Confessions

by

Usher

Edit

"Confessions," the fifth long-player from ATL's Usher Raymond, is more than a new album. It's also a mature step forward and an exercise in self-examination. Here, Usher unloads some serious baggage, ranging from infidelity (the title track and "Truth Hurts"), materialism ("Simple Things"), unwanted pregnancy (the title track again), and failed relationships, particularly his breakup with TLC's Chili. But that's not to say "Confessions" is all drama and no fun. The album is neatly divided between uptempo jams and smooth ballads, and Usher doesn't disappoint on either front. At first listen, I wasn't a huge fan of the kickoff single "Yeah!" (featuring Ludacris and Lil' Jon), but over time, this catchy hip hop-flavored number caught onto me very quickly. Other decent cuts are "Superstar," the Jam & Lewis-produced "That's What It's Made For," and the downtempo groove of the killer closer, "Follow Me." Well produced and with minimal filler (I could have done without the messy "Do it To Me"), "Confessions" lives up to its title thanks to its honest lyrics and its tight production. Grade: B.

I'm 100% for reissuing and re-releasing albums. They're a great way to introduce a time-tested classic to a younger, uninitiated audience, and most record labels often remaster the original recording for a fuller and superior sound. Reissuing an album is acceptable for a 40 year old album, a 30 year old album, a 20 year old album, or even a 10 year old album. But to reissue a CD roughly seven months after its original release date smacks of naked corporate greed. For Arista (the parent company of LaFace Records), it's not enough that Usher's "Confessions" shot to Number One, went multiplatinum, and spawned back-to-back hits. In a transparent attempt to double-dip into the pockets of consumers, they take Usher's album (which, by the way, is a good record on its own merits), repackage it with new photos (for those who savor the sight of Usher's torso), and slap on 4 tracks that include the recent hit "My Boo" (with Alicia Keys). So, the question begs, are these 4 songs strong enough to make a wise consumer buy the same album twice? No. "My Boo" is a pretty decent single, but "Red Light" and "Seduction" have "filler" written all over them. The "remix" of "Confessions" is virtually identical to the original; the main difference is that it features Shyne, Kanye West and Twista on the mike. Why couldn't Arista release these 4 songs as a separate EP? Why add these tracks onto previously released material and add a few "new" glossy color photos? Because Arista wants to milk its cash cow for what its worth, and it will stoop low enough to entice people to buy the same album twice. If you have no version of "Confessions," then I suppose you could get this one. But those who have the March 2004 edition have absolutely no reason to get this poor excuse of a "special edition" CD.