Ranking Every Song on ‘COMING HOME’ by ‘USHER’

Featuring: Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, The-Dream, H.E.R., Pheelz, Jung Kook

Usher’s latest album, “Coming Home,” marks a significant chapter in the artist’s illustrious 30-year career, encapsulating his transformative journey from married life to embracing being single. Released nearly eight years after his previous solo project, “Hard II Love,” this ninth studio album emerges amidst Usher’s personal milestones, including a divorce, the birth of two children, and a triumphant Las Vegas residency. The album’s genesis, influenced by a period of profound reflection during the pandemic and a pivotal trip to Ghana, showcases Usher’s exploration of new musical landscapes, including the vibrant rhythms of amapiano, a South African house music subgenre.

“Coming Home” is a testament to Usher’s fearless venture into uncharted territories, both personally and musically. The album’s title reflects his journey towards self-discovery and vulnerability, culminating in a collection of 20 tracks that narrate his experiences of love, loss, and personal growth. Collaborating with a diverse array of artists such as Summer Walker, 21 Savage, The-Dream, Latto, Burna Boy, Pheelz, and H.E.R., Usher weaves a rich tapestry of sounds that resonate with his journey back to his roots, his essence, and ultimately, his home.

This album not only signifies Usher’s return to the music scene but also his readiness to share his evolved self with the world, unguarded and authentic. “Coming Home” is a celebration of Usher’s enduring legacy in R&B, his continuous evolution as an artist, and his unwavering commitment to exploring and expressing the depths of human emotion through his music.

So let’s get into it. From lyrical mastery to emotive vocals, here we are ranking each track on ‘COMING HOME’ by ‘USHER’.

Instead of dwelling on resentments and heartbreak, this joint concentrates on maturity and understanding. He is, in a way, communicating a message that is uncommon in the hip-hop landscape, emphasizing that even though the romantic ties are severed, that doesn’t mean you can’t wish your former partner the best. Usher’s lyrical approach is tinged with sincerity and introspection, making it clear that he’s not about harboring negativity. With lines that recognize the realities of their connection — there was “real love” but they are “happier apart” — Usher offers an alternative narrative about moving on that is both refreshing and relatable.

The track’s undercurrent of steadfast love and commitment mirrors the artists’ unwavering dedication to their craft. The lyric ‘They can’t deny our love/They can’t divide us’ is a powerful refrain that speaks volumes about the inclusive power of music and love alike. This joint effort from the R&B veteran and the young K-Pop phenom offers a rich blend of smooth vocals, articulate harmonies, and an irrefutable groove, illustrating the transcendent connective tissue of shared passion and mutual respect.

This slow-burning piece is raw and vulnerable, peppered with the anguish of a man made solitary by love’s aftermath. Usher, using a haunting melody, portrays a figure seeking solace after a tumultuous relationship. The song’s lyrics depict a painful struggle of disentangling oneself from a toxic partner, a theme often echoed in Usher’s discography. The recurring line, “You ruin me for everybody,” captures the essence of the song – the legacy of a bitter relationship thwarting any chance of a new start. Usher’s vocal prowess brings the anguish-filled lyrics to life, making “Ruin” a poignant portrayal of post-breakup sadness and regret.

A trippy reflection of home and lost love, the lyrics carry a profound sense of yearning for something cherished yet distant. As Usher croons soulfully, he frames the narrative in a way that’s introspective and vulnerable, ultimately capturing the complexity of his emotions. The song serves as a testament to Usher’s understanding of the fragility of love, and his willingness to explore it musically, giving it a raw, real vibe that’s hard to shake off. In true R&B tradition, Usher hits the emotional notes perfectly with a hefty side of self-reflection to make “Coming Home” a standout track in his repertoire.

The lyrics paint vivid portraits of the Dirty South’s heart, driving home the essence of Atlanta and its women, who with their tenacity, beauty, and grit, embody the spirit of A-Town. The raw grandeur of his hometown sketched in the lyrics adds depth to the track, enhancing Usher’s vocal magic. At its core, A-Town Girl is a tribute to Usher’s roots, a lyrical journey to his beginnings, painted in grit and grace.

It’s Usher spitting venom and heartache like a hood love oracle, laying bare the game of love and how it’s sometimes like wrestling a rattlesnake — cold-hearted, treacherous, yet impossible to resist. The title ain’t just for show — each line, each bar, is a frosty blast of emotion, laying bare the cold, harsh truth of love lost. Its raw honesty and vulnerability is a nod to Usher’s earlier work, a reminder that the dude can still tug at heartstrings while serving up A-grade hip-hop. “Cold Blooded” is proof: Usher’s still got the juice.

Usher deposits us right in that hazy, euphoric space where intimacy and anonymity intertwine. The lyrics capture the allure of fleeting connections, the thrill of the unknown. With typical Usher brilliance, the fear of vulnerability is masked by a veil of confidence and bravado, painting a powerful image of temporary connections. This jam ain’t just about the physical; it’s the human condition, our quest for novelty and excitement, brought to life in a sleek blend of R&B and contemporary pop. A sonic portrayal of modern love’s complex dance.

It’s a pure embodiment of Usher’s ability to keep the energy on a hundred. With kaleidoscopic beats that hark back to 90’s club scene, the track takes you back to the days of old-school house parties. The lyrical wordplay is typical Usher, with themes of letting loose, having fun and not worrying about tomorrow. The charm of Usher is how he weaves these narratives of dancefloor liberation with compelling rhythm and cadence. Truly, Usher invites us to dance away our troubles and embrace the moment in “Keep on Dancin’”.

The lyrics reflect not just a love between two people, but the deeper, more formidable love that demands sacrifice – a continual theme in Usher’s canon. The words — “Baby, I would risk it all, just to be in love” — echo the song’s heavy sentiment of risking everything for that emotional connection. Falling in love is depicted as a bittersweet mix of anguish and ecstasy, mirroring life’s own ebb and flow. It’s a heady reminder of Usher’s timeless knack for crafting songs that touch the human spirit.

It’s that ATL groove, baby, Usher’s signature mix of seduction and dance that’ll have you two-stepping. Usher uses the bouncy beat to spin tales of a night out on the town, complete with vivid imagery of luxury and high class – classic Usher vibes right? It’s the rhythm and flow, riding on the bassline, that really makes this a ‘bop’. It’s a nod to both his R&B roots and his adaptability in the ever-evolving hip-hop scene. A picturesque piece that showcases Usher in his comfort zone, yet still pushing boundaries.

This ain’t your mama’s love song, and Usher ain’t playin’. The lyrics tell a tale of irresistible attraction, with Usher embodying the audacity and confidence the hip-hop genre knows and loves. Assertive in his approach, Usher channels that raw, unabashed passion that’s become his trademark. The song’s lyrical content streams like poetry from the streets, painting a vivid picture of love and desire in the concrete jungle. All the while, Usher’s vocal prowess shines, elevating the track to the upper echelons of modern hip-hop. Shorthand? “Stone Kold Freak” is Usher putting his signature spin on the timeless game of love and lust.

The ATL-born singer ain’t just flexin’, he’s laying claim to his success with a lyrical flow that’s as smooth as Georgia peach tea. Usher reminds us that in life, as in rap, size matters. Whether it’s the size of your ambition, your heart, or your rollie, going ‘BIG’ is about owning your worth. Though some might view it as braggadocio, it’s more about the assertion of one’s rightful spot in the game. It’s a statement piece, a testament to Usher’s enduring relevance in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop and R&B.

It’s not just about infidelity, it’s about emotional complexity. Usher ain’t just cruising on that beat, he’s grappling with the complications of clandestine love. The lyrics reveal the twisted duality of desire and regret, painting a picture of a love that dares not speak its name, hiding in the shadows. The pain underscores the pleasure, the secrecy amplifies the thrill. Usher’s vocals confess the guilt, yet celebrate the forbidden rendezvous, echoing the inner conflict. It’s a complicated dance, a delicate balancing act. “On The Side” ain’t just a song, it’s a lyrical deep dive into the murky waters of concealed passions, where love ain’t black or white, it’s painted in varying shades of grey.

He flexes his prowess, blending his vocal silk with swagger-filled verses that underline his place at the epicenter of any gathering he graces. Usher, being a seasoned vet in the game, doesn’t just bring the party—he IS the party. The lyrics are an ode to this aura that transcends his music, encapsulating his persona. With a discography like his, this statement is more than just braggadocio—it’s a fact in the timeline of hip-hop and R&B. And in “I Am The Party”, Usher makes no bones about laying claim to his crown.

It’s Usher at his most intimate and vulnerable. The lyrics unravel a rich narrative of intense affection, a testament to Usher’s skills at translating raw emotion into a musical saga. There’s a simplicity that belies its depth, a masterclass in storytelling through tight verses. This is not just another love song, it’s a soul-stirring ride through Usher’s emotional landscape. But while the lyrics are steeped in sentiments, the directness is striking. It’s Usher stripping down to sincerity, his words echoing through the depths of heartfelt affection. In the stratosphere of love anthems, “I Love U” certainly punctuates the air with its poignant resonance.

But beyond the sultry veneer, the lyrics encapsulate desperate pleas and the desperation of a man seeking validation from his lady. It’s all about the struggle to satisfy, the burden of expectations, and the fear of inadequacy, delivered with Usher’s signature vocal smoothness. It’s a perfect example of how Usher uses the broad strokes of pop-style lyricism to paint intimate, personal portraits that resonate on a universal level. “Please U” ain’t just a song, it’s a 3-minute exploration of vulnerability wrapped up in a seductive R&B package.

In this joint, USHER opens his heart, showing his appreciation for the woman in his life, demonstrating that even the smoothest crooners can’t escape cupid’s arrow. He’s not just catching feelings; he’s basking in them, acknowledging he’s the “luckiest man” to have her. This ditty isn’t about the chase or the conquest; it’s about the afterglow, the reflective pause when you realize what you’ve got is truly golden. It’s a testament to a mature and evolving sound, further proof that USHER ain’t just here for the club bangers. He’s laying down tracks that resonate with life, love, and everything real in between.

Usher’s lyricism weaves narratives of luxury and exclusivity, a far cry from the humble beginnings that shaped his early rise. The iconic fashion house, Maison Margiela, is employed as a symbol of elevated class and accomplishment. This track is Usher’s declaration of his elite standing, using the brand’s distinctive footprint as a badge of honour. But beneath these braggadocious lines, there’s subtle commentary on the rapper’s personal evolution and the trials he’s endured to don his Margiela. It’s less about the threads he wears, more about the man he’s become — a blend of vulnerability and audacity that’s pure Usher.

The lyrics mirror the song’s atmosphere, with Usher’s slick wordplay painting an intimate picture of shared space and the depth of emotions therein, making it a classic slow-roller in his extensive discography. The polished vocals blend effortlessly with the atmospheric production, creating a sonic landscape that’s both visually and emotionally evocative. Specifically, Usher uses the metaphor of the ‘room’ to shed light on the personal, introspective themes of hidden emotions, unspoken dialogues and the dynamics of intimate relationships, making “Room In A Room” a concoction of sensuality and soul.

Usher’s delivering soul-crushing honesty over hypnotic beats, reminding us why he’s considered one of the R&B kings. His lyricism like painting in shades of vulnerability, a masterstroke in illustrating complex feelings. The raw emotionality woven into every word hits different, like Usher’s inviting listeners on this journey of self-discovery and introspection. It’s one piece of a bigger oeuvre, blending bravado and sensitivity into an irresistible anthem. No sugarcoated narratives here, just straight bars about navigating life’s ups and downs. Undoubtedly, Usher proving once again why his reign on the R&B throne remains unchallenged.