Climax (song)

"Climax"
Single by Usher
from the album Looking 4 Myself
Released	February 22, 2012 (2012-02-22)
Studio	Jungle City Studios, NYC Glenwood Place Studios, Burbank, CA Silent Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA
Genre	Electronica quiet storm alternative R&B
Length	3:53
Label	RCA
Songwriter(s)	Usher Raymond IV Thomas Pentz Ariel Rechtshaid Sean "Redd Stylez" Fenton
Producer(s)	Diplo Ariel Rechtshaid Johnny "Natural" Najera
Usher singles chronology
"Without You" (2011) "Climax" (2012) "Scream" (2012)
Music video
"Climax" on YouTube

"Climax" is a song by American singer-songwriter Usher. It was released on February 22, 2012, by RCA Records as the lead single from his 2012 studio album Looking 4 Myself. The song was written by Usher, Ariel Rechtshaid, Redd Stylez, and Diplo, who also produced the song. Usher and Diplo worked on the song for two months as part of their collaboration for the former's album. The song is a quiet storm slow jam with electronic influences, and lyrics about the turning point of a relationship. According to Usher, the song is primarily about the complications of a relationship, despite the lyrics' sexual overtones.

As a single, "Climax" debuted at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100, with 31,000 digital units sold in its first week. It peaked at number 17 and charted for 20 weeks, and also reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, becoming Usher's 12th number-one single on the chart. "Climax" was received with widespread critic acclaim, who commended its musical direction, lyrics, Usher's singing, and Diplo's production. Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly named it one of the best singles of 2012. In 2013, "Climax" won Usher a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance.