11 Underrated Usher Songs: Usher’s Secrets

Hey there, music enthusiasts and fellow DJs! It’s TBone here, the heart and soul behind Level Tunes.

Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s close to my heart – the underrated gems of Usher.

Why Usher, you ask?

Well, we all know him for his chart-toppers, but there’s so much more to his discography.

As a DJ and a lifelong music fan, I’ve always believed in exploring beyond the hits. Usher’s lesser-known tracks are like hidden treasures, each holding its unique vibe and story.

So, I’ve curated a list of 11 underrated Usher songs that deserve more spotlight. Whether you’re mixing tracks or just looking for some fresh tunes, these picks will surely add some extra flavor to your playlist. Let’s dive into the world of Usher’s underrated masterpieces!

Here are the underrated Usher songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Usher

Underrated Usher songs in a list format:

1. “Show Me” from “Looking 4 Myself” (2012, RCA Records)

“Show Me,” a track from Usher’s 2012 album “Looking 4 Myself,” released under RCA Records, is a vibrant blend of dance-pop and R&B. This song is a hidden jewel that showcases Usher’s versatility, combining catchy beats with his smooth vocals. What makes “Show Me” stand out is its energetic rhythm, perfect for any dance floor. I picked this track for its ability to uplift the mood instantly. It’s a testament to Usher’s ability to create music that’s not just for the charts but for the soul of dance music enthusiasts.

2. “Twisted” feat. Pharrell from “Looking 4 Myself” (2012, RCA Records)

In “Twisted,” from the same album, Usher collaborates with Pharrell, bringing a funky, retro vibe to the table. Released in 2012 by RCA Records, this song is a delightful throwback to classic R&B with a modern twist. Pharrell’s touch is evident in the groovy beat and playful lyrics. This song is a personal favorite because it reminds us of Usher’s roots in R&B, showcasing his ability to blend old-school styles with contemporary sounds seamlessly.

3. “Say the Words” from “Versus” (2010, LaFace Records)

“Say the Words,” a track from Usher’s 2010 album “Versus,” under LaFace Records, is a soulful and heartfelt ballad. This song displays Usher’s emotional range, with lyrics that speak of love and longing. The reason for choosing this song is its raw emotional power and its departure from Usher’s typical dance tracks. It’s a reminder of his versatility as an artist and his ability to convey deep emotions through music.

4. “Dive” from “Looking 4 Myself” (2012, RCA Records)

“Dive,” another gem from “Looking 4 Myself,” is a beautifully crafted R&B ballad. Released in 2012 by RCA Records, this song stands out for its lyrical depth and Usher’s soul-stirring vocal performance. The track features a mix of smooth melodies and poignant lyrics, making it a perfect slow jam. I chose “Dive” because it showcases Usher’s talent for creating emotionally resonant music that connects with listeners on a deeper level.

5. “What’s a Man to Do” from “Here I Stand” (2008, LaFace Records)

From his 2008 album “Here I Stand,” released under LaFace Records, “What’s a Man to Do” is a reflective and introspective track. This song delves into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of love. Its honest lyrics and Usher’s heartfelt delivery make it a standout track. I included this song for its narrative strength and its ability to evoke empathy, showcasing Usher’s skill as a storyteller through music.

6. “Lessons for the Lover” from “Looking 4 Myself” (2012, RCA Records)

“Lessons for the Lover,” from “Looking 4 Myself,” is a smooth, sultry track that blends R&B with a touch of soul. Released in 2012 by RCA Records, this song captivates with its sensual beats and Usher’s seductive vocals. It’s a deep dive into the complexities of love and relationships. The reason behind picking this track is its lush production and the way it highlights Usher’s ability to create an intimate musical experience.

7. “Lifetime” from “Here I Stand” (2008, LaFace Records)

“Lifetime,” from the 2008 album “Here I Stand,” under LaFace Records, is a beautifully composed song that speaks of enduring love. This track stands out for its poetic lyrics and Usher’s passionate vocal delivery. The song’s heartfelt message and its soulful melody make it a unique addition to Usher’s repertoire. I chose “Lifetime” for its timeless quality and its portrayal of love’s enduring nature.

8. “Mars vs. Venus” from “Raymond v. Raymond” (2010, LaFace Records)

“Mars vs. Venus,” a track from Usher’s 2010 album “Raymond v. Raymond,” released under LaFace Records, is an innovative blend of R&B and pop. This song stands out for its metaphorical lyrics, comparing the complexities of a relationship to the cosmic differences between Mars and Venus. The choice of this song is based on its creative lyricism and Usher’s ability to turn a common theme into something extraordinary.

9. “Pro Lover” from “Raymond v. Raymond” (2010, LaFace Records)

“Pro Lover,” from “Raymond v. Raymond,” is an underrated track that combines elements of R&B, soul, and a bit of funk. Released in 2010 by LaFace Records, the song features Usher

10. “Foolin’ Around” from “Raymond v. Raymond” (2010, LaFace Records)

“Foolin’ Around,” another standout track from “Raymond v. Raymond,” released in 2010 by LaFace Records, is a deep and introspective song. This track delves into themes of regret and reflection, showcasing Usher’s ability to capture the complexities of personal relationships. The song’s soulful melody combined with Usher’s expressive vocals creates a powerful emotional narrative. I chose “Foolin’ Around” for its honest lyrics and its demonstration of Usher’s depth as an artist, revealing a more vulnerable side of him.

11. “Sins of My Father” from “Looking 4 Myself” (2012, RCA Records)

“Sins of My Father,” from the album “Looking 4 Myself,” is a profoundly emotional track that explores themes of legacy and personal growth. Released in 2012 under RCA Records, this song stands out for its storytelling and the depth of its lyrics. Usher’s vocal performance is both powerful and poignant, perfectly capturing the song’s introspective nature. The choice of “Sins of My Father” is due to its narrative strength and the way it showcases Usher’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeper, more personal level.

Fun Facts: Underrated Usher

“Show Me” from “Looking 4 Myself”

• Dance Inspiration: “Show Me” was notably inspired by Usher’s visit to Ibiza, where he immersed himself in the island’s legendary electronic dance music scene. This influence is evident in the track’s energetic beats and dancefloor-ready vibe.

“Twisted” feat. Pharrell from “Looking 4 Myself”

• Pharrell’s Magic Touch: The collaboration with Pharrell brought a unique blend of funk and R&B to “Twisted”. Pharrell, known for his Midas touch in music production, added a retro-funk flavor that sets this track apart.
• Nostalgic Elements: The song’s style harks back to the 60s and 70s funk era, making it a delightful blend of past and present musical trends.

“Dive” from “Looking 4 Myself”

• Music Video Artistry: The music video for “Dive” is notable for its cinematic quality and metaphorical imagery, representing the song’s themes of risk and vulnerability in love.
• Vocal Prowess: “Dive” showcases Usher’s vocal range, particularly his ability to deliver powerful high notes with emotional depth.

“What’s a Man to Do” from “Here I Stand”

• Lyrical Depth: This track stands out for its introspective lyrics, where Usher delves into the complexities of a failing relationship, a theme that resonates with many of his listeners.

“Lessons for the Lover” from “Looking 4 Myself”

• Sensual Storytelling: This song is known for its storytelling through sensuality, a testament to Usher’s ability to weave narrative through music.

“Lifetime” from “Here I Stand”

• Romantic Balladry: “Lifetime” is often praised for its romantic lyrics and melody, making it a favorite for couples and at weddings.

“Mars vs. Venus” from “Raymond v. Raymond”

• Cosmic Metaphors: The use of planetary metaphors to describe a relationship gives this song a creative edge, showcasing Usher’s ability to experiment with different themes in his music.

“Pro Lover” from “Raymond v. Raymond”

• Funky Vibes: The track stands out for its infusion of funk, a style not frequently explored in Usher’s other works, showing his versatility as an artist.

“Foolin’ Around” from “Raymond v. Raymond”

• Emotional Honesty: This song is known for its emotional honesty, where Usher reflects on personal mistakes, offering a more vulnerable side of himself to his audience.

“Sins of My Father” from “Looking 4 Myself”

• Deep Personal Reflection: “Sins of My Father” is recognized for its introspective lyrics, where Usher contemplates the impact of his actions on future generations, a theme that adds depth to his usual repertoire.

Thanks for reading.

TBone