The ’90s were a good era for R&B, but that’s not to say we should sleep on the ’00s. My opinion, they didn’t have as many quality albums, but they were bigger. For example, Beyonce and Usher’s Dangerously in Love and Confessions, respectively. Let’s discuss the two.
Bey’s joint dropped first. So, we’ll start with that one. After being the lead singer of ’90s girl-group, Destiny’s Child, she stepped out on her own. Dangerously in Love was her first solo project, released in June 2003.
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“Crazy in Love,” the album’s first single, featuring then-boyfriend, Jay-Z, was a smash out the gates. The two had already proven they could make a solid collaboration with Jay’s “’03 Bonnie and Clyde.” This uptempo track proved to be no different.
“I look and stare so deep in your eyes,” Bey sings.
“I touch on you more and more every time/When you leave, I’m begging you not to go/Call your name two or three times in a row.”
There were other uptempo cuts such as second single, “Baby Boy.” However, there were a mixture of different themes and tempos to balance the album out. “Me, Myself, I,” a slow tempo, was the ultimate “moving on” song. Tracks like “Naughty Girl” and “Hip Hop Star,” showed a sensual side of the Houston native.
The album atop all the charts and it was certified Quadruple-Platinum.
Usher had the tough task of following up behind his 2001, 8701. Confessions, released in 2004, answer the call. His personal life was used as a promotional tool. For example, the title-track dealt with infidelity in which a child was conceived from the affair. Many thought the song was about Chilli of TLC, whom he dated in the past.
Usher would make another confession in “That’s What It’s Made For.” In the track, he details how a one night stand turned into an addiction.
“Figured I’d hit it and quit it just one night,” Usher sings.
“Got so good to me doubled back twice/I must’ve been outta my mind/Knowin’ I don’t want to — I’m about to nut up.”
Though infidelity was the main theme, Usher Raymond made songs for the faithful. For example, “My Boo” was one of the better duets between Usher and Alicia Keys. “Yeah!” the Crunk-infused jam, was a popular dancefloor hit.
Jermaine Dupri handled most of the album’s production. In addition, Lil Jon and legendary producer-duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
The album atop all the charts and it was certified Diamond.
If we’re going on record sales, Confessions is clearly the better album. However, sales can be deceiving. Sometimes an album will sell better than the competition due to a bigger machine pushing it. Then again, the album may sell better simply because it’s better. Is that the case, here? Maybe. Maybe not.
Beyonce’s ‘Dangerously in Love’ or Usher’s ‘Confessions’?
Usher’s Confessions- Unanimously
Beyonce – Dangerously in Love – 0%