Spring '08 LPs From Madonna, Coldplay, The Roots, Mudcrutch, Elvis Costello : Rolling Stone

Usher

Here I Stand 5/27

On the follow-up to 2004's 9-million-selling Confessions, Usher presents a more grown-up version of the R&B star, complete with lyrics about not giving in to the temptation to cheat. "I'm like Shrek," Usher says. "I have layers now." Last August, Usher married Tameka Foster, with whom he had a son in November. "I'm dealing with real-life issues, like 'manhibitions,'" he says. Big-name producers provide the beats, including Tricky Stewart (the Prince-y electro romp "This Ain't Sex"), Dre and Vidal (the Timberlake-style title track) and Polow Da Don ("Love in This Club"). Usher says Stand is "ninety percent" done, but one big task remains: cutting a track with Jay-Z. After that, Usher plans to promote the album heavily. "Baby gotta eat," he says.