He's embraced current musical trends on lead single 'Climax'; a carefully contained R&B ballad with ambient dubstep wobbles that isn't a complete style overhaul. However, it's on new single 'Scream' - a seductive club number of chest-popping beats and sex-fuelled lyrics ("I see you over there so hypnotic/ Thinkin' 'bout what I'd do to that body") - where he sounds at ease.
The combination continues on Swedish House Mafia-produced cuts 'Euphoria' and 'Numb', both of which include the DJs' glimmering synths while he croons in his coolly-controlled falsetto. Elsewhere, he's experimented to largely great success; particularly with Aussie knob-twiddler Luke Steele for title track 'Looking 4 Myself' - a light and funky number that recalls Empire of the Sun's 'Walking On A Dream'.
Usher's seventh studio outing thrives on a mixture of genres, arming him with potential hits to satisfy the current chart's unpredictable palate. Between the sample of Billy Joel's 'Uptown Girl' on will.i.am-helmed 'Can't Stop Won't Stop' or the stripped-back hip-hop vibe of 'Lemme See', Usher has produced some of his most varied and commercially relevant music to date.
Tracks to download: 'Climax', 'Euphoria', 'Numb', 'Looking 4 Myself'
If you like this, you'll like: Chris Brown, Swedish House Mafia
Listen to Usher's new single 'Scream' below:
