Analyze Artist: Usher

Wow, what a great talent. Usher Raymond IV is probably the closest thing to Michael Jackson in my generation. He defines what R&B is.

Pros: His voice is one of the most underrated in the music industry as it has progressed from his debut to Here I Stand. It's soothing and jumps out from the speakers. His lyrics are easy to understand and fun. His hit songs are spectacular. Even his slow songs make you dance. Speaking of dancing, Usher hasn't been too bad at that part either. After watching videos like "Caught Up" and "U Don't have to Call" you'll see why.

Cons: Although he has great songs, he hasn't been very much first involved in the lyrical and producing part. He's not as hands on as other artists. From Usher to Confessions, his album sales have progressed, however with his latest effort

Here I Stand, I know why the critical reception hasn't been very good. Even though it is a great album, the wrong singles after "Love in the Club" were picked. "Moving Mountains" and "Trading Places" don't compare to "Love You Gently", "Appetite" or especially "Lifetime". LaFace got it wrong. This hurt his album sales immensely, even more than getting married.

Future: I thought Confessions was Usher's Off the Wall leading up to his best work, but it seems like it was his Thriller. He is now past his peak and he will probably not create a better album than Confessions. However he is still capable and will definitely create more hit songs and platinum albums. At the age of 30 he has about five career years left. He won't be like a Stevie Wonder, singing until he's 70.

AlbumRankings:

1. Confessions

2. 8701

3. My Way

4. Here I Stand

5. Usher

Legacy: 2004 will forever be remembered as the year of Usher. He will be remembered as the best male R&B artist over the span of two decades. Songs like "Yeah" will forever be played in the club and songs like "Nice and Slow" will always be played in the bedroom.