PopSyndicate.com

Ne-Yo trades in streetwear for tailored suits and fedoras.

Ne-Yo certainly knows how to keep busy. He’s written top ten hits for artists like Beyonce and Rihanna, acted in films like Stomp The Yard, and is now releasing his third album in three years.  And while Year of the Gentleman isn’t as much of a departure for Ne-Yo as one might think, it does signify a desire to try new things. Trading in street wear for tailored suits and fedoras, Ne-Yo looks to evoke the spirit of the Rat Pack, and a time when men of all ages had to present themselves to the world in the best possible way.

Despite initially catching listeners off-guard when released as a single, “Closer” is certainly a strong start to the album, with its UK garage influence and subtle acoustic guitar accents. Followed by “Nobody”, these early points in the album are the most energetic, and more than welcome in some upscale dance club. “Nobody” in particular, benefits from its affecting chorus and hints of Dangerous-era Michael Jackson. More Jackson influence can be found on the melancholy ballad “Lie To Me”, but Ne-Yo restrains himself to those two songs.

The real strength of Year of the Gentleman is Ne-yo’s songwriting, crafting songs of love and love lost, and ultimately, an strong respect and admiration for women in general. Even when he finds an object of affection in a club setting, as in the aforementioned “Closer” and “Nobody”, Ne-Yo expresses that admiration in such a matter as to place the woman as an object of worship, and should be respected as such. “Miss Independent” finds Ne-Yo in love with the idea of a women who can support herself professionally and will only be with a man because she wants to be, not because she needs to be. Meanwhile, on “Fade into the Background”, Ne-Yo steps aside while a former love marries another man.

Ne-Yo has some shortcomings as a vocalist, but he certainly is growing as an overall artist. Year of the Gentleman is one of the more enjoyable pop/R&B albums to come out this year, providing listeners with a strong collection of mature ballads and a few danceable tracks interspersed throughout the album. Ne-yo’s skills as a songwriter and producer continue to serve him well.

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