Usher’s ‘Raymond v Raymond’ Bows at No. 1

This week Usher’s sixth studio offering is the No. 1 album in the U.S. Raymond v Raymond is No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and the Top Digital Albums chart. The album marks the Atlanta-based singer’s third No. 1 debut on the Top 200 Albums chart and his fourth No. 1 debut on the R&B Albums chart. Additionally, fans are positively responding to burgeoning pop hit “OMG” featuring will.i.am. Within just one week of being available, “OMG” already ranks in the Top 10 on the Digital Singles chart.

Raymond v Raymond is also dominating international charts as the album impressively debuts in the Top 10 in Canada, Holland, Australia, Germany, Spain and Italy. The album is slated be released in the U.K. later this month, however, “OMG,” has hit No. 2 on the U.K. iTunes chart and No. 8 on the national singles chart within two weeks of its release.

The album comes as the megastar singer tops U.S. video networks and radio airwaves with over 100 million in audience with four top chart-topping singles including “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),”(Click on links to stream) “Lil Freak,” a duet with Nicki Minaj, “There Goes My Baby” and “OMG” featuring will.i.am.

In addition to the strong sales and promotional support, critics have embraced Raymond v Raymond: The Boston Herald describes the set as, “diverse and satisfying;” The Los Angeles Times asserts that Usher is “back in action,” rating the album 3 out of 4 stars; and The Washington Post simply declares”…everybody loves Raymond..”.

Following several high profile performances including Good Morning America and American Idol, Usher continues to promote the album and is slated to travel to Europe mid-April.