Usher's music is generally R&B, but also incorporates pop among other genres. "The New York Times" regards him as "the most malleable R&B star", and his artistry for "Complex" as "the best of pop music in R&B". His narratives have an autobiographical nature of emphasis on lifestyle, relationships and love, resembling "an R&B Casanova". "Usher" was new jack swing oriented, while "My Way" contained influences of soul. "8701" "introduces touches of '80s rock guitar and the minimal rhythm of '80s hip hop" displaying versatility, according to NME's Lucy O'Brien. "Confessions" is viewed as a "top-of-the-line pop-soul showcase", with established critic Robert Hilburn of "Los Angeles Times" seeing lead single "Yeah!" as something Michael Jackson would have created "if he still had the old "Thriller" magic". "Here I Stand" was noted as more ballad-heavy by critics, where the title track's usage of jazz notably drew comparisons to Stevie Wonder. "Raymond V Raymond" was described as a "skillful fusion of R&B/hip-hop/pop" by Billboard. "Looking 4 Myself" further explored progressive R&B, hip hop ballads and synth pop, with its overall sound coined "hybrid pop" for its dynamic incorporation of EDM, Dubstep, Neo soul and Funk. "Hard II Love" sees "Rolling Stone"s Maura Johnston view it to "stretch the boundaries of R&B".