Usher (album)

Usher is the debut studio album by American singer Usher. It was released on August 30, 1994, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. Executive producer Sean "Puffy" Combs largely set the tone for the album, handling most of the production alongside his Bad Boy affiliates, including Faith Evans, Herb Middleton, Alexander Richbourg, and Chucky Thompson, while additional production was provided by Darryl Pearson, DeVante Swing, Brian Alexander Morgan and Al B. Sure!, among others. The album received mixed reviews, earning praise for its standout tracks and seamless blend of R&B and hip-hop, while drawing criticism for its explicit lyrics, heavy production, and youthful delivery. Usher debuted at number 187 on the US Billboard 200 and later peaked at 167, also reaching number four on the Heatseekers Albums chart, ultimately selling over 500,000 copies as his subsequent success renewed interest. Of its three singles, the second, "Think of You," became the album's only top-ten R&B hit.