Access Atlanta > Arts > Our Reviews > Archives > 2004 > October > 03 > Entry
Usher comes home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Usher Raymond does not walk — he glides. He does not sweat — he glows.
He does not perform a concert — he puts on a show.
For his homecoming concert Saturday at Philips Arena, which was a near-constant marvel of athletic choreography, he did the splits, moonwalked, walked on his hands, breakdanced and executed a standing backflip.
The Atlanta R&B star also sang a big batch of songs that were, for the most part, noteworthy only because he was singing them. He didn’t always have the world’s best material, but he radiated so much charisma and sexuality that you barely even noticed.
This Michael Jackson acolyte is indeed a smooth criminal.
He opened with “Caught Up,� a strong song from his phenomenally successful 2004 “Confessions� album, and spent the early portion of the show with a group of dancers who, in their uniforms and white gloves, resembled hot-stepping doormen.
Usher himself changed clothes a number of times throughout the night, usually winding up in some version of a stylish suit or a muscle-revealing shirt. For “My Way,� however, he seemed to be wearing the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
(In case you were wondering, Usher’s famous abdominal muscles made their inevitable cameo about 45 minutes into the show when he tore off his shirt and unleashed his rippling physique.)
As for the music, it was up and down. Mostly up — some songs, for instance, showcased the lovely high-end of Usher’s voice. A long midsection of ballads, though, was just passable, and the show did for a moment sag.
Usher’s opening act, the rapper and producer Kanye West, has remarkable songs and so-so delivery. If Usher has a problem, it’s the reverse.
Still, this wasn’t a problem very often, in part because the show had a lot going on besides music. (The performance was being taped for a forthcoming DVD, and one imagines there’ll be no shortage of visuals when the thing comes out.)
At one point, Usher danced with two frisky women who were wearing what we might conservatively call “pajamas.� At another, he serenaded an audience member in such tantalizing fashion that the young lady seemed ready, at any moment, to melt into a puddle.
Usher saved his recent singles “Burn,� “Confessions, Pt. 2� and “Yeah!� — which this year were simultaneous Top 10 hits — for the end of the show. The performance ended with “Yeah!,� the rapper’s huge (and well-deserved) hit single featuring Atlanta hip-hop stars Lil Jon and Ludacris.
Jon didn’t show up on stage, but Luda did, taking the audience — which by this point did not seem capable of any further enthusiasm — into a state of delirium.
Permalink | Comments (15) | Categories: Pop Music
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By monica
October 4, 2004 9:04 AM | Link to this
The show was awesome. Usher was at his best. I was totally satisfied with his performance,the handstand, the backflip, the breakdancing was great. I had a wonderful time and I will be at his next concert whenever that may be. Usher you are the greatest….
By Elaine
October 4, 2004 9:36 AM | Link to this
Ursher your moves were the greatest, not only are you a great artist in voice but in atlethic abilities. Keep your talents alive.
By pico
October 4, 2004 9:56 AM | Link to this
I believe everyone who attended the Sunday show, got their monies worth…he was FANTASTIC!!
By Lynn
October 4, 2004 10:15 AM | Link to this
THIS CONCERT SUNDAY NIGHT WAS THE BOMB!! The audience was SO crunk!! Usher & Kenye definately gave the audience their money worth!! I can’t wait to see the DVD!! Lil John & Ludacris at the finale made the crowd go out of control! Usher looks as good in person as in any video - HOT!!!
By Allison
October 4, 2004 10:33 AM | Link to this
I loved every minute of it. Usher is a great performer and I was so proud of him. I am a Usher fan for life. Keep up the good work Usher. It’s your time to shine. Love, Allison
By Ty
October 4, 2004 10:50 AM | Link to this
From his choreography, to his dancers, all the way to his sexy body, I was up the whole time with my eyes glued to the stage. I am in love with Usher. He really put on a show. I just wish I was the girl he picked from the crowd. That was the best concert ever!
By Jen
October 4, 2004 11:15 AM | Link to this
Sunday’s show was the best. I don’t attend many shows, but this was definately word every dollar that was spent. Usher has charisma,is a fantastic performer, entertainer and seems quite humble. I give credit to his mother for raising a fine young man. Keep up the good work and continue success.
By Vincent
October 4, 2004 12:18 PM | Link to this
The Concert on Sunday was DA BOMB!!! The dancing, the crowd, the singing, and the special guest made it wonderful. Plus the fact that my woman, Ms. Jackson was there topped it all off. I just wished Usher would have sung “My Boo,” because that is my jam. Can’t wait for the DVD to come out!
By Mieshia
October 4, 2004 12:35 PM | Link to this
The show on Saturday was outstanding. Usher Raymond gave a great performance. He was definitely sexy and well dressed. His dancer’s also did a great job. Usher you get two thumbs up. The eighty dollars for the concert was well spent. Kanye West got the crowd extremely hype. This was a match made in Heaven!!!!
By Aaliyah
October 4, 2004 12:39 PM | Link to this
This concert topped any concert I have ever seen. What put the cherrie on top was when he kissed singer monica on stage, damn i wish that was me! The performance was wonderful and i cant wait until his next concert. At the end of the concert usher came back out and thanked everyone for supporting him and danced a little more for the crowd….I seriously cant wait for the dvd to come out.
By Nicholas
October 4, 2004 12:50 PM | Link to this
The Usher Cocert was a great concert. All the performers did a wonderful job. I want to clarify the article that was written above by Nick Marino regarding Sunday’s performance. First off, the “young lady” from the audience was Monica (the singer). Also, Lil Jon was indeed on stage with Ludacris. Just wanted to make sure everyone gets the correct info. Again - The concert was AWESOME.
By Tiffany
October 4, 2004 2:22 PM | Link to this
I live in North Carolina and logged on to see what the fans of Georgia had to say about ” The Truth Tour.” They expressed exactly what I felt at the Usher concert’s here in NC. I thought Kanye was awesome and yes Usher is as fine in person as in any video. I had such a good time at the show in Raleigh, I also caught his show in Charlotte:-)
20 thumbs up:-)
By crystal
October 4, 2004 2:54 PM | Link to this
WOW!!! This was absolutely the best concert I have ever attended. It opened with some great acts..Christina Milan and Kante West- and finished with R&Bs #1 man- Usher. Saturday was an amazing show- and I too, can not wait until he comes home to Atlanta again! I look forward to viewing the DVD :)
By SDC
October 4, 2004 3:57 PM | Link to this
We attended Saturday night’s performance and it was terrific. I have been to several concerts this year and I would place this one from beginning with Ciara to the end with Usher up there with Prince’s concert. Kanye and Usher provided a performance that you will talk about for months/years to come. The best part of the concert were the quick clothes changes. KUDOS!!! Once again, a great performance and thanks for brining Kanye to the ATL. The two were a great compliment to each other.
By TC
October 5, 2004 12:41 PM | Link to this
This was my fiance’s first big concert and she really enjoyed herself especially when Lil Jon and Luda came out she jumping up and down. But to all of you who don’t know the A-Town has been represented. By Usher, Lil Jon, Luda, and the Falcons Beeeeoootch….