Auto Tune Out of Control

I will start this post by saying that I have downloaded Usher's "OMG", and is it not only fun to dance to, but it also is a really good song to do sit ups to. That and Eminem's "Lose Yourself" have that perfect beat to keep you going. However, that is not what this post is about. While the song is fun, dancey, going to be a huge summer hit, I have a serious issue with it. I do not understand why Will I. Am felt the need to auto tune Usher Raymond's voice. The man can sing, in fact he has one of the more soulful voices in pop music. Am I the only one who remembers how good "Confessions Part II" is? "My Way" was one of the pivotal songs in my life to introduce hip hop radio stations into my middle school life. I was in 7th grade when the Usher poster went up next to my Jim Morrison posters. What has Will I. Am done? Did Usher catch Auto Tune Syndrome from T-Pain and "Love In This Club"?

I know Usher is used to success and that Will I. Am is the man to go to for record sales these days. Black Eyed Peas have been unstoppable for over a year, despite Apl.De.Ap's lyrics typically making little to no sense. (Just so you know I love the Black Eyed Peas too). Will I. Am is the now the Timbaland of 2006. Everyone wants to work with him because he sells, and it has worked for "OMG" that has been on the top of the charts for week. I also predict that with the crowd cheering noise in the background that this song will be pretty popular at the World Cup in a couple weeks, so expect it to get even bigger. We also know at least Will I. Am is the king of fusing commercials with music. But why did he have to go so heavy on the Auto Tune to a voice that is already amazing? I guess Usher wanted a back up in case his Justin Beiber investment didn't work out.

I'm going to go listen to Jay-Z's "Death of Auto Tune" now.