I'm 100% for reissuing and re-releasing albums. They're a great way to introduce a time-tested classic to a younger, uninitiated audience, and most record labels often remaster the original recording for a fuller and superior sound. Reissuing an album is acceptable for a 40 year old album, a 30 year old album, a 20 year old album, or even a 10 year old album. But to reissue a CD roughly seven months after its original release date smacks of naked corporate greed. For Arista (the parent company of LaFace Records), it's not enough that Usher's "Confessions" shot to Number One, went multiplatinum, and spawned back-to-back hits. In a transparent attempt to double-dip into the pockets of consumers, they take Usher's album (which, by the way, is a good record on its own merits), repackage it with new photos (for those who savor the sight of Usher's torso), and slap on 4 tracks that include the recent hit "My Boo" (with Alicia Keys). So, the question begs, are these 4 songs strong enough to make a wise consumer buy the same album twice? No. "My Boo" is a pretty decent single, but "Red Light" and "Seduction" have "filler" written all over them. The "remix" of "Confessions" is virtually identical to the original; the main difference is that it features Shyne, Kanye West and Twista on the mike. Why couldn't Arista release these 4 songs as a separate EP? Why add these tracks onto previously released material and add a few "new" glossy color photos? Because Arista wants to milk its cash cow for what its worth, and it will stoop low enough to entice people to buy the same album twice. If you have no version of "Confessions," then I suppose you could get this one. But those who have the March 2004 edition have absolutely no reason to get this poor excuse of a "special edition" CD.

"Confessions," the fifth long-player from ATL's Usher Raymond, is more than a new album. It's also a mature step forward and an exercise in self-examination. Here, Usher unloads some serious baggage, ranging from infidelity (the title track and "Truth Hurts"), materialism ("Simple Things"), unwanted pregnancy (the title track again), and failed relationships, particularly his breakup with TLC's Chili. But that's not to say "Confessions" is all drama and no fun. The album is neatly divided between uptempo jams and smooth ballads, and Usher doesn't disappoint on either front. At first listen, I wasn't a huge fan of the kickoff single "Yeah!" (featuring Ludacris and Lil' Jon), but over time, this catchy hip hop-flavored number caught onto me very quickly. Other decent cuts are "Superstar," the Jam & Lewis-produced "That's What It's Made For," and the downtempo groove of the killer closer, "Follow Me." Well produced and with minimal filler (I could have done without the messy "Do it To Me"), "Confessions" lives up to its title thanks to its honest lyrics and its tight production. Grade: B.

As R and B singer Usher's latest CD Confessions (the limited addition) gets higher ratings, more and more fans crowd the nearest music stores to buy a copy. Once you get a taste of his music from the radio, you will not be able to resist the temptation of buying his CD.

The first song Usher released off his CD was "Yeah" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. It was a hit. It's great beat,just like many other songs on his CD, gives you a vibe which makes you want to dance. Not only did "Yeah" get a good review but so did his duet with Alicea Keys "My Boo" which was #1 on BET for about two and a half weeks.Other videos made by Usher based on the songs off of this CD were "Burn", "Confessions Pt.1 and 2" and "Caught Up".

Most of Ushers songs are based on a bad breakup. He was interviewed and asked if those songs were based on the breakup between him and TLC member Chilly.Usher stated that it was all a rumor.

Usher is a very inspiring artist.With quotes such as "Learn from the mistakes of others you can't make them all" and "Anger is only one letter short of danger." Anyone feeling depressed will get lifted up again. So if you follow Usher's advice take my advice too and trust me when I tell you buy this CD as soon as possible. Usher's CD Confessions is a hit no one can resist.

Recently, Usher debuted his new video for "Caught Up." It's a twenty minute "short film." For those of you that don't know, the pioneer of this short film concept is Michael Jackson. This is the latest example of Usher trying to be Michael Jackson. But the problem is, he never will be. I heard someone say "Yeah!" was the new Billie Jean, and I was about to throw myself off the bridge. I'll tell you why.

First of all, the updated version is a scam. Realizing the song "My Boo" could be a massive hit (which it was) Usher was upset to realize after that moment of glee that this would have no affect on the sales of Confessions, as it's not on the album. Since he's obsessed with album sales, he re-released the album as a "special edition" MONTHS after the original release with the song. Since then, an additional 2 million or more copies have been sold. How he's sold out just baffles me. But I have to give him props for realizing he could do this and fool everyone just for his own gain.

He's arrogant. He has called himself the future of music. He wants to be the richest person in the world in the next few years. That's impossible. He would have to literally sell BILLIONS of albums, which will never happen. He doesn't care about the fans. WAKE UP PEOPLE! All he cares about is that his album sells and everyone eats up his insipid music.

Okay, I don't want to come in here all jumping to conclusions, so I listened to the album so I'm not unfairly judging him. It's in my eyes the same tired R&B hip-hop we've seen in the past few years. Yeah! got waaaaaaaay overplayed, and I don't think the CD justifies the 9 million people who have bought it so far. I'm not insulting anyone, but I think he has seriously fooled the world.

This album will probably move 10 million copies. That's very good. I wish it wouldn't have sold more than 5 million but oh well. But will anyone REMEMBER this album in 15 years? People remember Rumours from Fleetwood Mac, Thriller from Michael Jackson, anything Madonna's ever made, Jagged Little Pill, White Album, and so forth. But this album doesn't have the artistic merit nor the universal appeal of those classic works and others. This is mediocre shlock that needs to drop off the charts like....right now.

I have to sound spiteful, but I hope his commercial decline begins with his next album and I'll like it. Before you accuse me of being jealous, know that I'm too mature and self-fulfilled to be jealous of some singer. Thank you for reading this. At least you took the time to get the perspective of a non-fan.

Don't get my review title mixed up, I'm not talking about Usher, I'm talking about the trend of re-releasing CD's. So let me get this straight. He released an album, sold 6 million records in a matter of months, and he RERELEASED IT? This is just a stunt to get more money, b/c he's so popular right now that he knows his fans will buy it even if there is only 4 new songs on it (including a Confessions Pt.II remix, that sounds a lot like the original). What a disservice to his fans. He could've released a "My Boo" maxi-single with the unreleased tracks on it or an EP. I have nothing against Usher. He is talented, his songs are good, and I congradulate him for having 4 No.1 hits this year. But I tihnk he is ovverrated. he doesn't even write is own songs, but says that this album is HIS confessions? And why NOW are ppl eating up his albums. Where were all you "real" fans when he released 8701 and My Way?,those sold 4 million, while confessions sold 6. Seems kind of funny. I know why though, ppl are just jumping on the R&B/rap bandwagon as usual, and all the teenagers are just listening to what's popular andnot what they actually like. it really is pathedic, just like this release.