A first glance at the title of Usher’s latest track suggests we’re in for some kind of innuendo-laden, R Kelly-esque slow jam. But while this will undoubtedly provide the soundtrack for a limitless number of booty calls, it’s a very different beast (with two backs) to something like ‘Bump’n’Grind’.
Much of this is down to the production, provided by dance mega-star Diplo. It’s a minimalist confection of spectral, skittering beats, punctuated by unexpected, acid-influenced splodges. There’s so much going on at a purely sonic level, it would probably work almost as well as an instrumental track. Credit to Usher then, that his contribution elevates things even further. He gives an impressively restrained performance, his tentative falsetto gradually giving way to an appropriately climactic crescendo where he finally cuts loose.
Lyrically, the track provides a dissection of a relationship at breaking point: “We’ve reached the climax/ We’re together/ Now we’re undone/ Won’t commit so we choose to run away/ Do we separate?” Sure, this is a love song, but it’s one coming at the subject from a slightly different angle.
Climax bodes well for Usher’s forthcoming, as-yet-untitled album, due out sometime in the spring, which sees further collaborations with Diplo, alongside Ariel Rechtshaid and Redd Stylez.
‘Dirty Dancer’ is the latest single from platinum selling artist Enrique Iglesias, and sees the Latin singer collaborate with two giants in the world of Urban music, Usher and Lil’ Wayne.
The video is hot – with Enrique spending much of his time being entertained by a bevy of stripping beauties – and as of today you can uncover exclusive behind-the-scenes video footage only when you Shazam the track!
All you need to do is… 1. Shazam ‘Dirty Dancer’ by Enrique Iglesias with Usher & Lil’ Wayne 2. Click on the banner at the top of the tag result, to reveal the ‘Behind The Scenes’ and Official Music Video links.
The track sets its sights on the dance floor with a crescendo of building synths and a stomping electro beat courtesy of producer RedOne (Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez). Check the video out and tell us what you think!
Usher Raymond IV has certainly been a busy boy of late. Only four months after dropping his last album, ‘Raymond v Raymond’, Usher is ready to unveil another full length album – an act that’s sure to place him as one of the best selling artists of 2010.
Usher’s been riding a huge wave of success in the past 12 months. A switch to a more dance orientated style saw his single ‘O.M.G.’ became his first number one in two years while subsequent singles have also charted highly around the world. His latest effort looks to continue that trend. Partnering with hip-hop main man Jay-Z, Usher’s latest track maintains the R&B star’s flirtations with electronic music but gives the record a more traditional urban feel than some of his recent work. Jay-Z’s verse, as you would expect, is a real stand out moment and maintains the Midas touch the New York rapper has maintained over the last decade.
‘Versus’ will be released on August 24th in the US.
