Usher - 'Here I Stand' (SonyBMG) Released 26/05/08

The most anticipated R&B album of the year by far, Usher’s fifth studio album is a project flooded with creative variation and soulful experimentation. Whether you’ve always been a fan or have only recently been introduced to the Atlanta wonder kid, ‘Here I Stand’ is an album for all seasons.

Having been forced to grow up with hast, due in part to his musical gift being recognized at an early age, Usher’s maturity is set to a very high standard. It’s not only as a musician either that he’s achieved such a stable ripeness, as a man he’s as wise as they come. With storytelling skills that very few are able to execute, a few of Usher’s home truths are put on blast throughout the in depth journey found on ‘Here I Stand’. Even admitting mistakes, these are all tell tale signs that he’s ready for the next step in the walk of life.

Opening with what can only be described as a self confessing soul sonata; ‘Forever Young’ is a typical Usher introduction. Not content with a one minute skit, his four minute prologue sounds like the beginning of an epic musical. Slow and seductive with an added beatbox effect it’s exactly what the fans have been waiting for.

Riding high off the success of ‘Love In The Club’, the adult bounce doesn’t stop here. The Will.I.Am featured ‘What’s Your Name’ is one for the steppers to get their groove on, while the intimately produced ‘Revolver’ is a track designed to start a head nodding craze that won’t ever stop. Picture a club in total darkness lit only by candles, with huge cushions for chairs where cocktails are the weapon of choice - that’s the atmosphere generated by this up-tempo number.

In the past Usher has always managed to captivate an entire audience with his slow jams and meaningful ballads, and this album plays host to a few more. ‘Moving Mountains’ stands out as one of the finer moments on this quality swamped LP. Passionate, deeply upsetting, and chilling, Usher’s vocals, supported by some amazing production courtesy of C. “Tricky” Stewart and The Dream, cry out like a mother at her son’s funeral. After one listen you’ll be feeling emotionally drained. Supposedly the next single, there’s absolutely no question that it could hit the top spot.

The only gripe with Usher’s latest offering is that it’s a tad bit too long. Standing at 19 songs in length, a few of the slower records, such as ‘Trading Places’ and ‘Lifetime’, were not needed to make it a better record. Usher is a wizard when it comes to penning songs but the inclusion of them all isn’t always the best course of action. Making up for it however, the flawless and musically intoxicating ‘Best Thing’ featuring Jay-Z, where the dynamic duo reflect back on their past relationships, and the mid-nineties-esque ‘This Ain’t Sex’, let today’s R&B newbies know exactly who’s boss.

R&B royalty is definitely in the house, and he’s not letting you in… even if you are on the guestlist.