Worthy #1 hit

Though some loyalists have criticized Usher for stepping away from his soulful R&B ways and embracing popish EDM, Mr. Raymond would like to remind his fans he can still do it all.

Usher’s seventh studio album comes with a whole lot of new sounds on top of everything that made him who he is. “Looking 4 Myself” is a hefty 18 tracks, each with its own flavor. While each song is enjoyable in one way or another, the album does fail to blend its genres cohesively.

The LP sees strengths in Usher’s brazen hits but reaffirms its mastery through songs like the Neptunes-produced “Twisted” and the Empire of the Sun-assisted title track.

Every electro-inspired Diplo or Swedish House Mafia production finds a counterpart that feels like nothing but the Usher of “Confessions” and “Here I Stand.”

Accept it: Usher has always pushed the envelope, but he’s always provided something addicting and lovable. He labeled this album as an “evolution” of his music and himself. Let’s hope he keeps looking and keeps finding.

By Patrick Guilfoyle