{$Usher} proved that he had a strong, soulful voice with his self-titled debut, but he fulfilled his potential on his second record, {^My Way}. What makes {$Usher} distinctive from his {\urban} loverman peers is the fact that he doesn't oversing; he simply delivers his songs soulfully. Unfortunately, he falls prey to uneven material, just like any of his peers, but there are more strong songs on {^My Way} than many {\contemporary R&B} albums from the late '80s. Both {$Jermaine Dupri} and {$Babyface} contribute seamless productions and fine songs; respectively, {&"You Make Me Wanna..."} and {&"Bedtime"} are their best {\ballad} contributions. Even if the {\ballads} are usually seductive and romantic, cuts like the funky {&"Just Like Me,"} which features a cameo from {$Lil' Kim}, might make you wish {$Usher} didn't play it cool all of the time. And while it's refreshing to hear a {\hip-hop}/{\urban} {\R&B} album clock in at a reasonable running time, it would have been nice if the tenth track was something other than a remix of {&"You Make Me Wanna..."} Nevertheless, it's a strong second effort that showcases {$Usher} at his best. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide