Usher with Akon at BankAtlantic Center April 27

April 21, 2011

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The things that have kept Usher in the firmament of safe, dependable R&B stars are not strictly musical — that smile, those abs, and his slick dance moves are pretty irresistible no matter your persuasion. Though he's never been much for innovation, this year's Raymond v. Raymond proves that even when he coasts, Usher can still pump out sexed-up club jams. "OMG" lives up to its vapid title with a guest spot from an Auto-Tuned Will.i.am, but "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" — which has trancey synths, clattering beats, and his high-flying love call — fares better as surefire dance-floor fodder. At Wednesday's performance, expect plenty of crooning from Usher — and an equal amount of swooning from his devotees.

Christian Schaeffer

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