Beyoncé isn't the only artist enjoying a renaissance. Usher is right there with her and experiencing a fresh wave of popularity. That's thanks to his sold-out Las Vegas residency (which has been extended into 2023), his mind-blowing (not to mention viral) Tiny Desk Concert, his summertime bop "Good Love" with City Girls and him being the strongest contender at the moment for the King of R&B title. Usher is having a time right now, but he's nowhere near done. As he gets ready to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his sophomore album My Way, the superstar has announced plans to release a special edition and a mini-documentary.
My Way was originally released on September 16, 1997, and exactly 25 years to the day, Usher will release My Way (25th Anniversary Edition) this Friday, September 16th. This deluxe edition of My Way will be a treasure chest for fans old and new. The project will include the full original album and three newly reimagined tracks and their instrumentals, which were produced by producer/drummer Ryan James Carr.
The three tracks to get updated are “You Make Me Wanna… (Ryan James Carr Remake),” “Nice & Slow (Ryan James Carr Remake)” and “My Way (Ryan James Carr Remake).” This trio of songs is the singles that were released from My Way back in 1997 and 1998 and helped to catapult the album to classic status and to become a multi-platinum, critical and commercial success.
The cover art for My Way (25th Anniversary Edition) features a recreation of the original album's artwork with a brand-new photograph of the 44-year-old heartthrob in a similar pose and clothes he wore as a young and tender 20-year-old. The "Bedtime" singer has aged like a fine wine, barely looking like a few years have passed between the photographs much less 25.
The album My Way (25th Anniversary Edition) will be released by LaFace Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. The 16-track expanded edition is available for pre-save/pre-order from various digital music services in advance of its release on Friday. The project will also be released on vinyl by Vinyl Me Please in an exclusive 2-LP pressing that will ship in early 2023.
Usher will reflect on making the now-iconic R&B album in the mini-documentary Usher: 25 Years My Way directed by Dolapo Sangokoya and produced by Ash Peters. In addition to reflecting on his past, he will discuss the gift that is his present resurgence and his big plans for the future. He'll be joined by Jermaine Dupri, who was one of the original album's producers, and Ryan James Carr in a series of intimate interviews compiled for the short film.
After you listen to My Way (25th Anniversary Edition) like it's 1997 all over again, tune into Usher: 25 Years My Way when it premieres on Usher's YouTube channel at 7 pm ET on Friday, September 16th. Eager fans can subscribe to be notified when the mini-doc goes live on YouTube. Watch the trailer below to get a sample of what awaits.
