Albeit the record revolves around the central ideas of infidelity and heartbreak, Usher leans away from the typical 90s formula of slow ballads taking over most of the record to incorporating definitive high-energy tracks. After assembling a squad of some of the most reputable R&B and Hip-Hop producers of all time such as founder of So So Def records Jermaine Dupri, 90s R&B hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bryan Michael-Cox and legendary hip-hop producer Just Blaze among many others, this all-star team help to craft a timeless mixture of heartbroken ballads and up-tempo tracks, which incorporate the musical genres of hip-hop, R&B, crunk and dance-pop. Raymond and everyone affiliated with the creation of this record for taking their time to craft such a generational masterpiece.Īlbum Artwork For “Confessions” (Arista Records)įirst and foremost, the eclectic nature of the audio production on Confessions is unlike anything the genre of R&B had yet experienced prior to its release. In addition, it is more than safe to say that even in the year 2019, just a little more than 15 years following its initial release, the record continues to “slap” and remains our #1 go-to album for when we’re bed-ridden and melancholy from our most recent break-up and need to assuage the pain and “let it burn.” Before divulging into why and how this album has made such an impact on the culture, I would first like to thank Mr. If you’ve listened to the current landscape of R&B, its lasting impact on the beloved genre continues to manifest today.

One main reason for this is because it will forever exists as an iconic body of work that has redefined the way we perceive quality, contemporary R&B music. Let’s Talk About It: How Usher’s “Confessions” shifted R&B music forever.ĭespite being released on March 23th, 2004, Usher’s seminal record “Confessions” has undoubtedly proven to stand the test of time.

Usher confessions album release date