Written by Susie Salva
Usher’s “OMG Tour Live from London” on Eagle Rock Entertainment on DVD and Blu-Ray shows off Usher as one of the biggest superstars in the world. With album sales in the multi-millions, this supremely talented singer/songwriter/dancer/actor/entrepreneur promises and delivers an incredible live experience. Touring in support of his landmark seventh album, “Raymond V. Raymond,” which topped the Billboard’s R&B chart for seven straight weeks, Usher pulls out all of the stops in this fantastic concert.
The DVD starts off with Usher’s group and dancers in prayer and begins showing all of the staging of this incredible production. Dancers mount the stage in space-age get up verging on armory as Usher floats above the stage over his mass of London fans. The first song “Monstar” booms out loud as this dynamic artist looms above and them jumps on stage with amazing choreography displaying Usher’s nod to Michael Jackson, James Brown, and Jackie Wilson. The pyrotechnics spills out above the stage as he slides into “She Don’t Know” his sexy vocals and fancy footwork causes an abundant applause from his on-looking fans. Usher peels off his jacket seductively as he begins singing the hit, “Yeah,” and then follows it up with “U Remind Me,” joined by his sexy female dancers acting out a provocative scene with his soulful vocals. Picking up the pace he sings “U Don’t Have to Call,” where he prances onstage with pyrotechnics coming out of a gun. “You Make Me Wanna,” an early hit gets the crowd going as he peels off his tank top showing off his six pack chest.
Slowing the tempo down a bit he sings “Mars Vs Venus,” “Nice & Slow,” with his sultry sound as the electric guitar solo explodes and several costume changes continue to thrill the crowd. He continues on with “Love in This Club,” “Lil Freak,” more sexy dancing and follows it up with “Hot Tottie” “There Goes My Baby,” and he floats once again above the crowd singing about that special someone you can’t let go in the song “Burn.” How many bad girls are in the audience? he asks before singing, “Bad Girl.” He rounds the set out with hit song “DJ Got Us Falling In Love,” “More,” and finishes off the set with tour title track the obligatory “OMG.” His performance finishes in a finale of explosive fireworks and the crowds abundant applause.
This specially constructed set at England’s O2 Arena dramatically enhances Usher’s already thrilling performance. The lighting, visual effects, pyrotechnics, choreography and over-all theatricality of the event itself is something to behold.
The Bonus Material includes “On the Shoulders of Giants” where the DVD gives you exclusive look into what goes into making this incredible tour go off without a hitch. The production designer declares how much Usher puts into every aspect of the performance be it lighting, or his dancers, costume changes and pyrotechnics. Usher is attempting to give a performance unlike anything ever done before. Usher is the consummate performer and because of his diligence he puts on this incredible show where he has fans keep coming back for more. He is always tweaking the show to make it constantly better than before. There is a theatrical piece to every theme and each piece of music has a concept behind it. His choreographer goes on to say that Usher is standing on the shoulders of performers like James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Michael Jackson and Bobbie Brown. He is cognizant of these previous masters and tips his hat to them in his stage performance.
The second bonus piece looks into the New Look Foundation making a difference for his youth movement in the community. Usher states that this community of young children are his inspiration and that his experience with the kids will last a lifetime. He invited these young kids to his performance that evening in London. This DVD is a must for all Usher fans and for those wanting to get into the action. He leaves no stone unturned in this phenomenal concert performance. For all things Usher go to www.ushernow.com
