Usher - 8701
On his third studio effort (and fourth overall), 22-year-old  R&B;/pop star Usher Raymond makes the not-so-simple transition from  post-teen heartthrob to love man. He does it with solid songs and a  generous helping of charisma and vocal acumen, making this much-delayed  collection a hot summer treat. Usher is aided in his musical efforts by  renowned hit-makers like the Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (who  deliver soaring ballads like "Can U Help Me"),Jermaine Dupri, and new jack Edmund Clement who penned the irresistible single "U  Remind Me." With catchy tracks and emotive vocals, Usher revs up his  sex quotient and unleashes a winning blend of street-honed jams and  passionate love songs.--Amy Linden