Is r'n'b dying? No, thanks to Ne-yo (Year Of The Gentleman - Ne-Yo)

Member Name: Sunrisesunset

Product:	Year Of The Gentleman - Ne-Yo
Date:	20/08/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Vocals, positive messages about women

Disadvantages: None

Behind the glitz, glamour, hard beats, and stunning vocals are strong lyrics. Number one hits Take A Bow, sung by Rihanna, and Irreplaceable, performed by Beyonce, showcase Ne-Yo's ability to produce highly successful songs for other artists...but what about himself?

Ne-Yo's previous albums were the type where the best songs on the album were released as singles, leaving behind duds you'll never listen to again, but it's third time lucky for Shaffer 'Ne-Yo' Smith.

The number one single, Closer, is misleading because it is a quick pace you could dance to. This album is full of smooth, slow and mid-tempo tracks that best suit easy listening in the car or resting at home. Nobody, Miss Independent, and Back To What You Know are the mid-tempos, songs you can nod your head to but not let loose on the dance floor. Every other track is slow, perfectly combining beautiful music with stunning vocals.

Ne-Yo's vocals are on point throughout. Most artists these days find a lane and stick it to i.e. those who lack vocal talent release uptempos, the Whitney Houstons stick to ballads, and so on. Ne-Yo is able to transcend from dance orientated Closer to head bopping Miss Independent and then blow you away with a slow jam like Lie To Me. Never does his voice seem out of place, always riding the music and lyrics as though they were just meant to be.

The lyrics reflect the album title perfectly. Every song is about women and love from a man's position. This has been done before, but nowadays the focus is usually on how women look, skimpy clothes, and sexual acts. Ne-Yo sticks to being a gentlemen instead. On Single he sweetly offers to be an unattached women's partner for the night, Fade Into The Background shows a man accepting defeat in the battle for a woman's heart, and the best song on the album, Lie To Me, is for those men who are tired of being lied to. On this song Ne-yo's vocals are exceptional, and, strangely, he starts to sound like Michael Jackson at certain points.

Ne-Yo has successfully revived r'n'b in a world where most r'n'b singers are moving over to pop. His determination to stick in his own lane has paid off, resulting in an album you will be able to treasure for decades to come. If you want catchy lyrics, generic beats, and average vocals then look elsewhere because this gem will disappoint you. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy.

Stand out tracks: Lie To Me, Miss Independent, and Fade Into The Background

Summary: Ne-Yo produces an r'n'b album full of gorgeous vocals, great music, and positive messages