8701 - Usher
  • Band Name: Usher
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Aug 7, 2001
8701 Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: Atlanta's Usher Raymond returns with his third studio release. The Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are among the producers.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. A strong, expressive singer, Usher is particularly adroit at seductive, late-night ballads.
  2. Versatility is the key here: staccato beats with mellifluous melody, rich slow-jams and edgy harmonies - but woven through with Usher's own perspective. A winner.
  3. 80
    It does what it's supposed to, giving Usher a grown-up R&B sound without reducing his boyish charm. [Aug/Sep 2001, p.131]
  4. Feb 4, 2011
    60
    Usher's back at ya with a consistent third album that has a good chance of staying afloat in a marketplace overflowing with crooning R&B clones. [Sep 2001, p.235]

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. markeshiak
    10
    i lovve usher very much
  2. gabiy
    10
    beautiful
  3. autumnh
    10
    i love grant
  4. 8701, Usher's third album, represents a step up from the more pop-oriented style of his previous albums, with a steadier, more consistent production, allowing Usher to express himself vocally more. However, his lack of deviation from remaining pop-friendly R&B with mid tempo filler songs like "Hottest Girl" let the album down, seductive enough to keep you listening, but not enough to captivate you towards the end of the album.

    That being said, the opening two thirds, with stand out singles U Remind Me, U Got It Bad and the Pharrell Williams-produced "U Don't Have to Call" and "I Don't Know (featuring a surprisingly low-key P. Diddy) show off Usher's vocal talents to their fullest. What the album does it does well; a solid piece of urban R&B.
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See all 20 User Reviews