“Climax” is the “genre-defying” lead single off of R&B singer/songwriter Usher‘s forthcoming seventh studio album, Looking For Myself, due out on RCA Records June 12th. The banger was written by Usher along with co-writers Redd Stylez, Ariel Rechtshaid and Diplo, who also serve as producers on the track. There’s nothing I don’t love about this song. Dark, gritty electro beats coupled with that trademark falsetto – this is truly Usher at his very best.
As if the song wasn’t hot and sweaty enough, wait until you see the “Climax” video, which premiered on VEVO March 9th as part of the music video site’s platform revamp. Directed by Sam Pilling and shot in Atlanta, the hazy camera effects complement Diplo’s stunning production work exceptionally. Pitchfork nails exactly what I love about Diplo‘s work here, praising the producer/songwriter for showing “uncharacteristic subtlety behind Usher’s sentiment, with a beat that seems to hang suspended in midair.” Bang on! The Los Angeles Times also gets the overall feel of the song, describing “Climax” as “rooted in pure soul, with Diplo employing sexy synths behind a dripping downbeat.” The video’s choppy cinematography might normally have given me a headache, but it just works here. I couldn’t have conceptualized a better video. The only downside is Usher‘s scruffy, unkempt appearance, but what are you gonna do? Usher at his most down-trodden looks better than most guys at their best.
The seven-time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is currently in the studio, finishing up his new album, Looking For Myself, which is now set for an early summer release. Usher collaborated with the best of the best including Salaam Remi, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Max Martin, Diplo and others. While he’s been away working on his new record, Usher hasn’t strayed too far away from the charts, featuring on two multiplatinum chart-topping collaborations – “Without You” by David Guetta, and “Promise,” with Romeo Santos, which held the #1 spot on the Billboard Pop and Latin Charts respectively. “Climax” was released to Urban radio on February 21st, Top 40 radio on March 13th and so far has peaked at #6 on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song will be released in the UK on April 8th.
Download “Climax” on U.S. iTunes HERE and check out the video below.
Check out Usher on the web: