It Completely Changed Usher's ImageĪs Usher switched up his image, he also revamped his sound. On its 15th anniversary, here's a look back at how it all went down. From its gossip-based marketing techniques to its tremendous commercial success to the fresh sounds of its R&B songs, the album, which was released on March 23, 2004, forever altered the music landscape. He was already on a strong upward trajectory, but Confessions was the catalyst that propelled him to superstardom. His 1994 self-titled debut showcased his voice he honed his dancing skills in the videos accompanying his breakthrough 1997 album, My Way and he established himself as an actor in the years that followed, with roles on the sitcom Moesha and the '90s teen cult classic film She’s All That. In the time before Confessions, Usher had already established himself as a triple threat. That may sound like hyperbole, but it actually was the truth 15 years after the release of Confessions, it's evident that the album truly did change everything when it came to both Usher's career and many R&B hits that'd follow in the years to come. The message is clear: forget all you think you know about him, because after this record, nothing will be the same. The song’s whimpering guitar riff bleeds through the harsh crash of the glass, as Usher’s reflection splinters before our eyes. II”, the scandalous single from his seminal 2004 album Confessions, the singer stands half naked in front of a mirror that, seemingly out of nowhere, crumbles to shards in front of him. I think it’s impossible not to feel sexy and romantic after watching this video, and it just makes me love Mary Lambert that much more.In the video for Usher’s “Confessions Pt. I’m sexy and romantic, and I deserve to feel that way. Our bodies are not allowed to be sexy in media, and it’s part of the reason there’s an epidemic of poor body image in our society. They provide a comical relief to a romantic scene. ![]() So often curvy women’s bodies are a novelty. It’s important to remember that love is universal… no matter what gender you’re attracted to.Īdditionally, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that I, a plus-size femme, co-starred in the video. It was an incredible experience.Įveryone has had the butterflies of love: the giddiness, the quick heartbeats, the sweaty palms. This video came to fruition with an all queer, female crew, who shared my vision. Sure, there were hot girls rolling around in lingerie, girls briefly holding hands, or something involving a man. I was disappointed, shocked and a little hurt that I couldn’t find a single one. “Two years ago, I YouTube for a main-stream music video that depicted a lesbian relationship. That’s what I’ll be doing!Īnd for those of you who can tear your eyes away from the adorable situation happening on your screen and want some context for how this video came to exist, here’s what Mary had to say about it: Actually, all humans with ears and eyes and a heart that is prone to melting might wanna watch this on repeat all day every day. Those of you who were disappointed that Lambert didn’t get much airtime or recognition at the VMAs last night might wanna watch this on repeat all day today to erase that unpleasant memory. Also there are books! And a coffee shop! And cocktails! And handholding in the backseat of a cab oh my god I love that shit don’t you love that shit? Seriously. It features two queer women, one of whom is plus-size, and it gives us a super sweet snapshot of the butterflies-in-your-tummy-at-all-times beginning of a relationship. I’ve talked about my intense love for Mary Lambert and her beautiful single “She Keeps Me Warm” extensively, so I don’t think this video needs much of an introduction. The Autostraddle Encyclopedia of Lesbian Cinema.LGBTQ Television Guide: What To Watch Now.
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