Having sold over 100 million total records sold worldwide, including more than 23 million albums in the United States alone and over 65 million albums worldwide, Usher is one of the best selling music artists of all time. Usher has released eight studio albums, ten compilation albums, eight extended plays, and 79 singles (including 19 as a featured artist).
Few moments define Usher’s career quite like that night in September 2001, when he stood opposite Michael Jackson at a sold-out Madison Square Garden and shared a dance. Usher juked, Jackson followed suit, the two traded moves. “I love you!” Jackson said, pointing. “I love you!” Usher replied, pointing back. It turns out, Usher might be the closest thing we have to Jackson since Jackson himself—a singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and consummate performer whose appeal seems to transcend genre and demographics.
A pop star who’s hovered in the spotlight for three decades running, with little sign of slowing down.Born Usher Raymond IV in 1978, and raised in Chattanooga and Atlanta, Usher started his career at age 10, making the rounds and honing his craft on Atlanta-area talent shows. See him on Star Search, circa 1991, singing Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road,” wading through a sea of admirers (“I was a ham,” he joked later). That performance led almost instantaneously to a deal with LaFace Records, then home to TLC and Toni Braxton, with Usher releasing his self-titled debut album when he was just 15.
He went on to become one of the most bulletproof figures in pop, capable of straddling club music (2004’s “Yeah!”), ballads (2004’s “Confessions Part II”), boundary-pushing R&B (2012’s “Climax”), and the kind of borderless, big-tent anthems everyone seems to agree on (2008’s “Love in This Club”). His 2004 album, Confessions, reportedly inspired by his breakup with TLC star Chilli, went not just Platinum but Diamond; his 2010 single “OMG” made him only the fifth artist in history to have No. 1 singles in three consecutive decades—behind, among others, Michael Jackson. In late 2018, he celebrated his 40th birthday by releasing “A”, his ninth studio album. Additionally, Usher has also acted (in television, in movies, on Broadway), taken an ownership stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers, mentored a young Justin Bieber, and worked on both American Idol and The Voice, all while maintaining a steady presence in a variety of philanthropic causes. In 2011, he was given a Freedom Award by the National Civil Rights Museum. So, if you are a die heart fan of Usher Albums then check out here we have list of Usher albums in order of release so far.
All Usher Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Usher Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Usher (1994)
Usher’s self-titled debut album, “Usher,” was released in 1994 when he was just 15 years old. The album features a blend of R&B, new jack swing, and hip-hop influences, and established Usher as a rising star in the music industry.The album’s lead single, “Can U Get Wit It,” reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was followed by two more singles, “Think of You” and “The Many Ways,” which also charted on the Billboard R&B charts.
“Usher” was produced by a team of talented producers including Sean “Puffy” Combs, DeVante Swing, and Jermaine Dupri, and showcases Usher’s impressive vocal range and smooth delivery. While “Usher” may not be as well-known as some of his later albums, it served as a strong introduction to the young artist and set the stage for his future success in the music industry.
2. My Way (1997)
Usher’s second studio album “My Way” was released in 1997 and solidified his position as a rising R&B star. The album featured production by Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, and Manuel Seal, and showcased Usher’s smooth vocals and impressive dance skills. The lead single, “You Make Me Wanna…”, became a chart-topping hit and earned Usher his first Grammy nomination.
Other standout tracks on the album include “Nice & Slow” and “My Way,” which both reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “My Way” was also certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, making it one of Usher’s best-selling albums to date. Overall, “My Way” cemented Usher’s status as a major force in the R&B world and set the stage for even greater success in the years to come.
3. 8701 (2001)
Usher’s third studio album, 8701, was released in 2001 and marked a significant shift in his musical style. The album showcased Usher’s evolution from a teenage heartthrob to a mature and versatile R&B artist. 8701 featured several hit singles, including “U Remind Me,” “U Got It Bad,” and “U Don’t Have to Call,” all of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The album also featured collaborations with top producers and artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell Williams, and Janet Jackson. 8701 earned Usher several accolades, including two Grammy nominations, and has been recognized as one of the best R&B albums of the 2000s. 8701’s success helped solidify Usher’s status as one of the most influential R&B artists of his generation and demonstrated his ability to create chart-topping hits while staying true to his artistic vision.
4. Confessions (2004)
Usher’s Confessions, released in 2004, is widely considered one of the most successful R&B albums of all time. The album deals with themes of love, relationships, and infidelity, and is largely inspired by Usher’s personal life at the time.
Confessions features collaborations with top producers and artists, including Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, and Alicia Keys, and features hit singles such as “Yeah!”, “Burn”, and “Confessions Part II”. The album went on to win several awards, including three Grammy Awards, and was certified diamond by the RIAA, having sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
Usher’s Confessions not only solidified his status as one of the most talented R&B artists of his generation but also helped to redefine the genre by introducing new elements of pop and hip-hop into his music. Even today, nearly two decades after its release, the album remains a cultural touchstone and a testament to Usher’s enduring influence on modern music.
5. Here I Stand (2008)
Usher’s 2008 album “Here I Stand” marked a shift in the artist’s sound and style. Departing from the dance-pop sound of his previous album “Confessions,” “Here I Stand” featured more mature and introspective lyrics, as well as a greater emphasis on R&B and soul music.
The album’s lead single, “Love in This Club,” was a massive hit and showcased Usher’s ability to blend modern production with classic R&B melodies. Other standout tracks on the album include “Moving Mountains,” which features a soaring chorus and emotional vocals from Usher, and “Trading Places,” which explores themes of love and intimacy in a playful yet seductive way.
“Here I Stand” received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album solidified Usher’s status as one of the top R&B artists of his generation and remains a fan favorite to this day.
6. Raymond v Raymond (2010)
Usher’s sixth studio album, “Raymond v. Raymond,” released in 2010, was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. The album features a range of styles from pop to R&B and hip-hop, showcasing Usher’s versatility as an artist. The album’s title and concept were inspired by Usher’s personal life experiences, including his divorce from his wife and the custody battle over their children. As such, the lyrics explore themes of love, heartbreak, and family.
“Raymond v. Raymond” was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning Usher multiple award nominations. The album includes hit singles such as “OMG,” featuring will.i.am, and “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” featuring Plies. Overall, “Raymond v. Raymond” showcases Usher’s continued growth as an artist and solidified his status as one of the biggest names in R&B music.
7. Looking 4 Myself (2012)
Usher’s eighth studio album, “Looking 4 Myself,” was released in 2012 and marked a departure from his previous R&B sound. The album experimented with electronic dance music (EDM), pop, and hip-hop influences, resulting in a more contemporary and upbeat sound.
The album’s lead single, “Climax,” was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Usher’s vocal range and the album’s new EDM-inspired sound. Other notable tracks include “Scream,” “Numb,” and “Dive,” which all received significant airplay on radio and in clubs.
Despite the album’s commercial success, “Looking 4 Myself” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the album’s experimentation while others felt it lacked cohesion. Nevertheless, the album remains a notable milestone in Usher’s career, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to adapt to changing music trends.
8. Hard II Love (2016)
Usher’s 2016 album “Hard II Love” showcases the artist’s versatility and growth as a musician. The album features a blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music, with lyrics that delve into love, relationships, and personal struggles. Usher’s powerful vocals are on full display in tracks like “Crash” and “No Limit,” while more introspective songs like “Bump” and “Stronger” showcase his emotional depth.
“Hard II Love” also features collaborations with prominent artists like Future, Young Thug, and Nicki Minaj, adding a dynamic element to the album. The album received positive reviews from critics and debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart. Overall, “Hard II Love” is a strong addition to Usher’s discography, demonstrating his continued relevance in the R&B and pop music scenes.
How many Albums does Usher have?
Usher has released EIGHT studio albums, ONE Live albums, ONE Collaborative albums, TEN compilation albums, EIGHT extended plays, and EIGHTY singles (including 19 as a featured artist).
List of Usher Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Usher Album in Order of Release Date:
Studio albums:
1. Usher — August 30, 1994
2. My Way — September 16, 1997
3. 8701 — August 7, 2001
4. Confessions — March 23, 2004
5. Here I Stand — May 27, 2008
6. Raymond v. Raymond — March 30, 2010
7. Looking 4 Myself — June 11, 2012
8. Hard II Love — September 16, 2016
Collaborative albums:
1. A (with Zaytoven) — October 12, 2018
Compilation albums:
1. Usher — January 1, 2004
2. My Megamix — November 22, 2004
3. Rarities — November 24, 2004
4. Sex Appeal — May 30, 2005
5. And the Winner Is — June 13, 2005
6. Usher and Friends — July 5, 2005
7. Usher and Friends, Vol. 2 — July 5, 2005
8. My Way / 8701 — September 5, 2005
9. Usher and Friends, Vol. 1–2 — August 3, 2007
10. Essential Mixes — September 20, 2010
Live albums:
1. Live — March 23, 1999
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Usher has released a total of 8 studio albums in his career, each showcasing his growth and evolution as an artist. From his early R&B sound on his debut album “Usher” to his more electronic and dance-pop style on “Looking 4 Myself,” Usher has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and memorable performances. With his latest release “Hard II Love,” Usher continues to push his creative boundaries and cement his place as one of the most influential artists in modern music.
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