Within the ever-expanding R&B genre you have to assert yourself as an artist by doing something slightly different than your colleagues. To remain relevant, some R&B artists try to appeal to a wider audience by making so-called crossovers with other genres. It is striking that many artists ultimately opt for the same trips over and over again. On the seventh album by Usher Raymond, the singer
… has now also caught the electronica and house fever a lot. There are collaborations with, among others, Diplo (known MIA and Major Lazer) and Swedish House Mafia. The singer doesn't always seem to know what to do with the crunchy synths and thumping bass lines. One time he sings striking melodies and his head voice reminds us of his heyday, but at another time Usher's vocals sound deadly dull. The quality of Looking 4 Myself fluctuates greatly and this is probably due to the fact that routine can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. (GL)more