Usher, Boyfriend | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning R&B superstar Usher returns with his third single of 2023, the incredibly entertaining, fun, and seemingly shady “Boyfriend.”

“Somebody said that your boyfriend’s lookin’ for me / Oh, that’s cool, that’s cool.” Hmm, really 🎙 Usher, is that cool? 🎵 “Boyfriend” marks the third single in 2023 by the 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B artist, following 🎵 “GLU” and 🎵 “Good Good”.  “Boyfriend” draws more attention than the previous singles thanks to the appearance of 🎭 Keke Palmer in the music video, following the shaming incident with her boyfriend, Darius Jackson. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but besides the video, the lyrics from the chorus (excerpted above ⬆️ and below ⬇️) only add fuel to the fire – surefire shadiness! But, let’s focus on the song itself…

“Well, he should know I’m pretty easy to find / Just look for me wherever he sees you.” Holy shiitake mushrooms 🍄! “Boyfriend” features slick production work courtesy of a star-studded team: 🎛 James “JLack” Lackey, Rico Love, DJ Camper, Believve, Tricky Stewart, and Laney Stewart. The record has a fun, playful aesthetic. The keys, synths, and the stuttering drums / incredibly rhythmic groove are all selling points.  Furthermore, “Boyfriend” embraces more modern R&B – another win for Usher.

“Daydreamin’ about me, oh

Tryin’ to be on your best behavior

Lovin’ me on the low

The taste of your thoughts I can’t wait until it’s over (Oh, oh).”

Ooh, wee – she wants him badly! Vocally, Usher is awesome as always, serving up an expressive, nuanced, playful, and well-rounded performance.  He has tuneful melodies to work with from the onset, beginning with the chorus, and continuing in the verses.  Of course, the chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece. What does 🎵 “Boyfriend” mean in the grand scheme of things when it comes to Usher, Keke Palmer, and Darius Jackson? Time will tell, but as a contemporary R&B song, this is another bop for Usher, PERIOD!

🎙 Usher • 🎵 “Boyfriend” • 🏷 mega/gamma. • 🗓 8.16.23

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; mega/gamma.; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]