At the end of 2003, it was not farfetched to call Usher Raymond the Michael Jackson of music, even though Michael was still considered the King of Pop but in the early stages of a life-altering and career threatening criminal investigation. By the end of that year “Confessions” was breaking some of the same records that “Thriller” did 20 years earlier.
The album was an instant commercial success in the United States, selling 1.1 million copies in its first week. It became the highest-ever first week sales by an R&B artist, the second-highest first week sales for a male artist, and the seventh-highest first week sales of the recorded album charts history by SoundScan. Its continued success was bolstered by its four chart-topping singles. Usher went on to follow the gloved one’s blueprint with the “Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller” by releasing his own “Rhythm City Vol. 1” DVD that revealed rare videos, new choreography, and a short film that showed Usher’s escape from the bad guys as he attempts to lure a “Bad Girl.”
With all the success that “Confessions” achieved, the difference between Usher reaching Michael Jackson status or at least fueling the debate was the lack of a monster follow-up album. What Usher may not realize now is that he actually had the elements already within his disposal but chose to reject them and start over. His idea of starting over led to a decent album in “Here I Stand” but nothing close to the magic that he let go of. If you play “Bad Girl,” “Caught Up” or even “Throwback” in a club right now, people will literally lose their minds. It’s the same feeling that is inspired when a DJ puts on Michael’s “PYT” or “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” Usher had that magnetic music and out of the many songs that he recorded during the making of his album, here are the top 5 songs that never made the cut.
5. Usher featuring Nelly – “My Boo”
Before this become a smash single with Alicia Keys, Nelly and Usher decided to collaborate on this track After first listen it had immediate hit potential and seemed like a sure thing for “Confessions.” But during negotiations both record labels were unable to agree on the proper timing of how the song could be used to benefit both artists. The track was shelved and never made the album. Once his “Confessions” album took off, J Records had no problem with allowing Alicia Keys to rock with Usher on the track that would be the lead single on the rerelease of “Confessions.” Universal has to be kicking themselves about what could have been another smash for Nelly that may have surpassed the success of his “Dilemma” record with Kelly Rowland.
4. Usher – “Wifey”
Ever since they worked together on “U Don’t Have to Call,” Usher and Pharrell have displayed great chemistry but they have rarely released singles and this is no exception. With Pharrell on background vocals, this tag team track is exceptional. When Usher asks, “Wifey where are you?” he sounds sincere. Pharrell knows how to make melodic music seem hard and impactul. This also didn’t make “Confessions” but later resurfaced on mixtapes with Pharrell taking more of a vocal role on the song.
3. Usher – “Don’t Take It Personal”
There Pharrell goes again. When it comes to Usher, he loves to play the role of Quincy Jones to his Michael. Usher sings his ass off on this song and if you close your eyes you see Michael in the shiny outfit from the “Rock With You” video kicking up his left leg. The infectious hook gets better each time Usher repeats it. Maybe this song was too “Off The Wall” to be considered for the album but if that was the case Pharrell should have put it on his “In My Mind” debut to show Usher what he missed out on.
2. Usher – “Sweet Lies”
Sorry to harp on about this but it’s Pharrell again and it’s another unexpected hit. This song was actually on the UK release of Usher’s “Yeah” single but should have been on the domestic release so fans could hear Usher’s vocal range over an out of this world instrumental.
1. Usher – “Ride”
In 2003, 50 Cent was on fire and this was considered a must-have collaboration for what was supposed to be Usher’s lead single from “Confessions.” But 50’s management didn’t think this uptempo party anthem with a wicked James Brown sample would match his G-Unit aggression. Once 50 bailed on the track so did Usher and then it was open season for anyone who wanted heat from Rich Harrison, the man who produced “Crazy in Love” for Beyonce. Jennifer Lopez turned “Ride” into “Get Right” featuring Fabolous. After J.Lo released the song and video, radio DJ’s decided to play Usher’s version as part of an extended mix. The single peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. You know Usher wants this one back!