LOOKING 4 MYSELF

On his seventh studio album, LOOKING 4 MYSELF,seven-time Grammy winner Usher Raymond takes some bold steps into unexpectedmusical territory. Assuming the most active role of his career as a songwriter,and working with a wide range of producers and collaborators—includingDiplo, Swedish House Mafia, Max Martin, Will I. Am, and Luke Steele — oneof the best-selling musical artists in history has blended electro dance beatswith his signature, era-defining R&B, pop, and hip-hop sounds to create astyle that goes beyond category.

 

 

Beginning with the title song (a collaboration with LukeSteele of Empire of the Sun), which Usher says was directly inspired by hisvisit to the indie/dance mecca of Coachella. Over a breezy, percolating track,he muses on the search for fulfillment.  Perhaps even more striking is thepropulsive, ominous “Sins of MyFather,” produced by Salaam Remi.  Other songs revealdifferent moods; “Climax”and “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop”are arm-waving, club-banging rave-ups.  While another direction emerged on”Euphoria,” produced bySwedish House Mafia.  “A record that really gives people anexperience.” says Usher.

 

Even with all of these new creative partners and experimental approaches, Usher maintains that no one pushed him harder than himself.  To Usher Raymond,

LOOKING 4 MYSELF represents the next stage in his own coming of age; it’s a project he could not have undertaken until this phase in his life.