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Raymond v. Raymond
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Raymond v. Raymond Image
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

  • Summary: After being pushed back several times, the sixth album for the R&B singer is finally released, featuring guest appearances from Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, T.I., and will.i.am.

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Watch me as I dance under the spotlight listen to the people screaming out more, and more Cos I create the feeling that keep em coming back, Yeah, I... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Billboard.com
    88
    Drawing from a skillful fusion of R&B/hip-hop/pop, Usher addresses the trappings of fame on the uptempo "Monstar," shifts into sexy overdrive on "Lil Freak" (featuring Nicki Minaj) and "Pro Lover," pumps up the beat on the infectious club anthem "OMG" (featuring Will.i.am) and turns introspective on the ballad "Foolin' Around."
  2. BBC Music
    80
    So don’t come to this thinking you’ll get the inside scoop on a celebrity divorce, but as a soundtrack to rampancy in general, it’s hard to beat.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Raymond v Raymond doesn't offer much real revelation. Its main aim is more standard issue: Sleek, grown-and-sexy R&B tuned to seduction, not divorce court.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Slant Magazine
    30
    The album is consistently uninspired, with each song showcasing an incredibly gifted performer grown wearyingly complacent.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. Darlene
    Apr 5, 2010
    10
    Sounds good with a lot of variety.
  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… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. DillonT
    Apr 5, 2010
    8
    Raymond vs Raymond is everything an usher fan could want. Its not Confessions but Michael never made another Thriller either. With songs "Lil Raymond vs Raymond is everything an usher fan could want. Its not Confessions but Michael never made another Thriller either. With songs "Lil Freak', 'Papers' and 'OMG' keep you wanting more but the lack of story line and the uninspiring "So Many Girls" hurt the album and keep keep it from being an instant classic. But it is worth the wait clearly better than "Here I Stand".… Expand
  6. 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.… Expand

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