These two albums are only three years apart (released when Usher was 23 and 25), which is like dog years for someone transitioning from star to superstar. It's music about learning how to make love (Twork It Out), search for love (U Got It Bad), admit love (How Do I Say'), get over it (∼an U Help Me) and finally heal from it (U Dont Have To Call). The playboy was forced to love as an adult and deal with all the growing pains and confusion it wrought. She shouldve realized she had a good thing). On 8701, Usher sounds every bit entitled ( She should've stayed.

Post-adolescence, he became the reckless playboy generous enough to consider leaving the one he was with for that new relationship. The story of 8701 is the genesis of Usher's pop reign and set the stage for his diamond-certified Confessions. And Napster had practically played the role of A&R.

8701, Usher's best album thus far, was born. In what was essentially a do-over, a new gorgeous single was born: U Remind Me (Usher hung onto that U theme) that would later become a No. Most of All About U was scrapped, unfortunate title included.

The leak forced Usher back in the studio to record new material. In April 2001, tracks from his third album, then titled All About U, popped up on the mp3-sharing network among them, 'Pop Ya Collar,' a cheesy instructional song that showcased more trend than progression. Usher couldn't know it at the time, but Napster did him a favor. Ursha's frequent pen consultant/ rising singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger recently rocked the mic for a special VIBE V Sessions to salute his mentor with an acoustic rendition of 'Superstar.' Lights, camera, action. While Usher's pristine R&B LP Confessions turns a decade old this weekend (March 23), the deep album cuts still remain timeless.

Usher confessions album went diamond