Pitchfork

It's the kingpin and the penitent romantic over an abrasively amelodic beat haloed in floaty horn swirls, courtesy of producer Jermaine Dupri. Usher follows the spring breezy #1 hit "Love in This Club" and subsequent "Love in This Club, Part II" with this raw plea for forgiveness; after some I'm-a-former-CEO braggadocio ("pashminas", really?) and mild naughtiness ("Like two broads menagin'/ You're the best, mama!") even Jay-Z is all apologies, too. "Best Thing" is a contrast from "Love in This Club" in not just its jump from pick-up line to please-take-me-back, but also in the way Polow da Don's sun-splashed synth groove gives way to a thudding, metallic hip-hop rhythm. Jay celebrates his lover, in a couple of solid verses, while Usher prostrates himself, his voice in melismatic top form. "Is there any chance that you remember me being more than just a horrible man?/ And would you consider pulling this trigger/ And taking a second shot at romance?" he fires off at the start. Later, he calls himself a "jerk." All right, Ush, we'll take you back. But no more lovin' up "miscellaneous chicks" in that club, capisce? (via Nah Right)

MP3:> Usher [ft. Jay-Z]: "Best Thing"
[from Here I Stand; due 05/27/08 on LaFace]