Usher's Confessions Album: The Story Behind 'Nice & Slow'

In January 1998, Usher released his CD single 'Nice & Slow' in the United States, which was also available as a cassette single. This intimate ballad tells the story of a man and woman's relationship, with Usher describing it as 'somewhat of an intimate story between a man and a woman.'

The song features a spoken introduction, followed by a melodic rap in the middle section. Shawnee Smith from Billboard compared Usher's style to that of Do or Die. The singer's vocal range spans from E♭4 to A♭5, set against the backdrop of the key of A♭ major and a slow tempo of 68 beats per minute.

According to Ripani, 'Nice & Slow' is an example of the typical R&B ballad style that became popular in the late 1990s. The song combines elements of slow R&B, pop, and soul music with hip-hop influences. The composition and recording process took just four hours, with the beat created first and then fitted to the lyrics.

Jermaine Dupri told Usher he needed a ballad that would 'knock out the world,' which inspired the song's creation. The record was mixed by Tan and Dupri, with assistance from John and Brian Frye at Studio LaCoCo in Atlanta, Georgia. The background vocals were provided by Jagged Edge.

The songwriting credits go to Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Brian Casey, with Dupri producing the track and Seal serving as co-producer and handling guitar work. 'Nice & Slow' is a standout track from Usher's Confessions album, showcasing his vocal range and storytelling ability.

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