April 02, 2008

By By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y.

Originally scheduled for a June release, Usher's new album has been pushed forward due to what his label claims is "increasing global demand." "Here I Stand" will now arrive May 27 via LaFace/Zomba.

The set's first single, the Polow Da Don-produced "Love In This Club" featuring Young Jeezy, is currently No. 2 on the Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. An accompanying video, directed by Brothers Strause, will premiere April 7 on MTV.

"Here I Stand" comes at the heels of Usher's previous album, "Confessions," which has sold 9.5 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "Confessions" is the 20th biggest selling album of the Nielsen SoundScan era, which began in 1991. It's also the second biggest seller by a solo male singer (Garth Brooks' "'Ropin the Wind" is No. 1.)

As previously reported, "Love in This Club" made its U.K. debut at No. 19 this week.

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