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"Papers" (CD single) (by Usher, R&B)

common sense media says

R&B crooner chronicles his painful divorce.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this song touches on a serious topic: divorce. Usher doesn't use swear words or go into graphic detail about the intimate details, but his general description of an exceptionally difficult marriage and subsequent break-up will still be too weighty for the youngest ears.

Positive messages: While the topic of divorce is hardly positive, the subject is especially negative in this song, with talk of serious hostilities leading to the marriage collapse.
Positive role models: Despite his divorce, Usher continues to be a fairly good role model, keeping his lyrics relatively clean and the media drama to a minimum. 
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: An allusion to drinking in the lyric "when the bottle's poppin.'"
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Papers" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about divorce. What can lead two people who were once in love to feel like separating?
  • What can married couples do to try to guard against divorce?
  • Is it appropriate for artists to share their personal struggles with the public?

What's the story?

What's the story?
PAPERS is the first new single from R&B megastar Usher in more than a year (his last release, the full-length CD Here I Stand, hit stores in May 2008). During that time, a lot has happened in the singer's life: he had a second child with wife Tameka Foster, yet the two filed for divorce soon after. The title of his new song refers to divorce "papers," and the song's lyrics chronicle the tumultuous circumstances that led up to the filing. Though he doesn't use graphic language to explain his roller-coaster ride, Usher still describes an intensely personal, difficult, and mature topic that is too grown-up for very young children. For example: "I'm losin' my mind, can't figure out who's wrong or right / I know it's you I love, but then I also know it's you I don't like / You claim you hate who I was, but that's the reason you're here now." 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
No matter what he's singing about, Usher's vocals are top notch. That said, this song's subject matter is grim, with exceptionally deep lyrics that go beyond the usual break-up scenario. The end result is a tune that's musically easy on the ears -- with Usher's performance backed by a smooth, slow beat -- yet emotionally heavy on the heart. 

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 20, 2009
Label: La Face
Genre: R&B
This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 
 

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kelseylopez
teen, 17 years old
15
 
CHRIS
i love chris brown he is my i hearo i look up to him and his music he rocks hes music is asome and so is he go chris i no you had a ruffe time with the holle borke up with rinnina but you did have it comeon chris you just cent go roed and stare heartong gilrs thats just not ritt and its ronge you cen really killed hear all becuse she sed you wear a big withe that was ronge to for hear to be say one that to you but you bollthe made up and you are best frinds agin new am i riite your biggest fan kelseyaguiar im fifteen years old and i love wachone E NEWS ITS GOOD AND I LOVE EVRY THING ELLLTS TOO CHRIS
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