My Way [PA] - Usher (CD 1997)

Before 2004 rolled along and Usher became one of the biggest superstars in R&B and pop music, he recorded his very successful sophomore album in 1997 that made him get noticed. The album was called My Way and was a pretty big hit. It had addicting hooks, laid-back R&B melodies and a lot of good songwriting. Here's my own review of this R&B album. I rate songs on a scale of 1 to 5 stars with 5 being the best.

1. You Make Me Wanna
This was the very first single off the album and peaked at number two. It has a really good hook and a nice bouncy R&B beat to it. Usher sings the song well without oversinging like some other R&B artists. Clearly, one of the best cuts on the album and one of the better songs of his career.
RATING: 5 stars

2. Just Like Me featuring Lil' Kim
By far, this is the most sexual song on the album. Had it not been for Kim's lyrics, the album may have avoided a parental advisory sticker. Just look at Kim' lyrics

If had a penis, I'd be heartless for real though
N*ggas start sh*t, I just flash out my d*ldo
Y'all move too quick
Thought I'd be mesmerized by your cocaine bricks
And your smoke gray six

Despite it's extremely raunchy lyrics, the song is very well written and addictive.
RATING: 5 stars

3. Nice & Slow
This was the 2nd single off the album that when on to become Usher's first number one hit. The song details of how Usher and his girl are about to make love for the first time. This is definitely a song that was played at a lot of school dances as the slow song. A great song with a lot of emotion put into it.
RATING: 5 stars

4. Slow Jam Duet with Monica
This is another ballad but is as good as the previous song. Monica and Usher do have great chemistry on the song, but I feel like there's something missing. The production is kind of bland. I also know that this is a cover song from years ago, so maybe that is why the lyrics seem slightly outdated. This still isn't a horrible song.
RATING: 3.5 stars

5. My Way
This was the 3rd and final single off the album. It's a real good song. Usher tells a guy that he is sleeping with his girl, yet she's the one who wanted to continue the fling more than him. Usher comes off as cocky on the song, yet still manages to be cool and likeable. He actually raps a verse. The rap doesn't ruin the record, yet Usher should stick to singing.
RATING: 5 stars

6. Come Back
This possibly could have been a single since it is a real good song. The song starts off with a piano making everyone think that we are headed to a ballad. However, things change and we get a very hard-hitting hip-hop beat with a quick rap verse from Jermaine Dupri. Usher starts begging for his girl to come back to him, because he didn't realize what he had until it was gone.
RATING: 5 stars

7. I Will
To me this is the worst song on the entire album. The lyrics are cheesey, and the song is just boring with no originality to it. I usually skip past this one.
RATING: 2 stars

8. Bedtime
A great slow jam to listen to. You can tell what the song is about by simply reading the title. The song is really calm and collective and could have also been released as a single. If you are ever alone with your girl, this is a song to put on.
RATING: 4.5 stars

9. One Day You'll Be Mine
This is my personal favorite on the album. It has a great melody and excellent lyrics. My only beef with it is that it has to be the shortest song on the album. Still, the song is upbeat with a great vibe that you can bop your head to.
RATING: 5 stars

10. You Make Me Wanna (Extended Version)
Just in case you wanted the original to last longer, this is the extended version. Personally to me it was a waste, and an actual 10th song should have been added to the CD. The beat and lyrics are the same as the first, but there are pauses between the chorus and the verses to make it longer.
RATING: 3.5 stars

Final Thoughts
My Way in my opinion is Usher's best work. While 8701 and Confessions are still enjoyable albums, this has the best production and lyrics out of any of them. You should pick this album up if you're a fan of contemporary R&B music, because this is one of the better R&B albums of the 90s.

Final Rating: 4.5 stars, which rounds to 5