Album Review: Usher – Looking 4 Myself

► Overall: 8/10

► Message: 5/10

► Musicality: 7.5/10

► Marketability: 9/10

► Usher is one of my favorite artists. Admiration aside, “Looking 4 Myself” is a sturdy effort showcasing the EDM/Synthpop influences heard on today’s dial. Tracks like “Scream” are radio-friendly, but I’m still iffy on Usher’s segue from true R&B. The production sounds recycled from “Versus”/“Raymond v. Raymond”, but it’s intense and lovable! (Let’s face it, it’s as similar to those recent efforts as Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” is to “Oops!…I Did It Again”.) I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Nevertheless, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” has so much ear candy that even you music theory kids will be charmed by the silky structure and cross rhythms. (Hear the Billy Joel sample?) The cover art is artistic. The title is vulnerable. The music however doesn’t fully compliment that. Despite the fact, the poignant “Sins Of My Father” gives the listener personal insight. Collectively, I don’t feel like I “found” the Usher I was allegedly “Looking 4″. It’s a “commercial” effort and at times one-dimensional. That’s moot though; Fans can’t get enough of Usher.

► What do YOU think? Click one of the sharing buttons below or leave a reply with your opinions.

“Scream”
“Can’t Stop Won’t Stop”
“Sins Of My Father”

Released: Jun 08, 2012
℗ 2012 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment