 hit perfectly showcased the young R&B singer’s confidence and coolness, establishing the Usher we know and love and a defining usher top song.
6. I Don’t Mind (feat. Juicy J) (Non-album, 2014)
Usher I Don't Mind music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“I Don’t Mind” featuring Juicy J is a marooned classic, a surprisingly sweet anthem celebrating women’s independence. With minimal production and Usher’s gleeful vocals, it stands as one of his finest singles and a unique usher top song.
5. Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) (Confessions, 2004)
Usher Lovers and Friends music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“Yeah!” catapulted Usher into mainstream superstardom. Lil Jon’s crunk production, Usher’s frantic vocals, and Ludacris’ braggadocious verse create an inescapable 12-week chart-topper and an iconic usher top song for club nights.
4. U Don’t Have to Call (8701, 2001)
Usher U Don't Have to Call music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“U Don’t Have to Call” from 8701 is a perennial party-starter produced by The Neptunes. Its upbeat take on breakups, combined with Usher’s vocal range and Pharrell and Chad Hugo’s all-time beat, makes it a timeless usher top song.
3. Climax (Looking 4 Myself, 2012)
Usher You Make Me Wanna music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“Climax” silenced doubts about Usher’s vocal abilities. Produced by Diplo, this EDM-era revelation blends tenderness and power, soul and industry, showcasing Usher’s best vocal performance and establishing itself as a critically acclaimed usher top song.
2. Confessions, Pt. II (Confessions, 2004)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
“Confessions, Pt. II” is a masterclass in storytelling and a superior sequel. Usher’s suave vocals deliver a damning secret, making listeners believe it’s his own story. This chart-topper remains culturally impactful, solidifying its place as an usher top song and meme inspiration.
1. U Got It Bad (8701, 2001)
Usher Superstar music video stillImage Credit: Courtesy Photo
“U Got It Bad” is Usher’s defining song and arguably his best among usher top songs. From the forlorn guitars to Usher’s guttural wail, it’s emotionally vulnerable yet technically spotless. Jermaine Dupri’s haunting production and Usher’s vocal range create a timeless masterpiece, exploring love-stricken woes and solidifying its place as Usher’s signature track.
Usher’s journey through these top songs reveals not just a collection of hits, but a narrative of growth, innovation, and consistent musical excellence. As he continues to evolve, his legacy as the King of R&B, defined by these timeless tracks, remains firmly in place.
