Last year (can't be I'm already saying that), Usher made a huge comeback with his album Raymond v. Raymond. He scored massive sales and one of the biggest hits of 2010 in "OMG". Yet, there was considerable criticism about Usher's musical direction towards a dance-pop sound, accusing him of selling out to get a hit.
Usher wants "more" for the new year
His latest single choice, a remix of "More", won't quell his critics in any way. Remixed by Gaga's top guy RedOne for pop radio release, this song couldn't be more Europop dance if it tried. It basically sounds like it was birthed on the floor of a sweaty club in Ibiza, with pumping synths and sharp buzzing beats. The song works a lot better as a club track than you would expect, though. There is an awesome sense of intensity, aided by the originally dull lyrics about "wanting more". In fact, Usher's lyrics and vocals benefit greatly by this electro makeover. The original, while a highlight of Raymond v. Raymond, needed an energy boost, and when you compare it to RedOne's reworking, the difference is startling. Listening to the original after the remix is actually a bit of a letdown.
Usher's switch to more dance-oriented pop music is a conscious one; it is doing exceptionally well on radio at the moment, Unlike other artists, though, Usher retains his personality and style in his genre switch, and uses the different sound to his advantage. I would not consider Usher a sell-out at all.
I would consider him versatile, and in today's ever-changing pop landscape, that is a treasured adjective.
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