Raymond v. Raymond
by Usher
  • Record Label: La Face
  • Release Date: Mar 30, 2010
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    50
    The sleek dancefloor track “So Many Girls,” one of a few songs in which Usher sounds dead in the eyes, going through the motions, desensitized by the bounty of women at his feet, is followed by the sarcastically titled “Guilty,” where he whines “I guess I’m guilty for wanting to be up in the club” — which warrants a response like “Yes, attached 31-year-old man, that’s correct.” A few songs before that is a quasi-redemptive ballad “Foolin’ Around”; he humbles himself, seems to take responsibility for his actions, then casually drops “Guess that’s just the man in me, blame it on celebrity.”
  2. Boston Globe
    50
    Raymond v. Raymond, his latest release, is something else entirely: an album ostensibly about divorce but too timid to explore the subject in all its complexities.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    Since then [2008], Usher's marriage imploded--a development that's good for the single ladies of metro Atlanta but yields mixed results on his sixth studio disc.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    50
    Unfortunately, it is hard to embrace these strengths on such a predictably unfocused album.
  6. No Ripcord
    60
    As a longtime fan of Usher, this album has great moments and also lagging tunes.
  7. The Guardian
    40
    He does express regret about the marriage breakdown on Papers, but it rings hollow, as does most of this so-so record.
  8. Dot Music
    40
    There are moments where Usher's old charm and vocal velvetiness briefly resurface and remind the listener of what a bright talent he once seemed....But these highlights are rare, and Raymond vs Raymond mostly sounds as shallow and unappealing as its singer.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Raymond V Raymond finds the singer in an emotional headspin, and when he channels it here he produces some of his darkest and most hypnotic soul-pop to date. But sadly there’s quite a bit of forgettable bravado babble too--hardly original.
  10. PopMatters
    40
    He does express regret about the marriage breakdown on Papers, but it rings hollow, as does most of this so-so record.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 35
  3. Negative: 8 out of 35
  1. JP
    Mar 30, 2010
    9
    This album is a good follow up to Here I Stand, he worked with some great producers to put together a great album, even though his album was This album is a good follow up to Here I Stand, he worked with some great producers to put together a great album, even though his album was leaked many months back. OMG is a follow up to his song on Here I Stand, Whats your name. if you are a fan of usher this album will be what you need to pick you up out of the slump that R&B has been in.… Full Review »
  2. miramax123
    Feb 25, 2011
    9
    Nice, half of his songs are really good, and some deserve to actually become International hits, but at the same time, some songs you can findNice, half of his songs are really good, and some deserve to actually become International hits, but at the same time, some songs you can find them quite boring and some quite slow, but the balance added to this album affects the rating boundaries of music critics. Though a good achievement and great varieties balanced the scale.â… Full Review »
  3. UptonK
    Apr 12, 2010
    2
    For a dude who can really sing he has sure managed to put together a cd of garbage. Everything sounds like they are trying way too hard to For a dude who can really sing he has sure managed to put together a cd of garbage. Everything sounds like they are trying way too hard to have a hit single. An over-produced mess without one solid song.… Full Review »
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