Usher tackles “Wait for It” on the highly anticipated ‘The Hamilton Mixtape.’ He gives a respectable performance, but doesn’t trump the original.

Hamilton is “kind of a big deal.” After numerous accolades – Tony awards and Grammys – a mixtape featuring various artists covering songs from the musical, arrives (The Hamilton Mixtape). Among musicians appearing on mixtape is contemporary R&B vet, Usher, who covers “Wait for It.” Does Usher do the Leslie Odom, Jr. number justice? For the most part, yes, but he doesn’t supplant the original.

“Wait for It” opens groovy, not far-fetched from the original.  Also, much like the original, Usher initially sings in an undertone, in his lower register. His tone is beautiful, but arguably, this particular portion of the song suits Odom, Jr. better considering where it is written. Usher ascends into his upper register, sparingly on the chorus. Naturally, he excels there.

On the bridge, he is able to sing comfortably in the mid-/upper register. He generally sounds more powerful here. The bridge section on the original has more of a powerful effect. That said, Usher and the producers do a respectable job of creating/recreating emotion.

Final Thoughts

“Wait for It” has its moments, but isn’t a homerun for Usher.  He sounds best when he is able to hit his middle and upper register.  While his tone in his lower register is refined, it’s not where his “bread is buttered.” It doesn’t supersede the original, but is it really expected to? No. 

Various Artists • The Hamilton Mixtape • Atlantic • Release: 12.2.16

Photo Credit: Atlantic