albums and tracks

Usher returns with the second single from his album, Here I Stand, and a major departure from his last effort 'Love In This Club'.

Here, he displays a more mature weapon in his armament. Lyrics like, "I keep climbing and hoping things would change/And the sky turns grey, and the water from the rain washes progress away," are at least more intelligent than the poetic highlight of 'Love In This Club', "I'll bag you like some groceries."

Usher's vocal range is impressive, but at times he reaches distractingly hyper-sonic tones which may cause you to make sure you haven't stood on your dog's foot. That said, if you can handle the vocal gymnastics, this is vintage stuff.

Picture: PA Photos