March 23, 2014 marked the 10th anniversary of one of the greatest R&B albums of it's time. Confessions, Usher's fourth studio LP released when he was 25 years old. Following the major success of his previous album 8701, Confessions appeared to answer many questions the world had about Usher's personal life. 8701 introduced the world to a more mature Usher experiencing fame, lust, and embracing his grown man status. The story of Confessions seemed to stem from the love story we were introduced to in 8701, his relationship with TLC's Chilli.
After publicly breaking up before Confessions released, many anticipated the album solely off of its name. The thought that the album was inspired from his personal relationship with Chilli, instantly made Confessions a winner. While Confessions seemed to be a body of art exemplifying temptation, love, heartbreak, breakup, cheating, and fantasy from a young males perspective, it was an album that was relatable to women and men across different ages. Combing his young face, laid back personality, sexy demeanor, and a bit of an old soul Usher stood as the face who told the stories of many stories of failed love, and the lusting fantasy's of a beautiful woman.Confessions became a timeless album, and a time stamp of a great time in music.
Some of Confessions hit's included "Yeah," "Burn," "Confessions I & II," "Caught Up," and "Bad Girl." "Yeah" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris became the biggest song of the year and still is a club banger. Both parts of "Confessions" are still sung word for word when it comes on. "Confessions Part II" was the song that really stirred a lot of conversation and excitement as we listened to Usher "confessing" his dishonesty in his relationship. It wasn't until years later did most find out that many of the songs on the Confessions album were not specially about Usher's relationship, it in fact was about Jermaine Dupri. After confessing and hurting, Usher finally "burned" his relationship and came to the realization that it was over.
The arrangement, production, lyricism, and Usher's talent made Confessions a solid piece of work from the intro to the end of the album. The #1 album sold over 1million records in its first week and went to sell 10million copies in the US alone. Confessions landed Usher with three Grammy's one including Best Contemporary R&B Album. Usher's longtime friend and producer Jermaine Durpi, Brian Michael-Cox, Jimmy Jazz & Terry Lewis, Just Blaze, and Lil Jon all were apart of the album and collectively agree it was some of the best work they've done. Confessions represented many things and can still be played in your car like it just came out. The sounds of Rhythm & Blues, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and a splash of Pop can be transcended over decades, something many albums have not done.
Congratulations on 10 years!
CONVERSATION