8701
by Usher
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Aug 7, 2001
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Vibe
    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]
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  2. Slant Magazine
    Jan 7, 2011
    60
    Acoustic guitar work, live drums by Stokley of Mint Condition (remember them?), and a cameo by the law-brushing P. Diddy ("If making hits is a crime, I plead guilty") also lend a surprising amount of variety to what could have been an otherwise homogenized set.
  3. AllMusic
    Jan 3, 2011
    60
    8701 is more mood music than anything else, and while it does work fairly well on that level, it's not memorable outside of that mood.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Jan 3, 2011
    60
    If the album has a fault, it's that Usher never surrenders his meticulously groomed veneer - don't hold your breath for a genuine rawboned holler or hint of reckless spontaneity among these calculated compositions. Still, despite Usher's radio-safe reserve, 8701's wispy slow jams and booming club cuts strike a sweet nerve.
  6. Q Magazine
    40
    Not quite the step forward he needed. [Sep 2001, p.122]
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 8 out of 32
  1. audiosonique
    May 12, 2013
    7
    8701, Usher's third album, represents a step up from the more pop-oriented style of his previous albums, with a steadier, more consistent8701, 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.    … Full Review »
  2. gabiy
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    beautiful
  3. markeshiak
    Nov 22, 2006
    10
    i lovve usher very much
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