"Think of You" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Usher for his self-titled debut album, Usher (1994). Released as the album's second single, it followed the initial release of "Can U Get wit It" and helped introduce the then-teenaged performer to a wider R&B audience. The track credits Usher as a co-writer alongside Donell Jones and Faith Evans, reflecting early collaborations with established songwriters and producers in the 1990s R&B scene; both collaborators are associated in discussions of the song and era on relevant artist pages such as Faith Evans.

Background and production

The recording was produced to suit mid-1990s urban contemporary radio, with a smooth, melodic arrangement and emphasis on vocal phrasing. The instrumental incorporates a sample from the work of saxophonist and jazz/funk musician Ronnie Laws, whose recordings were frequently sampled in R&B and hip-hop productions during the period. That sample supplies a warm, melodic undercurrent that complements the song's lyrical focus on romantic reminiscence.

Composition and lyrics

Musically, "Think of You" follows the conventions of contemporary R&B balladry of the era: slow-to-mid tempo, layered vocal harmonies, and a focus on emotional delivery. Lyrically the song addresses themes of longing and reflection following a romantic separation, a common subject for R&B singles intended to highlight a vocalist's expressive range. The arrangement allows room for both lead vocal phrasing and background harmony work, which were used to present Usher's youthful but assured tone.

Release, promotion and video

Issued as the second single from the debut album, the song was supported by radio promotion and a music video produced for television outlets. The video features actress Taral Hicks appearing as the singer's romantic interest, a narrative device that helped the single gain visibility on video channels and contributed to its rotation on urban-format programs. For background on the video and related promotional materials, see the entry linked here.

Chart performance

While not a mainstream pop blockbuster, "Think of You" performed respectably on rhythm-and-blues charts and registered on broader singles listings. The single reached the upper tier of R&B listings, peaking at number seven on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and it also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached the mid-50s. Internationally, the recording appeared on the UK Singles Chart. Specific chart summaries and archival listings can be consulted via contemporary chart references such as R&B/Hip-Hop listings, Billboard Hot 100, and UK Singles Chart.

Reception and legacy

Contemporary reviews and later retrospectives note that the single helped establish Usher as a promising new voice in 1990s R&B. Although subsequent releases would bring him wider mainstream success, early singles like "Think of You" are often cited as part of his formative period, demonstrating his ability to carry ballads and to collaborate with established songwriters. The song remains a documented part of his debut-era catalog and is referenced in discographies and artist histories for that period.

As with many early singles by artists who later achieve major success, "Think of You" is of interest to listeners and researchers tracing artistic development, production trends of the era, and the ways sampling and collaborative songwriting contributed to mid-1990s R&B production aesthetics.