What does 8701 sound like?

A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and pop, underscored by infectious hooks and emotional vulnerability. Rooted in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Start with "U Remind Me".

Is 8701 a good place to start with Usher?

Yes, 8701 is recommended as a starting point for new Usher listeners. A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and pop, underscored by infectious hooks and emotional vulnerability. In 2001, Usher was transitioning from his early career success into mainstream stardom with the release of his third album, 8701. Following the commercial breakthrough of his previous album, My Way, this record solidified his status as a leading figure in R&B. Released just after Usher's notable singles began to dominate radio, 8701 marked a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution.

8701 works well if you're into smooth emotional listening experience, introspective late-night vibes and steady rhythmic engagement.

How many songs are on 8701?

8701 has 17 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

8701

Usher · 2001

65 min · 17 tracks · contemporary R&B

A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and pop, underscored by infectious hooks and emotional vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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U Remind Me Start here — This track showcases Usher's ability to blend catchy melodies with relatable lyrics about longing and nostalgia, becoming one of his breakout hits.
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U Got It Bad — Demonstrating emotional depth, this ballad highlights Usher's vocal range and lyrical prowess while addressing themes of love and heartbreak.
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Can U Help Me — Featuring a more introspective tone, this song illustrates Usher's vulnerability and showcases the album's rich production quality.
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I Don't Know — This track combines rhythmic precision with an engaging chorus, encapsulating the spirit of uncertainty in relationships prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and emotional depth, with a mix of tempos and cohesive themes across its tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of mid-tempo tracks that maintain a consistent groove.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional delivery.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth emotional listening experience
introspective late-night vibes
steady rhythmic engagement
dynamic vocal performances
long immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Usher's mainstream success after My Way.
Themes: relationship uncertainty· nostalgic longing
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: In 2001, Usher was transitioning from his early career success into mainstream stardom with the release of his third album, 8701. Following the commercial breakthrough of his previous album, My Way, this record solidified his status as a leading figure in R&B. Released just after Usher's notable singles began to dominate radio, 8701 marked a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Chris Brown· Trey Songz· Ne-Yo