When it comes to songwriting, Ne-Yo is in a class of his own. Having penned hits for the likes of Mario, Beyonce, and Rihanna, his debut album, In My Own Words, showcased his extraordinary gift and his second, Because of You, only served further proof of his talent. Now with his third, Year of the Gentleman, Ne-Yo sits as a well established singer/songwriter and just like his previous outings, the end result is damn near flawless.
It’s amazing how so much creativity can flow from a pen to a piece of paper; but for Ne-Yo, his talent is on par with only that of his own. Save for a couple songwriters here and there, Ne-Yo goes untouched when it comes to his penmanship and the fact that he stresses quality over quantity is what makes him a remarkable talent. For example, songs like “Fade into the Background” and “Why Does She Stay” are poetic ballads that paints things clearly for the listener; all the while, the vocal stylings of Ne-Yo is what pulls everything together nicely.
Maybe it’s just me, but every word seems precise when it comes to the way Ne-Yo writes. I’ll be honest. I couldn’t stand the lead single “Closer” at first but after listening to the words, I absolutely love it. His current single, however, “Miss Independent” is a nice mid-tempo track that suits him perfectly--especially when considering the track is kind of bubbly. Not that that’s a bad thing. Bubblegum music sells records you know and, at the end of the day, isn’t that what it’s all about? To sell records.
Shifting gears, Year of the Gentleman may not be as cohesive as his debut; but it more than makes up for the [highly] slept on, Because of You. Here, Ne-Yo’s pen is in full force (a’ la In My Own Words) and songs such as “Single”, “Mad”, and Lie To Me” are sure enough to be crowd pleasers. As a whole, this album reflects a more seasoned Ne-Yo and holds true to it’s “gentleman” theme and, honestly, I think this is a real good look for Ne-Yo. Not only does it set him apart and allow him space to push the envelope, but it opens up an endless world of possibilities.
Sure, he may be recognizable as a talented singer/songwriter; but if you really listen to his music, Ne-Yo would love nothing more than to be an entertainer sort of in the same likeness as Michael Jackson. His embodiment of Michael is uncanny and reflects not only in his voice, but his style as well. However, I for one, prefer Ne-Yo for who he is and what he represents. What’s that you ask? Simple. A distinguished gentleman.
Rating: 7.0 headphones out of 10
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