Usher - 8701 - 2 LP set

On his third studio effort (and fourth overall), 22-year-old R&B/pop star Usher Raymond makes the not-so-simple transition from post-teen heart-throb to love man. He does it with solid songs and a generous helping of charisma and vocal acumen, making this much-delayed collection a hot summer treat. Usher is aided in his musical efforts by renowned hit-makers like the Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (who deliver soaring ballads like "Can U Help Me"), Jermaine Dupri, and new jack Edmund Clement who penned the irresistible single "U Remind Me." With catchy tracks and emotive vocals, Usher revs up his sex quotient and unleashes a winning blend of street-honed jams and passionate love songs. --Amy Linden