“Looking 4 Myself” by Usher

Usher’s 10th studio album, Looking 4 Myself, takes you on a magical musical journey through every emotional stage of Usher’s love life. Released June 12, 2012, it’s an album of self-discovery. Usher reveals the pain, realizations, and love he’s been dealing with over the past few years. His powerful vocals capture the intensity felt in every song. You can tell Usher put a lot of time developing the sound he wanted for the album. What can I say? The man’s still got it. No one can ignore his sweet and soothing vocals.

Looking 4 Myself starts off with club-style beats blended with upbeat rhythms and party lyrics. In the first few tracks, Usher does a great job capturing the attention of listeners with his poppy club sounding tracks. Take a listen to the tracks “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” (Feat. Will.I.Am & Keith Harris) and “Scream”.

A common theme in the album is that luxurious lifestyles really have no significant value without sharing it with that special someone. In the track “What Happened To U”, Usher sings, “What sense does it make to have everything and nothing at the same time… Where are you? I need you, yeah I’m looking for you, girl, come and share all these”. Usher isn’t one to disappoint. Towards the end of the album, the style takes a step in a different direction. For an artist, branching out into another genre can either be harmful for your career or boost it. Electronica dance music is continuously blowing up in America and isn’t shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

More and more artists are reaching out to EDM DJs for collaborations. This is exactly what Usher did. I must say it was a wise decision. The track “Euphoria” features DJs Steve Angello, Sebstian Ingrosso, and Axel Hedfors. In addition, “Numb” features Axel Hedfors, Steve Angello, Sebstian Ingrosso, Alessandro Lindblad, and Klas Ahlund. This song allows you to forget about the world and your problems for three minutes. Usher sings, “They say life is a battlefield / I say bring it on / If you wanna know how I feel / Leave it till it’s gone / I’m just saying that what don’t kill only makes you stronger / If you don’t recognize what is real / Then forever is alone, lone, lone, lone.” It’s a track that makes people want to jump up and down waving their hands in the air, sensing the feeling of liberation. Yet, at the same time, Usher sneaks a message into the song about staying true to yourself and never giving up on your dreams.

Usher always finishes his albums with a bang. Looking 4 Myself is no exception. “Hot Thing” ft. A$AP Rocky leaves listeners – especially women – hot and bothered. That is Usher’s motto and goal. Looking 4 Myself incorporates swag, sex appeal, love, and, of course, talent into the album. Look out for the tracks “2nd Round”, “Climax”, “Scream”, and “Euphoria”.

By Ally Doxsey