Review Roundup: Usher - 'Here I Stand'

Usher’s fifth studio album Here I Stand arrives in stores today. Here’s what the critics are saying…

Entertainment Weekly: At nearly 70 minutes, the disc could certainly have used a stronger editing hand, and even in his newly revelatory state, Usher remains more a smooth entertainer than an astute lyricist. B+

Los Angeles Times: The album would be much better without its excess of undistinguished ballads, but that aside, it’s a more accomplished version of Confessions, the hooks more effortless, the singing even better, the songwriting more consistent. 3 out of 5

The New York Times: His voice splices Michael Jackson’s insistence to Stevie Wonder’s melismatic turns; his songs are macho enough for hip-hop collaborations, but he’d rather seduce than battle.

Watch Usher’s interview on Tuesday’s “Good Morning America.”