5 Things We Want from Usher’s Coming Home

As we’re two days away from Usher’s ninth studio album, we’re laying out five things we want from his upcoming record with another edition of Usher Week.

Creating a wishlist ​for Usher’s ​upcoming album offers ​an exciting ​opportunity to envision ​what might ​elevate his next ​project to ​a memorable and ​impactful addition ​to his discography. ​Here’s a ​deeper look into ​five fundamental ​desires that fans ​and critics ​might have ​for this ​anticipated release of Coming Home:

1. ​Embracing Authenticity ​Over Trends

While ​Usher’s experimentation ​with various musical ​styles, such ​as Afrobeat with his latest single “Ruin,” showcases ​his versatility ​and willingness to ​explore new ​sounds, there’s a ​growing desire ​to ​return to ​his roots and ​focus on ​the music that ​best represents ​his authentic self. ​Fans appreciate ​when artists evolve ​but also value consistency ​in quality ​and style. Usher’s ​ability to ​create timeless music ​without overly ​relying on the ​latest trends ​could reinforce his ​status as ​a genre-defining artist.

​2. Mature ​R&B Themes

As ​Usher’s audience ​has grown with ​him, there’s ​a strong appetite ​for “Grown ​R&B,” which speaks ​to mature ​experiences, emotions, and ​storytelling. This ​involves diving deep ​into the ​complexities of love, ​life, and ​relationships in a ​way that ​resonates with listeners ​navigating similar ​journeys. Granted, he tried with his 2008 effort Here I Stand, and it didn’t connect with his image of being a married man, so he went with more generic, radio-friendly sounds that drifted away from what his core fans loved him in the first place. An album ​that mirrors ​the depth and ​maturity of ​its listeners’ lives ​can create ​a strong emotional ​connection and ​lasting relevance.

3. ​Exquisite Romance ​Tracks

Usher has ​always been ​known for his ​ability to ​convey the nuances ​of romance ​through his music. ​Fans are ​eager for top-tier ​romance songs ​that remind them ​why Usher ​remains a go-to ​artist for ​music that captures ​the heart. ​Whether it’s the ​euphoria of ​new love, the ​introspection of ​love lost, or ​the warmth ​of lasting bonds, ​songs that ​explore the spectrum ​of romantic ​experiences with sensitivity ​and depth ​are welcomed, especially since he got Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, D’Mile, and The Avila Brothers, to name a few, on board.

​4. Exceptional ​Songwriting

Quality songwriting ​is paramount, ​and expectations are ​high for ​Usher to deliver ​lyrically rich ​and musically sophisticated ​tracks. Fans ​hope for songs ​devoid of ​cliches and filled ​with meaningful ​narratives that showcase ​not just ​Usher’s vocal talent ​but also ​his engagement with ​the craft ​of songwriting, which makes his previous effort, Hard II Love, so forgettable. Lyrics ​that are ​thoughtful, evocative, and ​relatable can ​elevate the entire ​album, setting ​it apart in ​an era ​where the art ​of songwriting ​is more appreciated ​than ever. We hope Felly the Voice, Verse Simmonds, Johntá Austin, Rico Love, and others can deliver that.

​5. Vocal Mastery ​Showcase

Usher’s ​voice is undeniably ​one of ​the most distinctive ​and potent ​in R&B, and ​there’s a ​strong desire for ​this album ​to highlight his ​vocal prowess. ​Showcasing his range, ​control, and ​dynamic capacity can ​remind fans ​and critics alike ​of his ​rightful place among ​the best ​voices in the ​genre. Tracks ​that allow Usher’s ​vocal talents ​to shine, from ​subtle and ​tender interpretations to ​powerful and ​soaring deliveries, can ​reassert his ​dominance and influence ​in R&B.

​Ultimately, fans are ​looking for ​an album reflecting Usher’s ​growth as an ​artist and ​individual while ​paying homage ​to the sounds ​and themes ​defining ​his storied ​career. An album ​that meets ​these desires could ​satisfy long-time fans and ​bring in new listeners, ​reaffirming Usher’s ​legacy in the music world.