"U Remind Me"
Single by Usher
from the album 8701
ReleasedMay 22, 2001 (2001-05-22)
StudioTree Sound (Norcross, Georgia)
GenreR&B[1]
Length4:27
LabelArista
Songwriter(s)
  • Anita McCloud
  • Edmund Clement
Producer(s)
Usher singles chronology
"Pop Ya Collar"
(2000)		 "U Remind Me"
(2001)		 "U Got It Bad"
(2001)
Music video
"U Remind Me" on YouTube
Audio sample
"U Remind Me"
  • file
  • help

"U Remind Me" is a song by American singer Usher. It was written by Edmund "Eddie Hustle" Clement and Anita McCloud and produced by Clement along with duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for Usher's third studio album 8701 (2001). A mid-tempo R&B track, the song is about a man who meets a woman who seems like a nice catch, but he decides not to enter a relationship with her because she looks too much like an ex-girlfriend with whom he had a bad breakup.

The song served as the lead American single from 8701 following the release of previous single "Pop Ya Collar", which was only included in some editions of the album. "U Remind Me" topped the US Billboard Hot 100 on July 7, 2001, and also reached the top five in Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The song won Usher his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002. Its accompanying music video features Chilli of TLC as one of the female leads.

Background

"U Remind Me" was written by Edmund "Eddie Hustle" Clement and his sister Anita McCloud and planned to be recorded by Clement's Hustle Child at one time or another.[2] When his manager Mark Pitts, then vice president of A&R at Arista Records, began shopping their demo of the song, it fell into the hand of L.A. Reid who thought it would be an excellent song for Usher's third studio album.[2] While Clement acknowledged that it was "tough to let the song go," Reid guaranteed them the song would be selected as the album's first single from 8701,[2] and sent the track to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to revamp parts of it.[3] In an interview with MTV News, Jimmy Jam commented: "It wound up being the perfect song for Usher. The beat and all that was already cool. All we did was try to bring the vocal up to par. I wanted people to hear Usher sing and go, 'This boy can sing. He's a singer.' We already know he can dance, and he's got the style and that whole thing. But I want people to just go, 'He can sing'."[3]

Composition

"U Remind Me" is a contemporary R&B song[4] written in the key of G♭ major, and is set in common time with a moderate tempo of 92 beats per minute. The song follows the chord progression of E♭m7-A♭m7-B♭m7, and the piano ranges from the low note of E♭2 to the high note of A♭5, while Usher's vocal range stretches from B♭2 to A♭5.[5] The song's lyrics are based on meeting a woman who reminds the singer of an ex-girlfriend, and therefore cannot comfortably date her.[6][7]

Critical reception

"U Remind Me" earned largely positive reviews form music critics. Billboard called the song a "return to form" for Usher, further describing it as a "laid-back, catchy summertime head-nodder. Trading his trademark quick-fire rap/sung delivery for some straight-up riffing and singing, this should earn Usher respect at R&B radio and beyond, helping him keep step with the no-frills old school production that."[8] Sal Cinquemani from Slant called the song a "smash" with an" "instantly recognizable hook and admirable exploration of a conflicted emotional terrain."[9] James Poletti of Yahoo! Music noted the song as the best track on 8701, dubbing it the 2001 version of Craig David's "Fill Me In".[4] Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine also chose it as a highlight from its parent album.[10] NME called "U Remind Me" not "the most obvious follow-up to the storming "Pop Ya Colla," but you've got to give this one time to digest. Not quite a ballad, "U Remind Me" [...] is a intriguing tale about how, despite your obvious gorgeousness, Usher can't roll with you cos he's still suffering from a visit from the ghost of the ex."[6]

"U Remind Me" gained Usher his first Grammy Award, winning the category of Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 44th annual ceremony.[11] Other nominees for the award were Case's "Missing You", Maxwell's "Lifetime", Brian McKnight's "Love of My Life" and Musiq Soulchild's "Love".[12] In 2010, Boonsri Dickinson of AOL Radio ranked "U Remind Me" as Usher's ninth-best song.[7] In 2016, Complex ranked the song number six on their list of the 25 greatest Usher songs,[13] and in 2021, American Songwriter ranked the song number seven on their list of the 10 greatest Usher songs.[14]

Music video

The music video for "U Remind Me" was filmed in Los Angeles in April 2001.[15]

A music video for "U Remind Me" was directed by Dave Meyers and filmed in Los Angeles in April 2001.[16] The video features look-a-likes for singers Mýa, Brandy, and Tamia, while featuring the real Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas of girl group TLC at the end to show the theme of the women reminding him of his past relationships.[6] While subsequent videos for 8701 further singles were filmed by director Little X, the story in "U Remind Me" would be continued in "U Got It Bad" and "U Don't Have to Call," with Thomas reprising her role in both videos.[15]

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the European CD single liner notes.[20]

Studio

Personnel

  • Anita McCloud – writing
  • Edmund "Eddie Hustle" Clement – writing (as Edmund Clement), production
  • Usher – vocals
  • Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – production
  • John Frye – recording
  • Mark Rains – recording, Pro Tools
  • Warren Bletcher – recording assistant
  • Brad Todd – recording assistant
  • Kevin "KD" Davis – mixing
  • Steve Baughman – mixing assistant
  • Gravillis Inc. – art direction
  • DL Warfield – art direction
  • Courtney Walter – artwork design
  • Christian Lantry – photography
  • Eric Archibald – styling

Charts

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "U Remind Me"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[70] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Belgium (BEA)[71] Gold 25,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[72] Gold 45,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[73] Gold 5,000*
Sweden (GLF)[74] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[75] Platinum 600,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "U Remind Me"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref(s).
United States May 22, 2001 Arista [76]
June 19, 2001
  • CD
  • 12-inch vinyl
 [77]
Sweden June 25, 2001 CD
[78]
United Kingdom
  • CD
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • cassette
 [79][80]
Australia July 30, 2001 CD Arista [81]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Eve, Usher, and More—Tracks That Take You Back To Summer of 2001". Billboard. August 23, 2017. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Eskow, Gary (August 27, 2001). "Eddie Hustle". BMI.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Reid, Shaheem (June 12, 2001). "Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis Visit House Of Usher". MTV.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Poletti, James (July 11, 2001). "Usher - 8701 Album Review". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! UK & Ireland. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  5. ↑ "U Remind Me". Musicnotes.com. Windswept Holdings, LLC. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 "Usher : U Remind Me". NME. IPC Media. June 22, 2001. Archived from the original on October 17, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  7. 1 2 Dickinson, Boonsri (2010). "Top 10 Usher Songs". AOL Radio. AOL. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Reviews & Previews: Singles". Billboard. June 2, 2001. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  9. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (August 4, 2001). "Review: Usher, 8701". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  10. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "8701 - Usher". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Usher's Spring/Summer Tour Evolves". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  12. ↑ "Complete List Of Grammy Nominees". Los Angeles: CBS News. CBS Corporation. January 4, 2002. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  13. ↑ "The 25 Best Usher Songs". Complex. October 14, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  14. ↑ Uitti, Jacob (December 18, 2021). "Top 10 Usher Songs". American Songwriter. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  15. 1 2 Reid, Shaheem (February 6, 2002). "P. Diddy, Usher Shoot Clip For 'The-Not-About-J.Lo' Song". MTV.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  16. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (April 17, 2001). "Usher Turns U Into 8701". MTV.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  17. ↑ U Remind Me (US CD single liner notes). Usher. Arista Records. 2001. 07822-13992-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ U Remind Me (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Usher. Arista Records. 2001. 07822-15024-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ U Remind Me (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Usher. Arista Records. 2001. 07822-15038-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. 1 2 U Remind Me (European CD single liner notes). Usher. Arista Records, BMG. 2001. 74321 85876 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ U Remind Me (UK cassette single sleeve). Usher. Arista Records, BMG. 2001. 74321 86338 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". Matt's CD Singles. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  23. ↑ U Remind Me (UK CD single liner notes). Usher. Arista Records, BMG. 2001. 74321 86338 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ↑ U Remind Me (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Usher. Arista Records, BMG. 2001. 74321 86338 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ↑ U Remind Me (Australian CD single liner notes). Usher. Arista Records. 2001. 74321 85877 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  27. ↑ "Issue 605" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  28. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  29. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  30. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". Tracklisten.
  32. ↑ "Hits of the World". Billboard. September 22, 2001. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me" (in French). Les classement single.
  34. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  35. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – U Remind Me". Irish Singles Chart.
  36. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". Top Digital Download.
  37. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 29, 2001" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  38. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  39. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". Top 40 Singles.
  40. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". VG-lista.
  41. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  42. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". Singles Top 100.
  43. ↑ "Usher – U Remind Me". Swiss Singles Chart.
  44. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  45. ↑ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  46. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  47. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  48. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  50. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  51. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  52. ↑ "Usher Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  53. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2001". ARIA. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  54. ↑ "Rapports annuels 2001" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  55. ↑ "Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2001". Jam!. Archived from the original on January 26, 2003. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  56. ↑ "Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2001" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 18, no. 52. December 22, 2001. p. 14. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  57. ↑ "Tops de L'année | Top Singles 2001" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  58. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2001". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  59. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2001" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  60. ↑ "End of Year Charts 2001". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  61. ↑ "Årslista Singlar, 2001" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  62. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2001". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  63. ↑ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  64. ↑ "Top 40 Urban Tracks of 2001" (PDF). Music Week. January 19, 2002. p. 26. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  65. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 2001". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  66. ↑ "The Year in Music 2001: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 52. December 29, 2001. p. YE-44.
  67. ↑ "Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 60.
  68. ↑ "Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 48.
  69. ↑ "The Decade in Music – Hot 100 Songs" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 50. December 19, 2009. p. 160. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  70. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2018 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  71. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2001". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  72. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Usher – U Remind Me". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  73. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Usher – U Remind Me". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  74. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2002" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  75. ↑ "British single certifications – Usher – U Remind Me". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  76. ↑ "Going for Adds / AddVance Notice" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1402. May 18, 2001. pp. 47, 55. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  77. ↑ Patel, Minal (July 7, 2001). "The Rhythm Section" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 27. p. 27. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  78. ↑ "Usher: U Remind Me". click2music.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on February 25, 2005. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  79. ↑ Thomas, Gareth (July 28, 2001). "Usher Embarks on European Mission" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 31. p. 1. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  80. ↑ "New Releases – For Week Starting June 25, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. June 23, 2001. p. 23. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  81. ↑ "The ARIA Report: ARIA New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 30th July 2001" (PDF). ARIA. July 30, 2001. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 24, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
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