Ne-Yo (Shaffer Snith) has been writing songs for other artists since his teens but it wasn't til last year that he finally got some recognition for his work and the chance to record his own album and go from a songwriter in the backround to a singer in the spotlight. Ne-Yo's debut album "In My Own Words" was brilliant, and also one of the best R&B albums of last year. The single "So Sick" also turned out to be a success, topping both the Billboard and Uk charts, but also "Sexy Love" was a top 10 hit. Ne-Yo also wrote the Mario's superhit "Let Me Love You, Rihanna's "Unfaithful" Paula De Anda's "Walk Away", Mario Vasquez "Gallery" and Beyonce's massive #1 hit "Irreplaceable" and rumours say that he's curently working on material for Michael Jackson's new album. Needless to say, Ne-Yo is one of the most talented songwriters around and has proved that he's more then competent as an recording artist on his own. The expectations for his sopmore album are sky high, as good as his debut was, we know he can make an masterpiece, so the question is, how good is it?
Sophmore album is titled "Because of You" and is dedicated to his fans (Myself included I suppose), regardless of alot of rumours there aren't many guest artists included here, Only Jay-Z who briefly introduce one song and then a duet with Jennifer Hudson, but other then that Ne-Yo handles all the singing himself. Just like his debut, Norwegian duo Stargate produce most of the music while Ne-Yo writes his own lyrics ofcourse. Why change something that ain't broken?. Not too surpringing either the main themes here are, love, relationships, cheating, ex-girlfriends and late night hookups and as always the lyrics are magnificently written and alters the album to a very high level. So, While you listen, pay attention to what he sings cause the lyrics are half of the songs. Most songs are ballads or midtempo's, but that's his strenght and not uptempos, so it doesn't come as a surprise that most songs follow that path. I don't know if it got another "So Sick" but after a few listens, the songs grow on you and there are plenty of great songs of this album aswell. In my oppinion, plenty of standouts that could become smash hits. Alright, let's take a look at the songs.
It starts with the first single and title track "Because of You", which is one of the best, if not the best song of this album. A meliodic midtempo that deals with a guy who's addicted to his ex-girlfriend while he's with his new date and even starts seing her again, If you have seen the video you know what's it's like. "Crazy" is introduced briefly by Jay-Z, but then Ne-Yo takes over, it's very slow-paced and won't work on radio, but it's getter better with time and it got romantic lyrics. Still it lacks a good hook to be memorable enough. A Prince-esque midtempo called "Can We Chill" with some cool retro synthesizer sound and great melody/hook seems ready for something big. A beautiful but a little somber song named "Do You" where he calls his ex and wonder if she still thinks of him. "Addicted" is a song where Ne-Yo declare that he isn't addicted so sex, this song however is one of the weaker. The only duet is called "Leaving Tonight" and feautures Jennifer Hudson, This is an classic ballad and wouldn't have been off if it appeared in "Dreamgirls". Ofcourse Ms. Hudson steals the show on this one.
"Ain't Thinking Of You" seems to be another song about about not feeling remorse over a relation that didn't end up well. This is also a faster song and grows at repeated listens. A catchy song with nice beats called "Sex With My Ex" is also ok, was it is with his ex's?. "Angel" a sweet tender romantic ballad that actually reminds me alot of Michael Jackson, this one also grows on you and is really good for certain occasions. "Make It Work" however is one of the definite standouts, a midtempo that deals with relationships and how important it is to never give up even during hard times. For those of you in a long-time relationship, this is your song. A slow piano-ballad called "Say It" is next. It also lacks the catchyness of a good melody and hook and is one of the weaker songs. However, good albums end up well. "Go On Girl" the closer is another standout and is also rumoured to be the second single. It deals with a cheating girlfriend, for once it's actually the good guy and the bad girl and not the other way around. This song got anything to be a big hit.
Overall, Ne-Yo seems to be Prince & Michael Jackson's crown prince, his lyrics and melodicism are first class and few R&B and Pop songwriters at this point can be compared with him. This album should be judged after repeated listens though and you should pay attention to his lyrics which are very fundamental in his music. I'm not sure if he'll score with another "So Sick" that topped the charts on both sides of the atlantic last year but if we're gonna compare his sophmore with his debut album, this one certainly looks more solid with better overall material. Having said that, this is one of the best albums of 2007 and highly recommended to people that apreciate good music.
Ne-Yo Proves He's No Fluke
Just okay...
