Usher Debuts Two New Songs, "Hard to Love" and "Cards"

Usher had a pretty quiet 2015 with the exception of a Nina Simone cover, "Chains" with Nas and Bibi Bourelly, and a performance at Tidal's 10/20 concert. Unfortunately, the year came and went without a new album from the singer.

Usher addressed the issue at the Samsung New Year’s Eve party at the Fonda Theatre, according to Rap-Up. “I feel responsible," he said. "I look at all of my social media and my fans been a little mad at me because I pushed my album back. But tonight, if you don’t mind, I just want to share something with you. This is just something I’ve been working on, I figured I’ll just play it for you.”

Usher then performed two new songs for the audience. The first, reportedly titled "Hard To Love," is a burning R&B ballad. The other, "Cards," is a swinging, beat heavy tune that Usher described as a “little, funky, jazzy, high spirited.” He added, “This song is about some of these trifling women out here."

Listen to clips of "Hard to Love" and "Cards" courtesy of the Rap-Up's Instagram below. Usher has reportedly been working with Jermaine Dupri​ on his follow-up to 2012’s Looking 4 Myself, which we can only hope will see a release in 2016.