"Here I Stand" | ||||
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Single by Usher | ||||
from the album Here I Stand | ||||
Released | August 18, 2008 | |||
Recorded | 2007 Sony Music Studios (New York City); Zac Recording (Atlanta) |
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Genre | Soul | |||
Length | 4:10 | |||
Label | ||||
Writer(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Dre & Vidal | |||
Usher singles chronology | ||||
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Jamal A Davis
"Here I Stand" is a song by American recording artist Usher. It was sent to urban adult contemporary radio on August 18, 2008 by LaFace Records and RCA Records as the fifth single from Usher's fifth studio album, Here I Stand (Usher album). Penned by the singer with Polow da Don, Adam Blackstone, Gerrell Gaddis, and Dre & Vidal, and produced by Dre & Vidal, "Here I Stand" is a slow soul ballad and contains similarities to Stevie Wonder's music. The record received critical acclaim, and was nominated for the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance award at the 51st Grammy Awards. "Here I Stand" maintained a position on the United States Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for several weeks in 2008 and 2009, reaching the top twenty. It also appeared on the US Radio Songs and Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles charts, peaking at numbers seventy-two and six, respectively.
"Here I Stand" was written by Usher, Polow da Don, Adam Blackstone and Gerrell Gaddis, as well as Dre & Vidal, who also produced the track. The song was recorded by Vincent Dilorenzo, with assistance from Geoff Rice, at Sony Music Studios, New York City and Zac Recording, Atlanta. Dilorenzo also mixed the record, with assistance from Matt DeSando, at Studio 609, Philadelphia. According to Josh Eells of Blender, "Here I Stand" was written for Tameka Foster, whom Usher married in August 2007. Composed before their engagement, "Here I Stand" was played at Usher and Foster's wedding, on Foster's request. The tune is an assurance of sexual fidelity and commitment. In an interview with MTV News, Usher stated, "If you listen to the words [of 'Here I Stand'], it is very heartfelt, simplistic, yet very soulful. ... It's a man's words to his woman: a vow to say that you are the one, and I'll be there for you." A slow jam soul ballad, "Here I Stand" has been compared to the work of Stevie Wonder by critics. It was included on Usher's fifth studio album of the same name, released on May 13, 2008 by LaFace Records.