Spring Break
Ne-Yo: 'Year of the Gentleman'
Josh Jefferson
Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: The Edge
With his album "Year of the Gentleman," Ne-Yo is definitely hitting his stride.
"Gentleman" is an unsurprisingly robust junior effort from this established fixture of the R&B world. The album stands up well in the face of constant listening, and it is hard to classify Ne-Yo's sound beyond using the generalized term R&B. Ne-Yo follows through song after song with an artistry and mastery of voice that makes the entire album a fantastic listen, not failing to impress on every track of the album.
Songs that stand out on this disc are "Closer," "Nobody," "Single," "Miss Independent," "Back to What You Know" and "Stop This World."
The album version does not feature the New Kids on the Block, which is an improvement as the solo vocals of Ne-Yo give it more of a "let's dance really close" quality and provides a much more consistent sound overall.
"Miss Independent" is now currently in heavy radio rotation and high on the "106 & Park" charts. It is a song that is easy to listen to over and over again. Simply put, it takes a long time for it to get old. "Nobody" would be a great pick for a third single. It has a classic old-school vibe that works so well with Ne-Yo and his vocal abilities. "Nobody" is a catchy song that will induce singing along on the streets if one is so inclined.
The song "Closer" works well as the opening track to "Year of the Gentleman." With its more modernized approach to R&B, it acts as a primer to listeners, bringing them into the world of the album in a familiar way.
"Back to What You Know" changes things up with its acoustic work. The guitar work adds a very different quality to the overall tone of the song.
"Stop This World" is a fitting end to an incredible album. The song itself starts out slow then rises into a triumphant swell for the chorus and makes you feel the same strong emotions that produced such a song.
"Year of the Gentleman" is a strong third album for Ne-Yo. It solidifies his place in the ranks of the R&B elite. The album has everything that can be asked for music to walk to, music to study to and music to dance to. Ne-Yo does it all and does it right. Do not hesitate to go out and pick up "Year of the Gentleman."
"Gentleman" is an unsurprisingly robust junior effort from this established fixture of the R&B world. The album stands up well in the face of constant listening, and it is hard to classify Ne-Yo's sound beyond using the generalized term R&B. Ne-Yo follows through song after song with an artistry and mastery of voice that makes the entire album a fantastic listen, not failing to impress on every track of the album.
Songs that stand out on this disc are "Closer," "Nobody," "Single," "Miss Independent," "Back to What You Know" and "Stop This World."
The album version does not feature the New Kids on the Block, which is an improvement as the solo vocals of Ne-Yo give it more of a "let's dance really close" quality and provides a much more consistent sound overall.
"Miss Independent" is now currently in heavy radio rotation and high on the "106 & Park" charts. It is a song that is easy to listen to over and over again. Simply put, it takes a long time for it to get old. "Nobody" would be a great pick for a third single. It has a classic old-school vibe that works so well with Ne-Yo and his vocal abilities. "Nobody" is a catchy song that will induce singing along on the streets if one is so inclined.
The song "Closer" works well as the opening track to "Year of the Gentleman." With its more modernized approach to R&B, it acts as a primer to listeners, bringing them into the world of the album in a familiar way.
"Back to What You Know" changes things up with its acoustic work. The guitar work adds a very different quality to the overall tone of the song.
"Stop This World" is a fitting end to an incredible album. The song itself starts out slow then rises into a triumphant swell for the chorus and makes you feel the same strong emotions that produced such a song.
"Year of the Gentleman" is a strong third album for Ne-Yo. It solidifies his place in the ranks of the R&B elite. The album has everything that can be asked for music to walk to, music to study to and music to dance to. Ne-Yo does it all and does it right. Do not hesitate to go out and pick up "Year of the Gentleman."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Peggy Morgan
posted 10/04/08 @ 8:54 PM CST
Simply put - Ne-Yo (Shafer Smith)is truly an amazing talent and individual!! His new CD, "Year of the Gentleman" is so addicting - I play it every opportunity I get. (Continued…)
Post a Comment