Word: albumful
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...Khuri himself states, “The album is based on how various characters in a community navigate the world of haves and have-nots. What’s most important to me is that I’m honest about the experiences of ordinary people.” For example, the song “Roll The Dice,” according to Khuri, is about the naiveté with which middle- and upper-class people often approach working with the poor. The song narrates from the perspective of one such well-intentioned character, the lyrics revealing his cursory...
When he wasn’t busy producing a new album for Justin Bieber, Usher found the time to record one of his own. Much like it’s hard to take teenage protégé Bieber seriously, Usher’s sixth record, “Raymond v. Raymond,” struggles to make a sophisticated and grown-up statement...
During the recording of “Raymond v. Raymond,” Usher filed for divorce from his wife Tameka. This event supposedly pushed his songwriting in a more personal, confessional direction. This is a similar formula to the one used on his fourth album, which was actually entitled “Confessions” and followed his separation from his long-term girlfriend, TLC’s Chilli. By reviving this formula, Usher may be hoping to return to the massive success he achieved with “Confessions.” However, “Raymond...
...personal issues are going to change it. Sticking to this staple, however, is not guaranteed to deliver Usher chart-topping hits. Whereas “Confessions” shifted close to 10 million copies in the U.S. and spawned four number one hits, Usher’s last album, 2008’s “Here I Stand,” failed to reach the success of its predecessor. Songs about love in a club are all well and good, but if you’re going to do the same thing over and over again, it?...
Between bookends describing his sexual exploits, Usher does actually reach the confessional aspect of the album. “Papers” sounds like a legitimately heartfelt song about the troubles Usher has been facing during his divorce. Going through all of his difficulties with soaring vocals, “I damn near lost my mamma / I been through so much drama / I done turned into the man that I never thought I’d be / I’m ready to sign them papers.” Unlike many of the other songs, “Paper?...