USHER – CLIMAX
I’ve noted before that modern male R&B is a genre I have difficulty relating to. The cheeseball factor often triggers my gag reflexes. But if done right it can actually be very enjoyable. My music collection contains a few male R&B gems that get airplay, like Glenn Lewis’s Don’t You Forget It, The Weeknd’s House of Balloons, and Usher’s U Don’t Have to Call. It is when they get out of that “sex you right” mode and return back to earth that their genre can become the perfect vehicle to express hardships without sounding Emo. Take for instance Diplo’s collaboration with Mr. Raymond, Climax, which describes a relationship that is going nowhere, forcing both parties to decide whether to continue or not. It feels genuine, relatable, and mature Although Diplo is know for his Jamaican inspired direct beats, he intelligently goes for subtlety with this track. Usher follows suit and restrains his voice for the verses, creating a very calm and cool atmosphere. Yes, it is still the kind of song you can light candles and get freaky to, but I also don’t have to be embarrassed playing it in my car.
