8701
by Usher
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Aug 7, 2001
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 3, 2011
    80
    Versatility is the key here: staccato beats with mellifluous melody, rich slow-jams and edgy harmonies - but woven through with Usher's own perspective. A winner.
  2. Sonicnet
    80
    A strong, expressive singer, Usher is particularly adroit at seductive, late-night ballads.
  3. Blender
    80
    It does what it's supposed to, giving Usher a grown-up R&B sound without reducing his boyish charm. [Aug/Sep 2001, p.131]
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  5. Billboard
    80
    A disc that flows with soulful vocals showcased in clean, back-to-the-real production settings
  6. E! Online
    67
    But even a busload of heavyweight producers and guests (P. Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the Neptunes and more) can't help this Babyface prodigy from playing it too same-y here.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Usher has settled into his voice nicely, but there's little beyond the buttery "U Remind Me" to inspire a listener chant of "four more years." [10 Aug 2001, p.74]
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 8 out of 32
  1. audiosonique
    May 12, 2013
    7
    8701, Usher's third album, represents a step up from the more pop-oriented style of his previous albums, with a steadier, more consistent8701, Usher's third album, represents a step up from the more pop-oriented style of his previous albums, with a steadier, more consistent production, allowing Usher to express himself vocally more. However, his lack of deviation from remaining pop-friendly R&B with mid tempo filler songs like "Hottest Girl" let the album down, seductive enough to keep you listening, but not enough to captivate you towards the end of the album.

    That being said, the opening two thirds, with stand out singles U Remind Me, U Got It Bad and the Pharrell Williams-produced "U Don't Have to Call" and "I Don't Know (featuring a surprisingly low-key P. Diddy) show off Usher's vocal talents to their fullest. What the album does it does well; a solid piece of urban R&B.    … Full Review »
  2. gabiy
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    beautiful
  3. markeshiak
    Nov 22, 2006
    10
    i lovve usher very much
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