About this album
Where they were
Released on September 16, 2016, 'Hard II Love' marked Usher's return after a four-year hiatus following his album 'Looking 4 Myself' (2012). At this point in his career, Usher was navigating both personal struggles and a shifting musical landscape, aiming to blend traditional R&B with modern influences.
Why it matters
'Hard II Love' debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 and received mixed reviews from critics, highlighting Usher's enduring influence while also reflecting the challenges of maintaining relevance in a fast-evolving genre. The album featured collaborations that showcased his ability to merge contemporary sounds with classic R&B elements.
Essential tracks
- "No Limit" — This track features a catchy hook and strong collaboration with Young Thug, exemplifying Usher's adeptness at blending R&B with hip-hop elements.
- "Crash" — 'Crash' stands out for its emotional depth and lyrical vulnerability, showcasing Usher's signature vocal prowess amidst a modern production style.
- "Champions" — Featured in the film ‘Hands of Stone’, 'Champions' captures a motivational spirit through its anthemic sound, illustrating Usher's crossover appeal into cinematic music.
Release Date
September 16, 2016
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Need U 4:08
- 2 Missin U 4:09
- 3 No Limit 3:48
- 4 Bump 4:07
- 5 Let Me 3:09
- 6 Downtime 3:28
- 7 Crash 3:31
- 8 Make U a Believer 4:06
- 9 Mind of a Man 0:53
- 10 FWM 3:14
- 11 Rivals 3:49
- 12 Tell Me 8:29
- 13 Hard II Love 3:22
- 14 Stronger 4:00
- 15 Champions (From the Motion Picture ‘Hands of Stone’) 5:18
- 16 Good Kisser 4:09
- 17 She Came II Give It II U 4:02