Is A (Usher and Zaytoven album) a good place to start with Usher?

Yes, A (Usher and Zaytoven album) is recommended as a starting point for new Usher listeners. A fusion of contemporary R&B and trap beats, blending Usher's smooth vocals with Zaytoven's innovative production. Released in January 2018, A marked a collaborative effort between Usher and producer Zaytoven following Usher's previous album Hard II Love from 2016. This album was significant as it showcased Usher’s adaptability to the evolving sound of hip-hop while maintaining his R&B roots, highlighting a period where he sought to reconnect with younger audiences.

Who is A (Usher and Zaytoven album) for?

A (Usher and Zaytoven album) works well if you're into laid-back vibes for relaxation, steady flow for easy listening and for casual gatherings.

How many songs are on A (Usher and Zaytoven album)?

A (Usher and Zaytoven album) has 8 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

A (Usher and Zaytoven album)

Usher · 2018

27 min · 8 tracks · contemporary R&B

A fusion of contemporary R&B and trap beats, blending Usher's smooth vocals with Zaytoven's innovative production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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ATA — This track stands out for its catchy hook and rhythmic flow, encapsulating the album's playful energy while showcasing Usher's vocal dexterity against Zaytoven's crisp production.
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Stay at Home Start here — Opening the album, this track combines relatable lyrics with an infectious beat, setting the tone for the project's exploration of love and relationships amidst urban life.
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Say What U Want — With its confident lyrics and engaging beat, this track exemplifies the collaboration's strength, blending Usher's signature style with contemporary hip-hop influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Usher's adaptability but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a laid-back tone, followed by a shift to more upbeat songs in the middle.
Several tracks utilize minimalist production techniques, allowing Usher's vocals to take center stage without overwhelming instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

laid-back vibes for relaxation
steady flow for easy listening
for casual gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy intensity
prefer longer, expansive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a fusion of R&B and trap, differing from Usher's established sound.
Themes: infectious nightlife· trap-infused love
Moods: Chill· Uplifting
Career context: Released in January 2018, A marked a collaborative effort between Usher and producer Zaytoven following Usher's previous album Hard II Love from 2016. This album was significant as it showcased Usher’s adaptability to the evolving sound of hip-hop while maintaining his R&B roots, highlighting a period where he sought to reconnect with younger audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Chris Brown· Trey Songz· Ne-Yo