Search - Usher :: Confessions

Arista's "Confessions" of Corporate Greed.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 11/18/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A sneaky way to get more money

Dennis D. | Oregon, United States | 10/07/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I agree w/ another reviewer. I am an Usher fan especially since he's down w/ my boy Michael Jackson. The problem is I bought the first release of this album and now he re-released it w/ 4 extra songs? Thanks a lot Usher, way to screw your loyal fans! My opinion of him has changed because of this move. I'm not gonna waste more money on your updated Confessions."

Making the customer pay twice

R. COGHILL | Omaha, NE USA | 10/06/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I don't have anything against the music, what I do take issue with is an artist releasing a CD then all of a sudden a few months later releasing the same CD with new tracks!!! Why not give the people what they want the first time instead of sticking them up and having them buy the CD twice!!! Both Usher and Arista should feel heavy duty shame by their greedy moneygrabbing ways!!!"