Usher's latest two-disc album, Raymond v Raymond (Deluxe Edition), is a compilation of his previous album, Raymond v Raymond and his EP Versus. Of the 23 tracks on this edition, There Goes My Baby is the most powerful. Although it is sung gently over a simple melody, it's easy to sense the passion of a man for the girl he loves: 'There goes my baby / You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl'.
The lyrics are concise and direct, and it appears that Usher is explaining what love should be like - people in love should understand each other without complications.
He goes to the opposite extreme in Foolin' Around, effectively conveying his distress. He is begging for his partner's forgiveness because he has betrayed her. We feel pity as he sings 'You deserve more / You deserve so much more / Than what I'll ever be', knowing that he loves her so much but can't stop hurting her.
Somebody to Love features Justin Bieber, flavour of the year and Usher's prot?g?. The song is a chance to compare their singing styles, and it's clear Bieber has a way to go before he can emote as well as his mentor.
As long-acknowledged R&B royalty, Usher will sell plenty of copies of this deluxe edition. It's just a shame it's nothing more than a money-spinning release.