OMG by Usher ft. Will I. Am: Music Video Review

OMG by Usher ft. Will I. Am

Music Video Review

By Gabriella Corrado

Usher fans around the world, rejoice--the R&B star is finally back in the spotlight for all the right reasons. In the past year, Usher’s name in the media was most frequently mentioned in correlation with his very public and very messy divorce from his wife, Tameka Foster-Raymond. Tameka and Usher’s mother famously clashed, resulting in the wedding being called off on the morning of the ceremony. Usher and Tameka later tied the knot in a private ceremony and the couple had two children together before splitting amidst a swirl of cheating allegations.

With that behind him, Usher is back in a big way with his sixth album, entitled "Raymond v. Raymond." The singer is lucky enough to have escaped his public scandal with his image unscathed-- his fans are fiercely loyal, and evidence of this lies in the numbers. "Raymond v. Raymond" debuted at #1 on the US Billboard chart, becoming his third #1 album in his career. Similarly, in Canada, Spain, Germany and Italy, among others, the album debuted within the top 10.

While fans and critics alike agree that "Raymond v. Raymond" is an extremely emotional album for Usher (it chronicles his marriage and divorce), "OMG" completely spares us the heartbreak and focuses on the fun instead. The song is, in my opinion, the perfect summer song-- catchy, upbeat and rhythmic.

The video is similarly uplifting. Usher forgoes the complicated video plots that he sometimes favors and instead sticks to what he’s good at--dancing. Will I. Am, of the Black Eyed Peas, is also featured in the song and the video. While Will I. Am is dressed rather eccentrically, in a long black skirt, while Usher is completely suave in his tailored blazers and tinted aviators.

It’s reassuring to see that six albums later, Usher still hasn’t lost his touch. He moves with such skill and ease that viewers just can’t help but be transfixed by his moves in the video. True, it’s nothing he hasn’t done before, but I applaud Usher for not trying to ‘transform’ after his break-up and instead sticking to what he does best. I think the secret to Usher’s staying power lies in his consistency as an artist and I, along with his legions of fans across the world, look forward to seeing what else he has up his sleeve.

View the video below. Thoughts?