You’ve Got It Bad – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**You’ve Got It Bad**

**Definition:**
„You’ve Got It Bad” is a song by American singer Usher, released as the second single from his third studio album, *8701* (2001). The track is a contemporary R&B ballad that explores themes of intense romantic infatuation and emotional vulnerability.

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# You’ve Got It Bad

„You’ve Got It Bad” is a song by American recording artist Usher, featured on his third studio album, *8701*, released in 2001. The song was written by Usher alongside Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, with production handled by Dupri and Cox. It was released as the album’s second single and became one of Usher’s signature hits, receiving widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The track is noted for its smooth R&B style, emotive lyrics, and Usher’s vocal performance, which conveys the complexities of romantic obsession and emotional dependence.

## Background and Development

Following the success of his 1997 album *My Way*, Usher sought to evolve his sound and artistic identity with *8701*. The album’s title references the years 1987 and 2001, symbolizing a period of growth and transformation for the artist. Collaborating with established producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, Usher aimed to create a collection of songs that balanced commercial appeal with personal expression.

„You’ve Got It Bad” was conceived as a slow-tempo R&B ballad that would showcase Usher’s vocal range and emotional depth. The songwriting process involved crafting lyrics that depicted the experience of being deeply infatuated to the point of losing perspective, a theme that resonated with many listeners. The production incorporated smooth keyboard melodies, subtle drum programming, and layered harmonies to create an intimate atmosphere.

## Composition and Lyrics

Musically, „You’ve Got It Bad” is characterized by its mid-tempo rhythm, lush instrumentation, and a blend of traditional R&B elements with contemporary production techniques. The song is set in the key of B minor and features a tempo of approximately 66 beats per minute, contributing to its laid-back and reflective mood.

Lyrically, the song explores the theme of romantic obsession and emotional vulnerability. Usher sings about the overwhelming feelings that come with being deeply in love, to the extent that it affects one’s judgment and daily life. The chorus emphasizes the idea that when someone is truly infatuated, they „got it bad,” meaning they are emotionally consumed by their feelings.

The lyrics include lines such as:

> „When you feel it in your body, you found somebody who
> Makes you change your ways like hanging with your crew
> Saying goodbye to your boys, your girl’s the only thing on your mind.”

These words capture the transformative power of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for a significant other.

## Release and Promotion

„You’ve Got It Bad” was released as the second single from *8701* in late 2001, following the success of the lead single „U Remind Me.” The song was distributed to radio stations and made available for purchase in various formats, including CD singles and digital downloads.

To promote the single, Usher performed „You’ve Got It Bad” on several television programs and award shows. The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, featured a narrative that visually represented the song’s themes of romantic longing and emotional turmoil. The video received heavy rotation on music channels and contributed to the song’s popularity.

## Critical Reception

Critics generally praised „You’ve Got It Bad” for its smooth production, heartfelt lyrics, and Usher’s vocal delivery. Many reviewers highlighted the song as a standout track on *8701*, noting its ability to blend traditional R&B sensibilities with contemporary sounds.

The song was commended for its relatable portrayal of love and emotional struggle, with some critics describing it as a modern classic within the R&B genre. Usher’s performance was noted for its sincerity and technical skill, further establishing him as a leading figure in early 2000s R&B music.

## Commercial Performance

„You’ve Got It Bad” achieved significant commercial success worldwide. In the United States, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remained on the charts for several weeks, demonstrating strong radio airplay and sales.

Internationally, the single charted within the top ten in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The song’s commercial performance solidified Usher’s status as a major R&B artist and contributed to the overall success of the *8701* album.

## Music Video

The music video for „You’ve Got It Bad” was directed by Dave Meyers, a prominent music video director known for his visually engaging storytelling. The video features Usher navigating a series of emotional and surreal scenes that symbolize the intensity of romantic obsession.

The narrative includes sequences where Usher appears isolated and contemplative, interspersed with imagery of a romantic interest. The visual effects and cinematography emphasize the song’s themes of emotional vulnerability and the consuming nature of love.

The video received positive reviews for its artistic approach and was nominated for several awards, further enhancing the song’s visibility.

## Live Performances

Usher incorporated „You’ve Got It Bad” into the setlists of his tours and live appearances following the release of *8701*. The song became a fan favorite during concerts, often performed with live instrumentation and vocal improvisations.

Notable live performances include appearances on television shows such as *The Tonight Show* and award ceremonies like the MTV Video Music Awards. These performances showcased Usher’s ability to connect with audiences through both vocal prowess and stage presence.

## Legacy and Influence

„You’ve Got It Bad” is regarded as one of Usher’s signature songs and a defining track of early 2000s R&B. Its exploration of romantic vulnerability and emotional depth influenced subsequent artists within the genre.

The song has been covered and sampled by various musicians, reflecting its enduring appeal. It also contributed to the broader recognition of Usher as a versatile artist capable of delivering both upbeat dance tracks and soulful ballads.

In retrospective assessments, „You’ve Got It Bad” is often cited as a highlight of Usher’s career and a classic example of contemporary R&B songwriting and production.

## Track Listings

*CD Single*
1. „You’ve Got It Bad” (Album Version) – 4:07
2. „U Remind Me” (Remix) – 4:30

*Digital Download*
1. „You’ve Got It Bad” – 4:07

## Credits and Personnel

– **Lead Vocals:** Usher
– **Songwriters:** Usher Raymond, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox
– **Producers:** Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox
– **Mixing Engineer:** Phil Tan
– **Recording Engineer:** Brian Frye
– **Mastering Engineer:** Herb Powers Jr.

## Charts

### Weekly Charts

| Chart (2001–2002) | Peak Position |
|———————————-|—————|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 2 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 1 |
| UK Singles Chart | 6 |
| Australian ARIA Singles Chart | 7 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 8 |

### Year-End Charts

| Chart (2002) | Position |
|———————————|—————|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 20 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 3 |

## Certifications

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**Meta Description:**
„You’ve Got It Bad” is a 2001 R&B single by Usher from his album *8701*, known for its smooth production and emotional lyrics about romantic infatuation. The song achieved commercial success and remains a classic in contemporary R&B.