Usher's "Raymond vs. Raymond"

The new album from R&B superstar Usher, "Raymond vs. Raymond" concludes where his last effort, "Confessions" left off. Known for his simple beats and pure vocals, it comes at a slight disappointment that the new album relies somewhat on the current fad of autotuning. Thankfully though, the talent of the musician shines through to the end and marks this as another classic in his repertoire.

Usher wanted the new album to be darker than his previous works, therefore starting it out with "Monstar," a haunting collection of sounds and beats that somehow fall together to become a song. Next is "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)," featuring Piles, with catchy beats in the veins of "Trading Places." "There Goes My Baby" is the next single produced by Jim Jonsin, and "Rico Love" where Usher goes back to his roots, relying more on songwriting and vocals rather than beats. "OMG" is the next single featuring Will.I.Am, who is still under the Black Eyed Peas spell. "Mars vs. Venus" is another temporary fusion that will disappear after six months. "Pro Lover" comes as a relief after three disappointing songs and helps set the mood for the rest of the album. Next is another delightful melody "Foolin' Around," which is, frankly, what Usher is good at. "Papers", is a much more personal song about his divorce with Tameka Foster, seemingly concluding "Foolin' Around." "So Many Girls" featuring Diddy, comes to wake up the listener after two sad ballads, and it succeeds in doing so. "Guilty," featuring T.I., is spicy like "Red Light" and "Caught Up" from "Confessions." "Okay" reminded me of "Seduction" and "Can You Handle It," it is a funky R&B/Soul melody, which is good for a long drive. "Making Love (Into the Night)" is obviously about sex and seduction, and it helps to show the greatness of the musician.

Despite of few disappointing tracks, "Raymond vs. Raymond" manages to be a decent album that you won't regret spending money on.