Despite some mixed criticism towards its lyrical substance, Confessions received mostly positive reviews and earned Usher several awards including the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

To begin strategizing of boosting its sales amid threats of bootlegging, the special edition for the album was issued, which includes the hit single, 'My Boo' a duet with Alicia Keys. Its continued success was bolstered by its four chart-topping singles. The album became an instant commercial success in the United States, selling 1.1 million copies in its first week.

The album's themes generated controversy about Usher's personal relationships however, the album's primary producer Jermaine Dupri claimed the album reflects his personal story. Primarily an R&B album, Confessions showcases Usher as a crooner through a mixture of ballads and up-tempos, incorporating musical genres of dance-pop, hip hop and crunk. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2003 to 2004, with its production handled by his longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri, alongside with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Lil Jon, among others. It was released on March 23, 2004, by Arista Records. Confessions is the fourth studio album by American singer Usher.

Usher confessions album sales