American singer, songwriter, and producer Usher is a global superstar with a huge presence in the R&B and pop world. From the early ’90s to the present day, he’s recorded and released dozens of fantastic tunes and albums. Usher has a slow, sensual, and overtly sexy signature style, and he’s built a massive fan base all over the world.
Let’s check out 30 of Usher’s top songs, listed here in no particular order.
U Got It Bad
This great track was released on Usher’s third studio album, 8701. It was produced by the man himself, who also wrote the track alongside Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox. “U Got It Bad” blends a slow-burning bass line with funky drums, delivered in typical Usher style. While the lyrics of this song are inspired by a true story, they also reference soul classics like Maxwell’s “Fortunate” and Prince’s “Adore.” This is one of Usher’s most famous songs.
Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris)
This track by Usher features rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris, who lend an edgy hip-hop vibe to Usher’s sexy grooves. “Yeah!” was the lead single on the singer’s fourth album, Confessions, which came out in 2004. This song was a massive commercial success for the singer, hitting the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for 12 weeks. It was the second longest-running single of the year and was only topped by Usher’s follow-up single, “Burn.”
Burn
This track was an absolute smash upon release, topping the 2004 Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart. Fans were already loving Usher after the release of “Yeah!” — “Burn” put them into overdrive. This is a downtempo track, even by Usher’s standards, with the singer lamenting about a personal relationship breakdown. This slow ballad from Confessions features typical R&B sounds, including synth strings, mellow guitars, and tight percussion loops. This is one of Usher’s most famous songs.
Confessions Part II
This controversial track was an insight into Usher’s life and relationships. Produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, it also came from the Confessions album. “Confessions Part II” is about a man confessing to his partner about impregnating his mistress. This was Usher’s third consecutive Billboard No. 1, making him one of the biggest stars in the world at the time. This song was a huge hit, and it’s one of Usher’s top songs.
My Boo (feat. Alicia Keys)
This song is a duet between Usher and Alicia Keys, once again from Confessions. Both artists were massive at the time, with “My Boo” becoming Usher’s seventh and Keys’ second Billboard No. 1. The two artists had already collaborated on an Alicia Keys track, “If I Ain’t Got You,” and this song cemented their professional relationship. “My Boo” was not included in the first track listing of Confessions, with the song added to an expanded version of the album alongside “Red Light” and “Sweet Lies.”
Climax
This song was released in 2012 on Usher’s seventh studio album, Looking 4 Myself. As the lead single from this release, it received widespread critical acclaim but limited commercial success. Despite the name, “Climax” is a quiet, slow jam that references the turning point of a relationship. It has major electronic influences, thanks to co-producer Diplo and his rippling synth chords. This is one of the best Usher songs of them all.
Nice & Slow
“Nice & Slow” comes from Usher’s second album, My Way, which was released in 1997. This was Usher’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it laid the groundwork for his early 2000’s success. The singer perfects the balance between ballad and beats on this number, with both soul and hip-hop influences coming through. As one of Usher’s top songs, “Nice & Slow” hits all the right notes. This is one of Usher’s most famous and memorable songs.
Seduction
Once again, Usher gets down and dirty on this sexy R&B song. “Seduction” is a mid-tempo number from Confessions, and it strikes the right notes. While it didn’t make the original cut for the album, “Seduction” was eventually included on a deluxe reissue. This track was written by Usher alongside Bobby Ross Avila and Iz Avila, who originally created the song with Janet Jackson in mind. Usher love songs don’t get any better than this.
Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj)
This fun track features the one and only Nicki Minaj, who doubles up with Usher for his sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond. This song is incredibly catchy, with the hook based on a sample of Stevie Wonder’s iconic track, “Living for the City.” With Minaj on board, “Lil Freak” presents a darker and more bottom-heavy version of Usher’s standard R&B sound. This is one of the best Usher songs of his career.
DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love (feat. Pitbull)
In a career stretching three decades and counting, Usher has been involved with many collaborations. On “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” he partners with Pitbull to great effect. This track also comes from Raymond v. Raymond, and it sees the artist experiment with electronic dance and Europop sounds. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” features a strong vocal delivery and memorable chorus, but it lacks originality compared to some of Usher’s biggest hits.
There Goes My Baby
This is one of the best Usher songs on Raymond v. Raymond, being released as the album’s second single in early 2010. It’s a down-tempo R&B number, and it makes full use of Usher’s incredible falsetto range. “There Goes My Baby” is a very slinky track, with Usher adding sexy neo-soul vibes to his standard R&B grooves. This track also had a memorable video, with a vague plot sprinkled with risque grinds and acrobatic moves.
Can U Handle It?
This track by Usher is one of his best, with the singer showing off his full falsetto range. Co-written by Robin Thicke, “Can U Handle It?” blends modern production with slick R&B and sexually charged lyrics. This song comes from the artist’s eighth studio album, Hard II Love, which was released in 2016. While Usher wasn’t at his commercial peak during this time, his singing still hits you where it hurts.
Papers
“Papers” was a massive single when released, creating a buzz in the lead-up to Raymond v. Raymond. While it was never identified as a track or single from the album, it was eventually included as the 10th track on it. “Papers” was a radio smash upon release, and it definitely got everyone excited. This song by Usher is about his marriage breakdown, making it one of his more heartfelt and personal songs.
Superstar
“Superstar” is a hit song about a fan’s love for their favorite celebrity. Usher’s definitely talking about himself here, with his mostly female fans loving his sexy lyrics and smooth delivery. The lyrics of this track are about being close to your favorite celebrity, attending their concerts, and even becoming a groupie. This song was included on the highly popular Confessions album, where it was preceded by a short one-minute interlude.
U Remind Me
This is one of the best Usher songs on 8701, which came out in 2001. It was written by Eddie Hustle and Anita McCloud, and it features Usher’s classic mid-tempo R&B swagger. Like most Usher songs, this number is about the complexities of lust and love. The narrator really likes a woman but decides not to enter a relationship because she looks too much like his ex-lover. This is one of Usher’s top songs.
Caught Up
“Caught Up” was produced by Dre & Vidal, with the singer asking for an up-tempo beat and “party record.” In this song, Usher adds a sense of urgency to his typical vocal delivery. “Caught Up” is a hip-grinding number that worked great in clubs and private house parties at the time. It also attracted positive reviews from critics, who loved the super-tight production and Southern marching band grooves. This is one of the best tracks on this Usher songs list.
Trading Places
From Usher’s fifth studio album, Here I Stand, comes the slow and sexy number “Trading Places.” This song was released in 2008 as the fifth and final single from the album. It’s a slow R&B ballad at heart, but it also has strong hip-hop influences. While “Trading Places” got a mixed critical reception, most people appreciated the central concept of role reversal within a relationship.
U Don’t Have to Call
According to rumors, Michael Jackson initially passed on this track. Written by Pharrell Williams and produced by The Neptunes, it eventually fell to Usher. Many years later, “U Don’t Have to Call” seems tailor-made for his sensual vibe. On this track, Usher’s sexy swagger blends perfectly with electronic pings, jazzy chimes, and deep kick drums. This is one of the best Usher love songs of all time.
You Make Me Wanna
“You Make Me Wanna” was released in 1997 when Usher was just 19. In a long career of smooth and sexy jams, this track is one of the slickest of them all. The lyrics see Usher embroiled in a rocky love triangle, which is a central theme in many of his biggest hits. Musically, “You Make Me Wanna” combines Usher’s signature R&B sounds with strong hip-hop influences. Songs by Usher don’t get better than this.
Throwback (feat. Jadakiss)
At the height of Usher’s fame in 2004, he released the track “Throwback.” This number was produced by hip-hop heavyweight Just Blaze, who added his signature bombastic beats to the singer’s sweet vocal tones. With Jadakiss on board, this song is a nod to commercial rap radio. In typical Usher style, the singer speaks directly to the girl, pleading his case to an ex-lover in an effort to bring the spark back.
Don’t Waste My Time (feat. Ella Mai)
This is a non-album track featuring British singer Ella Mai. Like always, Usher creates a fantastic connection with his female collaborator, matching her tone while lending a calm sexiness to her sassy delivery. This track was heavily inspired by The Jacksons’ soul hit “Show You the Way to Go,” with deep bass and lush strings coming together to great effect.
Love in This Club
This iconic track is 100% Usher, with its strong hook drawing you in whether you like it or not. This song came after a four-year hiatus as the lead single from Usher’s fifth studio album, Here I Stand. It was the perfect “welcome back” moment for the singer, and it was a huge commercial success. “Love in This Club” features rapper Young Jeezy, who wrote the song along with Polow da Don, Darnell Dalton, Ryon Lovett, Lamar Taylor, Keith Thomas, and Usher himself.
I Don’t Mind (feat. Juicy J)
“I Don’t Mind” sees Usher working with rapper Juicy J. This song came fairly late in the singer’s career, from his eighth studio album, Hard II Love. While this track wasn’t the singer’s biggest hit, it was responsible for an interesting — and rather mind-blowing — statistic. “I Don’t Mind” was Usher’s 13th No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, which is equal with both Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye.
Scream
This is one of the best Usher songs from his seventh studio album, Looking 4 Myself. It was released in 2012, and the singer was trying to create a new “revolutionary pop” sound after his massive fame in the early noughties. As a song, “Scream” combines elements of synth pop and dance with Usher’s typical R&B grooves. With synth leads, bass lines, and the singer’s usual sexual lyrics, Usher enters new yet familiar territory.
Good Kisser
“Good Kisser” was intended for inclusion on Usher’s studio album Flawed. This album never came into being, however, with the singer not releasing anything between 2012’s Looking 4 Myself and 2016’s Hard II Love. This song was eventually included in the Japanese version of Hard II Love, only getting global release as a single. “Good Kisser” is uptempo but stripped-back, featuring soul and funk vibes with a little salsa thrown in for good measure.
Lemme See (feat. Rick Ross)
Over 4 minutes and 15 seconds, Usher blends synths and hip-hop beats with his typical vocal crooning. Featuring rapper Rick Ross, “Lemme See” comes from the artist’s seventh studio album, Looking 4 Myself. While the lyrics on the song are a little cringey, even by Usher’s standards, it still works in the bedroom and on the dance floor.
Missin U
From 2016’s Hard II Love album comes the mid-tempo number “Missin U.” While this wasn’t the most popular time of Usher’s career, he was still working hard in the studio and on the stage. This track is rather varied musically, with lurching trap verses mixing it up with a shuffling jazz chorus. Despite this mild aural confusion, however, “Missin U” somehow manages to work.
Bad Girl
Like many hit songs on this list, “Bad Girl” comes from Usher’s ultimate long-player, Confessions. On this track, Usher speaks about the intoxicating presence of a woman who knows she’s all that. It’s about confidence and sex appeal, with Usher once again speaking directly to his female base. Girls and women contributed heavily to the success of Usher’s career, and this song helps to celebrate them.
That’s What It’s Made For
As you might expect with Usher, this song is about exactly what you think. Most of the lyrics are too dirty to mention, and the singer himself seems almost flustered with his delivery. The steamy lyrics of “That’s What It’s Made For” are balanced with sweet instrumentation, however, from angelic flutes to clean guitar lines and horny bursts. This song is just like Usher himself — both tender and raunchy.
No Limit (feat. Young Thug)
Featuring the one and only Young Thug, this track sees Usher enter deeper and danker musical territory. “No Limit” comes from 2016’s Hard II Love long-player, and it’s one of the album’s standout cuts. This is a club stomper celebrating the Atlanta sound of the 2010s, with Usher softening the blows with high vocal inflections.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Usher has enjoyed a long and successful career with nine fantastic albums and dozens of hit singles. If you like slow and sexy R&B sounds delivered with intimacy, Usher is the perfect man for the job. Whether it’s in the bedroom or on the dance floor, these songs by Usher are a great way to get down.
