The Top 10 Best Usher Songs: Essential R&B Hits and Timeless Ballads
Few artists in the history of R&B have delivered as many timeless hits and maintained such dominance over multiple decades as Usher Raymond IV. The Grammy-winning superstar’s extensive and influential catalog, spanning from his classic 1997 album My Way to the career-defining phenomenon Confessions, has solidified his legacy as a true music icon and, arguably, the undisputed King of R&B.
Usher didn’t just sing songs; he soundtracked an entire generation. His work expertly bridged the gap between traditional soulful R&B, modern Hip-Hop, and global Pop, a versatility few contemporaries could match. Beyond his vocal talent, Usher’s status as a peerless dancer and captivating performer amplified his music’s impact, turning singles into cultural moments.
Attempting to select only the Top 10 Best Usher Songs is a challenging, near-impossible task, given his over two dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles. However, this definitive list highlights the biggest No. 1 hits, essential slow jams, and trend-setting anthems that not only defined his career but also profoundly shaped the sound of R&B for the 21st century.
You can also check out our recent interview with Usher.
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Usher’s career trajectory is a study in sustained excellence. After his self-titled 1994 debut was largely overlooked, he teamed up with super-producer Jermaine Dupri (JD) for the 1997 album My Way. This partnership defined his early sound, positioning him as the next generation’s R&B idol who could transition seamlessly from seductive slow jams to high-energy dance tracks.
The new millennium saw him release 8701 (2001), which introduced collaborations with The Neptunes and solidified his adult R&B appeal. But it was 2004’s Confessions—an album built around themes of infidelity, guilt, and emotional turmoil—that cemented his icon status. Confessions sold over 20 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling R&B albums of all time and demonstrating Usher’s powerful ability to connect deeply with his audience through raw, narrative-driven music.
This list traces that evolution, showcasing the musical diversity that has kept him at the forefront of the culture.
Here are the songs that define the incredible career of Usher, presented in chronological order:
You Make Me Wanna… (from the “My Way” album)
Context: This was the crucial single that broke Usher into the mainstream and validated the Jermaine Dupri partnership. It became his first No. 1 hit on the R&B charts and established the template for the new, sophisticated, yet youthful R&B sound of the late 90s.
Significance: The song’s confessional lyrical theme—falling for someone while already in a relationship—introduced the complexity that would later define his career. Its smooth yet syncopated beat remains instantly recognizable.
Nice & Slow (from the “My Way” album)
Impact: Following his breakthrough, this track became the second consecutive No. 1 single from his sophomore album. “Nice & Slow” is a definitive timeless slow jam, demonstrating Usher’s ability to deliver a mature, seductive vocal performance that appealed to a rapidly growing adult audience.
Vocal Masterpiece: The song is a benchmark for R&B seduction records, often cited for its lush production and Usher’s seamless transitions between falsetto and chest voice.
U Remind Me (from the “8701” album)
Context: This song launched the 8701 era with yet another No. 1 single, marking Usher’s successful return after a three-year hiatus. The track’s production, featuring a slightly harder edge than his earlier work, signaled his maturity.
Theme: Lyrically, it deals with the complicated dynamic of being attracted to someone new because they remind him of an ex. This mature, realistic theme resonated strongly with post-millennial R&B listeners.
U Got It Bad (from the “8701” album)
Teamwork: The ultimate execution of the Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox partnership, this emotional No. 1 hit is an enduring classic. The song is a powerful exploration of falling deeply in love and the emotional turmoil it causes.
Fan Connection: The raw vulnerability expressed in the track, particularly the high-pitched vocal runs and passionate delivery, endeared him further to R&B fans, proving his ability to convincingly convey heartbreak.
U Don’t Have to Call (from the “8701” album)
The Neptunes Influence: Produced by the iconic The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), this track showcases a different side of Usher—more minimal and rhythmic. It became a powerful, relatable liberation anthem following his high-profile breakup.
Rhythm: The song is driven by its unique, sparse, and syncopated beat, an essential entry in the catalog of both Usher and The Neptunes, and a true testament to the versatility of the early 2000s R&B sound.
Yeah! (from the “Confessions” album)
Cultural Phenomenon: Though it may divide R&B purists, the impact of this Lil’ Jon-assisted track is undeniable. It was a massive global smash that dominated charts and airwaves, effectively ushering in the Crunk R&B sound.
Trend Setter: The song set a global trend, blending Hip-Hop’s crunk beats with Pop’s accessibility. It proved Usher could deliver high-octane dance hits while retaining his R&B identity, solidifying Confessions’ massive sales.
Burn (from the “Confessions” album)
Ballad Perfection: This is the quintessential heartbreak ballad of the Confessions era. Perfecting the successful slow jam formula with Dupri and Cox, “Burn” is an absolute masterpiece of emotional clarity and pain.
Lyrical Depth: The lyrics address the difficult process of letting a dying love fade, with Usher’s vocals conveying deep resignation and anguish. It’s a timeless R&B slow jam that showcases the emotional intelligence of his music.
There Goes My Baby (from the “Raymond v. Raymond” album)
Maturity: This track, a collaboration with producer/writer Rico Love, marked a point of vocal and thematic maturity in his career. It’s a beautifully smooth, mid-tempo groove that instantly became a favorite for its laid-back confidence.
Vocal Tone: The song emphasizes Usher’s warm, controlled vocal tone, proving he could sustain his success without relying solely on high-energy production.
Climax (from the “Looking 4 Myself” album)
Critical Acclaim: Produced by Diplo, this track was a surprising return to serious R&B relevance during a period when his music was leaning Pop. It’s a sophisticated, synth-driven ballad that became another No. 1 R&B single.
Innovation: “Climax” showcased Usher’s willingness to experiment, blending electronic production with pure, soaring soul vocals, creating one of the most sonically interesting R&B tracks of the decade.
Good Kisser (non album single)
Trend Setter Continued: This single instantly became a huge hit, boasting a sound entirely distinct from contemporary R&B, incorporating elements of funk and traditional soul. It solidified Usher’s role as an artist who can not only follow trends but also create them.
Performance: The song’s high-energy choreography in the video and its unique instrumentation made it a favorite, underscoring Usher’s enduring ability to deliver music that is fresh and captivating.
The scope of Usher’s career is too broad to limit. These honorable mentions are also absolutely essential listening for any true R&B aficionado:
-Think of You (from the “Usher” album)
-Bedtime (from the “Usher” album)
-My Way (from the “My Way” album)
-Can You Help Me (from the “8701” album)
-Throwback (from the “Confessions” album)
-Confessions Part II (from the “Confessions” album)
-Caught Up (from the “Confessions” album)
-My Boo (featuring Alicia Keys) (from the “Confessions” album)
-Superstar (from the “Confessions” album)
-Here I Stand (from the “Here I Stand” album)
-Something Special (from the “Here I Stand” album)
-Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home) (from the “Raymond V. Raymond album)
-Missin U (from the “Hard II Love” album)
-Peace Sign (from the “A” EP)
-Don’t Waste My Time (featuring Ella Mai) (from the “Confessions 2” album)
-Bad Habits (from the “Confessions 2” album)
-Good Good (featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage) (from the “Coming Home” album)
-One of Them Ones (from the “Coming Home” album)
Usher’s lasting success is a reflection of his dedication to his craft. His music captures the universal language of love, heartbreak, and resilience, securing his title as a true R&B icon whose legacy will endure for generations.
Which of these essential Usher R&B singles defines his career for you, or is there an unlisted track that you think is his most influential masterpiece?
