Usher has secured another No. 1 on R&B radio, as “GLU” becomes the most played song on the format this week.
This marks his first time topping this list since it was renamed from urban adult contemporary radio (urban AC) and his first time at the top since “Bad Habits” in 2020.
“GLU” arrived earlier this spring via gamma, the newly-minted label that executive Larry Jackson founded. The sticky song excelled upon its release, debuting at No. 2 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Songs chart.
Last month, “GLU” hit the top 10 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. That feat gave Usher his 13th top 10 on the same chart, marking his second-fastest climb within this region among his last three singles (“Bad Habits” and “Don’t Waste My Time“).
Since then, the bedroom jam has topped the Adult R&B chart, becoming his seventh leader.
“GLU” also peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which awarded the track as his 34th top 10 hit. Chris Brown currently holds the record for the most top 10s among male R&B artists with 53, followed closely by Usher.
The production for Usher’s highly-anticipated eighth album’s lead single, “GLU,” was done by Sean Garrett, Lil Jon, and The Avila Brothers. Garrett spoke to Rated R&B about the creation of the track.
“Writing the song didn’t take that long, but it was important to make sure the title and the concept were on point, and it all went together,” Garrett explained to Rated R&B when asked about the songwriting duration.
“The word ‘glue’ in this song is used as a double entendre. It’s sexy. It’s a sticky thing, which we like, but at the same time, the word ‘glue’ is about it all being together. The relationship or you loving somebody and that glue is something that bond that you build with someone. I think it worked out.”
Usher’s next album remains untitled, and without a release date, while its lead track “GLU” still has no official video.
Album nine for Usher will follow his 2018 project, A, which he worked on in collaboration with Atlanta-based producer Zaytoven. It’s his first proper album since 2016’s Hard II Love.
Usher, who was recently presented with an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music, remains on the marquee at Dolby Live at Park MGM for his successful Las Vegas residency.
Usher will be starting an eight-date series of shows called Rendez-Vous A Paris at La Seine Musicale in Paris.
This will come after a two-month break from his last Las Vegas performance and will run from Sept. 24 until Oct. 5. For ticket information, please visit usherworld.com.
Listen to “GLU” below.