My Way

My Way
Released: September, 16, 1997
Record Label: La Face
Peak Position: The Billboard 200 #4 on January 24, 1998

Review:
Usher proved that he had a strong, soulful voice with his self-titled debut, but he fulfilled his potential on his second record, My Way. What makes Usher distinctive from his urban loverman peers is the fact that he doesn’t oversing; he simply delivers his songs soulfully. Unfortunately, he falls prey to uneven material, just like any of his peers, but there are more strong songs on My Way than many contemporary R&B albums from the late ’80s. Both Jermaine Dupri and Babyface contribute seamless productions and fine songs; respectively, “You Make Me Wanna.” and “Bedtime” are their best ballad contributions. Even if the ballads are usually seductive and romantic, cuts like the funky “Just Like Me,” which features a cameo from Lil’ Kim, might make you wish Usher didn’t play it cool all of the time. And while it’s refreshing to hear a hip-hop/urban R&B album clock in at a reasonable running time, it would have been nice if the tenth track was something other than a remix of “You Make Me Wanna…” Nevertheless, it’s a strong second effort that showcases Usher at his best. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Tracklist:
1. You Make Me Wanna
(Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Raymond, Usher)
2. Just Like Me
(Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Lil Kim)
3. Nice & Slow
(Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Raymond, Usher/Casey, Brian)
4. Slow Jam
(Babyface /Lipscomb, Belinda/Watson, Bo/Johnson, Sid)
5. My Way
(Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Raymond, Usher)
6. Come Back
(Cocker, Joe/Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Stainton, Chris/Raymond, Usher)
7. I Will
(Cocker, Joe/Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Stainton, Chris/Raymond, Usher)
8. Bedtime
(Babyface)
9. One Day You’ll Be Mine
(Isley Brothers/Jasper, Chris/Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Raymond, Usher)
10. You Make Me Wanna… [Extended Mix]
(Dupri, Jermaine/Seal, Manuel Jr./Raymond, Usher)