Confessions [Special Edition, Extra tracks]

Usher | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 5, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Special Edition, Extra tracks
• Label: La Face
• ASIN: B0002ZYDKQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (163 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,813 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #53 in Music > R&B > Contemporary R&B

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A CD is always more compelling when you know it's lifted from the artist's autobiography, and that's certainly the case with Confession, Usher's first record since 2001's 8701. The Atlanta singer's string of hits over the past decade have been decidedly PG-13 rated, almost veering towards teen pop, but he's changed all that on this co-produced offering, which he claims is "the real him." It would be too simplistic to just brand this record a break-up record, chronicling his public split with TLC's Rozonda "Chili" Thomas; it is that, but so much more. It would be more accurate to call this Usher's coming of age record, bridging the gap from boy to man, as he navigates the emotional fallout from the disintegration of his relationship, and the events that led up to it--real or imagined. But other than a guilty conscience, it seems unclear why Usher feels compelled to disgorge his secret life, as he documents his infidelities, transgressions, and emotional perfidy in the album's prodigious twenty one songs, that range from insinuating sultry R&B grooves to the decidedly crunky "Yeah," which pairs an insistent keyboard romp with Lil' Jon's assertive beats, and Ludacris' rather humid rhymes. --Jaan Uhelszki

Product Description

Includes four new tracks including the "My Boo" duet with Alicia Keys!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

148 of 162 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Arista's "Confessions" of Corporate Greed., November 17, 2004

By 

The Groove (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions (Audio CD)

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.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Making the customer pay twice, October 5, 2004

By 

R. COGHILL (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Confessions (Audio CD)

I don't have anything against the music, what I do take issue with is an artist releasing a CD then all of a sudden a few months later releasing the same CD with new tracks!!! Why not give the people what they want the first time instead of sticking them up and having them buy the CD twice!!! Both Usher and Arista should feel heavy duty shame by their greedy moneygrabbing ways!!!

85 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars a sneaky way to get more money, October 6, 2004

By 

John Doe (Oregon, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions (Audio CD)

I agree w/ another reviewer. I am an Usher fan especially since he's down w/ my boy Michael Jackson. The problem is I bought the first release of this album and now he re-released it w/ 4 extra songs? Thanks a lot Usher, way to screw your loyal fans! My opinion of him has changed because of this move. I'm not gonna waste more money on your updated Confessions.