Usher "Looking 4 Myself"

When he’s on a roll, he “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!” I enjoyed this record more than I had originally expected. Raymond V Raymond was a consistent offering, as well as an example of how something good can arise from something bad; to put it in simplest terms.  While the EP had two of his most addictive songs; both of them singles. The album is not perfect, but it’s a grower. The previously mentioned song sounds like Raymond impersonating his protégé, or Will.I.Am., while using an enticing synth-based interpolation of Uptown Girl. It almost just makes you wanna “Scream” YEEEEEEAAAAAH! I was worried about the direction of the album, despite loving the song; I am a conundrum, or just dumb. The third track can best be described as an astronaut’s disappointing discovery of the “Climax,” searching for the love lost in the black hole, but “Love is the cloud that keeps raining down/Where are you now? When I need you around/I'm on my knees but it seems we're/Going nowhere fast.” Raymond and his robotic counterparts continue the sci-fi aesthetic as they attempt to convince the prisoner, of generalizations based on past relationships, that “I Care For U” means exactly that! “Everyday I tryna prove myself to you/But what's the point/No such thing as satisfying you.” The next song is done with the stories, and Usher says “Show Me,” but not without sweetly asking in his singing voice. “Let Me See,” in this next song we have Usher hitting the higher registers in the chorus, and he sounds like he’s trying too hard to be a sex king; leave it to Rozay, who “Had the valet park it, Chanel hoodie on/Looking like Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman on warning.”

I swear I heard Lloyd do something like this on his last record, but don’t get it “Twisted” there’s no hatred. “You had me looking stupid, but I let it go that way/that booty substituted it, guess that made it okay.” Relationships have been described as rollercoasters, for obvious reasons, but instead he uses imagery of a stormy seas. Bedroom conversation is used: “It's raining inside your bed/No parts are dry/makes you so wet, your legs, your thighs,” but he’s still willing to “Dive” in deeper in this relationship “long as I know that you're here with me baby.” He uses a similar tone that he used in a previous song as he asks “What Happened to U?” I’d say the chorus, she’s probably jealous, but “What sense does it make to have everything and nothing at the same time...” The album title implies that soul-searching had taken place; usually that is the route after a life-changing event. I think it has, once all the luxuries and the beast mode has been shut off, it is possible. The soft-rock accompaniment to the title track is what is required for the most impact; EDM accompaniment will make it too cheesy, but then again it depends on the artist. “Numb” continues this stream of introspective, yet still engaging, compositions; vocals have been more of a focal point. “Lessons for the Lovers” offers nothing new, but what is documented is true: “Just cause he gives you pain, that don't mean he ain't the one,” but if it is consistent abuse (and not just verbal) that’s your cue to run. Seriously, some relationships aren’t worth it! “Sins of My Father” is more like genetics and lessons; it sounded like he heard what he wanted, and ignored what he needed. It gets confusing, but the second verse focuses more on the family dynamic. But can you really prepare, if she ignites a hex when you stare? In regards to “Euphoria” I think the name was aptly titled, and even after the last few downers this song managed to regain the level we were at before that dive. It is hook that stays intact on the first bonus track, “I.F.U,” while I “Say The Words” usher sings them hypnotically, as I am caught in the rapture of the melody. “2^nd Round” is not exactly about a rebound, but is about the second chance that some relationships require, because the first time was the right person, wrong time. She sounds like a “Hot Thing,” and even though we heard this before A$ap Rocky’s laidback/ slight off kilter delivery make this more interesting. My Favorites: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop, Scream, Twisted, What Happened To U, Looking 4 Myself,  Numb, Sins of My Father, I.F.U, Say The Words, and Hot Thing.