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43 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Married Man Music (MMM), May 27, 2008
Two stars means "ok," and I want to clarify that beforehand because there's absolutely nothing wrong on this CD. However, I listened to it twice, and there was also no song on here that stood out to me, made me want to replay it, or dance to the beat. I'm used to turning Usher's CDs up full blast and trying to memorize all the words, but I didn't get that on this album. There were a lot of songs about being in love, marriage, and being a father (including doing what all parents seem to think is cute--recording their baby(ies) making baby noises). This album was weird for me. It was like Usher lost all his swagger and the cool feel of his music. If you've listened to "Love in This Club," that's basically the feel of the CD. Who thinks about "making love" in a club, as the magazine "Vibe" says in "20 Questions". Usher has definitely grown up, and I think he will gain an older audience with this album. But if you're looking for the old usher who oozes sexy in his songs, flirts with the ladies through melody, and gives us a little bit of hip hop through a lot of R&B, this isn't that album. (Note: He kept that sex appeal when he was with Chili, so I can't say it's the relationship. Man, I loved those two as a couple!) Listeners will, however, get the Usher who sounds head over heels for his wife and child. Again, nothing wrong with this album, but it was kinda repetitive, a little boring, and out of my element (no kids, no marriage). But I am happy for him being in a stable, happy relationship, and I hope him and Tamika stay together forever.
UPDATE (AFTER FIFTH LISTEN): I followed That Juice's advice and listened to the CD again on my MP3 player. Then I listened again. And again. I sincerely am an Usher fan, and I wanted to like it. And I think That Juice is right, along with another reviewer on here who said that maybe the reason some fans couldn't immediately get into the CD was because we weren't READY for it. There was no leading up to the ballads or such a dramatic shift in his music. He just up and did a completely different album. I think my hesitation was that I was unprepared for what I'd listen to. Now that I've settled with the idea that Usher is making MMM, I'm more content with it. I still can't convince myself to change the stars though and think it's "just okay," but I look forward to the next album and will buy it!
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
It pays to know your audience, May 29, 2008
This long awaited project missed the mark. What were you thinking? Here I Stand clearly caters to this arbitrary "older" fan base that you don't have. This CD lacks the hip-hop funkiness and familiarity enojyed with the "Confessions" CD. Except for the potential of "Moving Mountains" I don't get this at all. Not a fan...sorry!
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
3 1/2 stars but a solid album nonetheless. I'm proud of him., May 27, 2008
It is so easy to see that Usher is not the same young gigolo who danced, sang and rapped his way through his "My Way" video. Usher exudes a certain maturity now that he is married with children and I am so glad I was able to see his transition. Some have complained that he has lost his swagger and sexiness ever since he tied the knot, but I do not share their opinion. Usher is still as sexy as he ever was; he's just a full-fledged adult at this juncture. My only gripe is that he couldn't work it out with Chilli, but that's another story (I love you, Chilli!)
Usher is singing his behind off on this album! He always has a nice vocal delivery, but he has never sounded this good, this mature, this happy. "Here I Stand" is a fine piece of work but it is a lengthy album (1.2 hours, eighteen tracks) and it is just not as consistent as I would like it to be. Don't misinterpret me, though. There isn't one bad song on here. Rather, there are average moments and then there are highlights. The lyrics on this album help make it even better. I also enjoyed the production. There are ballads, mid-tempos and faster songs and just about an even distribution of each, fortunately. The first song released to radio was the smash hit "Love in This Club" which features Young Jeezy. It took many lots of listens in order to truly get into this song, but it is one of those songs that you will like at least a little with time. This song's remix is also included and features Beyonce' and Lil' Wayne. Although I really revel in the talents of all three artists, the remix was bland and the original is better. "This Ain't Sex" is one of the finest moments found on this album. His energy on this track is undeniable and so is the magnificent production. "Moving Mountains", "Appetite" and "What is A Man to Do" are all decent tracks, but they don't bring this album out. "Moving Mountains" is a ballad which gives off the same eerie feel that Omarion's "Icebox" gives off.
This is not one that needs to be pondered upon. Purchase this album yesterday! Usher is sure to please.
Mikeisha's Top 5
1. "This Ain't Sex"
2. "What's Your Name"
3. "Here I Stand"
4. "Something Special"
5. "Trading Places"
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