Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentlemen Review (with Links)
Ne-Yo has been all over the map lately. When “Closer” dropped, he stated how he was “bored with R&B” and wanted to make a more “international” sound challenging urban R&B. Ironically, Stargate – Ne-Yo’s main production team are from Norway - brought forth their blend of acoustic guitar, European pop, and hip-hop drums that took over the radio waves with Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” and “Beautiful Liar,” Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” and “Take a Bow,” amongst other hits.
In a recent interview, he stated “The label — they feel that I’ve created this image for myself, this box for myself. And they want to keep me in this box.” Well, when you name your album – “Year of the Gentlemen” – then you continue to brand yourself in that box.
Does Ne-Yo live up to his own hype with “Year of the Gentlemen” after his media blitz of being “bored”?
Closer (listen)– This song is hit or miss, but he directly aims at the international crowd and makes a great dance/pop record. It’s been more successful overseas than it has been in the States.
Nobody – Ne-Yo produces his own song and this sounds like something Michael Jackson would reject. It’s good song with Ne-Yo’s signature vocal production, but it doesn’t really stand out.
Single (listen to NKOTB version) – Ne-Yo and The New Kids on the Block share a song for their respective albums - I guess Polow Da Don was so expensive that Ne-Yo and NKOTB split the costs. I joke. But Polow Da Don is a better R&B producer than a hip-hop producer and this song is pretty awesome. I prefer Ne-Yo’s version over NKOTHB. The production is amazing with a 1980s Ready for the World feel. Definitely a hit.
Mad (listen) – Ne-Yo spends a lot of time talking about when his girlfriend is mad. Step it up, brother! This song is amazing, arguably my favorite song on YOTG. Ne-Yo’s addresses how he doesn’t want going to bed mad with his girlfriend after fighting…over nothing. The production is superb. I can see Usher or MJB singing it and making it a hit.
Miss Independent (listen) – I love it. Hot song! I hope it becomes a bigger hit then its current state on the charts. I prefer songs like this, especially during the whole “It ain’t trickin’ if you got it” movement. (Inside joke with Reecie)
If cassettes were the standard, then I would say this is the beginning of Side B. Side B is strictly of the ladies. The review should stop right here…
But it’s not.
“Why Does She Stay” - Ne-Yo’s ode to his girlfriend whom he is unworthy of. *Yawn*
I can’t stand when Ne-Yo whines (see “Angel” lyrics - “I’m in love with an angel/but she don;’t belong to me” - from Because of You) because I can’t relate to the lyrical content. Any girlfriend I have is a blessed to have me as much as I am blessed to have her. In context of this album, I can see women enjoying this song because a lot women (not all women) are underappreciated in their relationships with their jerk boyfriends. This song is an advocate for your jerk boyfriend…but after this song, I hope you don’t stay with your jerk boyfriend.
Fade into the Background – Insert Ne-Yo’s Price tribute here. I like the lyrics, but his tone / vibe mimics “When Doves Cry” meets “Pop Life.” I think this song could have been amazing in Ne-Yo’s way, but in Prince’s way – it doesn’t work.
So You Can Cry – *Yawn* Another ballad for the ladies. This is a comforting break up with great story telling with Ne-Yo’s signature sound. This song is a “chick hit” (similar to how movies can be a “chick flick”) because of its “cute” production.
Part of the List (listen)– Chick hit. I like the song – it’s very romantic. Real talk – if I wanted to write a nice poem for a girlfriend (possibly an ex), then I’d focus on this song with lyrics such as “Touching your face….invading your space /They’re a part of the list /Things that I miss… /Things like your, funny little laugh /The way you smile or the way we kiss”
Back To What You Know (listen)– Ne-Yo and Stargate are back with “Irreplaceable Part 345” with the acoustic guitar and the clever saying in the hook with Ne-Yo refusing to be the rebound while dating a chick. This reminds me of“Go On Girl” from BOY, but only better. I really, really like this song. I am sure Beyonce would have murdered this song. Great song, despite using the same formula.
Lie to Me – This song is actually kind of deep. Ne-Yo rather believes another lie to know the truth to avoid being hurt from his girl cheating. The Michael Jackson influence is obvious, but I think JT would have gotten the MJ pass and murdered this song. Amazing song and great lyrics.
Stop this World – Why isn’t Leonna Lewis or Celine Dion or Whitney Houston get this song? This song does a GRAND voice. Great song, but Ne-Yo’s vocals fall short of making this song amazing.
Verdict: Year of the Gentlemen is a good solid album. If you like Ne-Yo, then you won’t be disappointed.
I think Ne-Yo is bored with himself because a lot of “Gentlemen” sounded in the same lane as Because of You, despite the “Closer.” Ne-Yo is typecasted in the music industry as “Jude Law” – the good actor playing the heart broken guy in every role. For the next album, I challenge Ne-Yo to re-invent himself as a singer and as a songwriter because his formula has over-saturated the R&B and pop charts. Yes, we all know he is a great songwriter, but he won’t win over any new fans with the styles and songs he has perfected. Posted by thehonorable (Yes, I am still alive)
What do you think about Ne-Yo’s 3rd album? Does he live up to his own hype? Do you think Ne-Yo is bored with himself? Post your reviews.
I love this album. I also agree with the review, but i would still listen to all the songs. Lie To Me made me cry. The lyrics are beautiful and if you listen 2 the lyrics -its almost like you could feel his pain. Miss Independent is my ish and Part Of the List is hella romantic (lol.) Ne-Yo = a true gentleman.
I Highly agree with you, this album bored me
def. what I WASN’T expecting before I Listened, I was disappointed, but still a fan of Ne-yo though.
good review thehonorable…i tought it was reecie or maybe even thesis (just joking)
If I like the first two single off the album will I enjoy the whole album?
I personally think the album is a classic, but thank you for the nice review. Glad to see that Jamaican woman wasn’t the only person that bought the album.
”I think Ne-Yo is bored with himself because a lot of “Gentlemen” sounded in the same lane as Because of You, despite the “Closer.”
^I was hoping no one would notice. If you haven’t picked up the album than go ahead and do it. I need the money to be able to pay for my girl when I take her to a nice restaurant. I’m tired of washing dishes all the time. I also need to money to rent a new suit.
Thank you for postin this review
i agree with all what you said about the album
BUT
i really like fade into the background..1 of my favourites..
and yeah his version of single is better..
part of the list had to grow on me cos i thought it was same old but its sweet..
[to jamaican woman] dats good youre comin england isit this year?
my mums side of my family are from grenada and my dads side jamaica
Honorablemedia blog - I wouldn’t mind hearing your opinion on carter 3 and paper trail when it is release.
Am tired, I’ll give my opinion later on but for sure, Ne-yo does not need any new fans. He’s just fine the way he is!
daaaannnngg… you were tough
besides the singles, I love Single, Nobody, and Mad… but there were a couple joints that really made me yawn like you said.. I think the album starts off strong and then starts to fade…
Not his best project but there’s a couple joints in there that I’ve had on heavy rotation
I am on my ‘Joe Thomas – New Man’ fix right now but here’s something I wrote a week ago:
Ne-Yo is a master of simplicity. The artist has a knack for writing simple but seductive songs with the kind of lyrics we can all identify with. Problem is, his songs can become predictably generic and short-lived. YOTG is a nice pop effort with the best of intentions however its results are delivered with restrained detachment. “Single” fares better as a New Kids On The Block collaboration, while “Stop This World”, although potentially what could have been a great song, is lost in its own gimmickness.
It’s at times sweet, at times desperate, rarely complicated. Evidence of the artist’s musical redirection is visible from the brilliant lead single; with its percussive rhythms and short synth tone melodies, Closer is easily the most accessible track, with a shoulder-shaking, head-nodding quality and a breakdown which allows listeners the ability to appreciate the various subtle production nuances. However, the artist doesn’t entirely obscure away from familiarity.
The middle half flows with the gentle insinuation and production that has made his two previous efforts drip with the artist’s understated sensuality and flair. The subject matter focuses principally on relationships; strained or otherwise; and features truths that many listeners will relate to.
On “Why Does She Stay”, Ne-Yo publicly laments on his own insecurities and misgivings as an unloving, uncommitted lover– what do they say? The first step is always acceptance – from that change can happen – it’s a strange thing, often at times guys can get lost in conversation, but remember all she needs is to be held and heard “everything’s going to be fine”. Perhaps two of the more memorable tracks are “Mad” followed by “Back 2 What U Know”, two of the four Star-gate productions on offer. The latter bubbles with liquid acoustics and a story none too familiar – some people just can’t be saved, who knows why people run back to their ex’s – it alway puzzled me - shit sometimes its take a tragedy for the goodness to show of people and then they come running back: “This is impossible/We will never work/You belong with him/So go back to what you know”. “Mad”, on the other hand, finds an apologetic Ne-Yo in the midst of emotional insomnia – silent treatment, unnecessary games, distrust: Nobody’s talking/Because talking just turns into screaming/And now I’m yelling over her/She’s yelling over me/All that ever means is/ neither one of us is listenin’/. The bonus track “She Got Her Own” with an inspired Jamie Foxx and Fabolous is another winner and should have made the tracklist.
The music suffers when covering the same ground. Ne-Yo would greatly benefit from working with different writers to expand his craft and repertoire. Still, there is enough here for fans and new listeners to appreciate. Recommended.
I recommend this album too! TWO THUMBS WAY WAY WAY UP!
I was kind of doubtful that it wouldn’t be as good as it is but it is even better. My absolute favorite songs are ” MAD, FADE INTO THE BACKGROUND, STOP THIS WORLD, MISS INDEPENDENT AND MY ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FAVORITE SONG IS{ LIE TO ME}!!
Songs one through five are hot! Just makes me want to get up and dance. And then Ne-yo totally killed his prince tribute song “fade into the background”. Two thumbs up! “Part of the list” is a very deep and heartfelt song. I loved it. It show cased his excellent vocal abilities. “Back to what you know” is another brilliant song. Ne-yo sounded perfect on “stop this world”. Loving this song. This will be my wedding song for sure. “Why does she stay” is my least favorite song its still good. ” So you can cry” gives me that Stevie Wonder/ John Legend vibe. A relaxing song. The more you listen to it is the more you appreciate it. Last but certainly not least is My FAVORITE FAVORITE SONG { “LIE TO ME”}. I Loveeeeeeeeeeeeee this song. I can’t get enough of this song. Perfect, perfect, perfect!!!! I give this album 4.8 out of 5 and just because his first album is still my favorite. This one is real close to it though.
All and all this album is a CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@t thehonorable:
I know you were just kidding about that JT comment right???
In no way is JT a better singer than Ne-yo. He is so over-rated that its unbearable. Ne-yo killed that song! It sounded perfect. As for “stop this world” I think he did an exceptional job on that song. And as for “Mad” I begged and pleaded for him to put that song on his album it was my favorite too. But after hearing “lie to me” it is now “one” of my favorites. I love that song too. I really think this album is a big step up from his second album. The songs are not the same. They sound better. This is an CLASSIC album. Definitely the best album of the year so far!
@t keish sometime next year. Not sure when. As for this album just read my review up top and you will see how I feel about it.
@t vu definitely a CLASSIC! I liked Usher’s one but NE-YO’S is better.
@t reecie support you boy and pick up a copy its hot!
@t stall the answer is yes! You will love it. Pick up a copy you won’t regret it.
“but I think JT would have gotten the MJ pass and murdered this song. Amazing song and great lyrics”
^Can’t argue with that.
^ sorry to say that he wouldn’t have one bit! I used to be a huge fan of nysnc (JT boy bands group) back in the day and when I look back now I realize that he was not the best singer at all. He was not naturally talented in singing one bit! He was “taught” how to sing urban, (yes I said it! Black people) music! Justin is not a R&B singer at all. And most of his music certainly ant. And further more I have yet to hear (with the exception of stall and thehonorable) any one at all compare JT to MJ in any way at all! I’ve heard many people say that Ne-yo, CB and Usher are the next MJ and that they are talented esp. Ne-yo like MJ. Ne-yo’s voice is not only unique but its the closet of any one of the others mentioned above, to MJ. Am positive that if MJ thought that JT had any incline of talent like Ne-yo he would off asked him to help him with his album instead. Enough said! Peace
lol..
thank you jw for the review i agree with you about ‘lie to me’ that is a big tune!
and i also thought ‘why does she stay’ was one of the weakest it’ll have to grow on me..
and i’m glad he put mad on there then
@keish his whole album is HOT! In my humble opinion. Only one song is just ok for me right now but am sure it will grow on me as you as well. I’ve just been listening to his album since I FINALLY got it! I was so tempted to listen to all his songs on-line when I couldn’t get his album (because of hurricane) but I decided not to because I wanted to be surprised and it was worth the wait! I love it not because it’s Ne-yo’s album but just because its an brilliant album! I gave someone some money to buy it at a store that had it near them last week and he still hadn’t given me the album and then to make things worst he went out of town with it yesterday. My little 9 year old cousin went to target with his father and saw the album had reached their (finally) and bought it for me and with his own money. I was so happy when he came and gave it to me. So when I get the other album am going to have 2 albums. I guess I can save one for my autograph lol. Anyways keep enjoying your album.
@ everyone who’s complaining:
if Ne-yo sings pop music people complain that he should remain true to himself and sing R&B and when he remains “true to himself” and does just that they complain! He just can’t please the whole world people! Give him a break and listen to the whole album with an open mind!
@ thehonarable. although I don’t agree “with everything” you know you’ll be the first one at his concert when he comes their for one! And you still have that adorable Ne-yo look! Lol
WOW! I can’t believe all these comments.
@stallion - I can give you a quick review (or my opinion) of The Carter 3 - OVER-RATED. Carter 2 > Carter 3. C3 reminds me of a dude that is high trying to be smart.
@ddot - LOL@Thesis writing this review. Big up to Thesis out in Beantown!
@Eb - Yea, I can be tough when analyzing music, especially when I am a fan. I have extremely high expectations for Ne-Yo. But overall - I enjoyed the album and I think its a good review. BTW, you blog is hot! Alot of good music on there! So great you got a chance to interview Joe.
@viciuzurban - Well-written review. I agree with you on the details on “Gentlemen,” but it doesnt sound like you enjoyed the album, despite recommending it. BTW, I think NKOTB sound corny and forced on their version of “Single.”
@JW - I’ve been waiting to hear what you had to say about this album. Just know that whenever I see Ne-Yo or hear his song, I think of you and your love for Shaffer….Smith that is. LOL.
@Stallion (2) - thanks for the co-sign.
“Lie to Me” is a great song with great lyrics and I think Ne-Yo did a great job with it. But towards the end of the song, Ne-Yo got MJ on us. I think JT would have been a better fit. Let’s be real - JT has borrowed a couple of pages out of MJ book, just like many R&B artists - and how can they not? MJ is one of the most influential artists of all time. I think that when an artist like Ne-Yo or Usher uses a couple of MJ moves, he is compared and scrutinized, but when JT does it - he gets a pass and everyone loves him. I am not hating on JT - he is a talented guy, but he is the best white guy that can pull of MJ without anyone hating.
I hope “Lie to Me” or “Go Back 2 What U Know” is his next single with a video.
@xkeish - I agree with you. “Why Does She Stay” has to be the worst song on the album. Those lyrics…gosh…man up! Vic summarized it very well.
@JW (2) - That is sweet that your 9 year old cousin got the album for you. I want to go to MTV.com and submit you for Ne-Yo’s biggest fan. I am sure that would be worth every second of MTV and Ne-Yo’s time. LOL.
I seen Ne-Yo in concert twice already - he gives a great show.
I think its great that most people are on the same accord with this album. We tend to favor Ne-Yo, but we want more from him. I think him “stepping outside the box” working with other songwriters and producers will make Ne-Yo a superstar.
And JW - Thanks for the compliment
@t thehonorable:
Am not hating JT but he’s not all that! He could have never pulled of that song at all! That song was sung so perfectly! If you had said Robin Thicke, I might have made an exception but I just can’t with JT. I used to be one of his boy bands biggest fans I even had all their albums but when I look back on it now, he was never a “naturally” great singer at all. He was forced.
As for Ne-yo not living up to some peoples expectations, including yours. What do you expect or want from him???????
People tend to forget that he is still a very young man and he hasn’t been out that long and to me he has accomplished way more than you could have asked any artist to. He’s not only making top of the line albums he’s also working with the most talented and famous artists they are out their. Writing, collaborating and producing. Everyone wants to work with him and they are actually begging him too. From the spice Girls to MJ, Celine Dion, Shakira, NKOTB and the list goes on and on………..
Listen to this album with an open mind! Its a brilliant album! This is absolutely the best album out since this year. And even though we love Ursher, you gotta admit that Ne-yo’s album is better than his. I can listen to Ne-yo’s album without skipping over one song. That spells CLASSIC to me!!!
And has for your least favorite song that actually is mines to, after 2 more listens you will start appreciating and liking it more. I did after listening “to the words” of the song. It is a very deep song. Hard for some of us to grasp including myself, at first listen, but eventually you will, trust me. And Mr H Ne-yo is already a superstar. In China or Japan(forgot which one) Ne-yo has 11 songs on their top 20. In England he was no.1 for so long. People all over the world are begging him to come perform in their country, fr Russia to Brazil and the list goes on………
People of “ALL” age groups love him. My little cousins couldn’t stop listening and dancing to his album. And the youngest is 6. I had to tell them to stop re-winding the album because I didn’t want it to scratch.
As for me being his biggest fan I realized that I wasn’t after I joined his sight! Trust me on that one. I’ll explain y I said that another time.
Moving on, I would have liked “lie to me” to be his next single but I think his next single is a song called { SHE GOT HER OWN} feat. “Jamie fox and Fabolos”! He previewed the video to the song on his blogsite yesterday. The video was Hot Hot Hot hot! It feat. Cameos of Eve, kyesha cole, Tony (fr Girlfriends) Estelle and others. I wish he had put this song on his album because it’s a winner! Everyone loves it! You should check it out and also his blogsite! You will like it! And he even updated it the other day and it is the best sight I’ve ever seen. It’s Mad cool! And he even listened to me and two other women who gave him advice. He incorporated it in his new site. I even suggested that he should use one of his posts to answer some of his fans questions and BAM! The other day he put out that we should post our questions and that he will answer them live next week Tuesday! I was happy but sad because I have to work that day. I could go on and on about Shaffer but I’ll end here for now.
Anyways just be open minded when it comes to Ne-yo because he his on of if not the best artist we have out their right now.
Ps: and your very welcome! I meant what I said. Let me get back to listening to my Shaffer album! You do the same.lol
Jamaican woman - Since this is a neyo post I’m not trying to turn this into a JT post. I have nothing against Neyo, but I just like JT better. We all know (even JT knows) that JC was the best singer in the group. Enough about JT let’s go back to talking about Neyo.
Honorable -To be honest I haven’t listen to his last two albums so I can’t really compare. I hear some people like carter 2 better. His album maybe the best hip hop album of the year, but that is probably due to the weak competition. I think TI might have a better album. In fact I think Wayne was the only rapper this year to make noise.
This should give Stephen more incentive to post.
I did warn you I was on my Joe Thomas - New Man fix, that album’s crazy. Compared to finer releases from Raphael Saadiq and the Tony Rich Project, YOTG is just pleasant. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, Closer, Mad and She Got Her Own definitely make up for it - it’s slightly better than Usher’s project. Ne-Yo’s always been pop to me so it was a step in the right direction but it could have been more edgier. The problem is when you release an album consecutively each year between ’06-’08 , your own standards fall and you tend to be drained creatively . To quote yo good self -
“Yea, I can be tough when analyzing music, especially when I am a fan.”
As for JT, heaven sake people are still dickriding the guy. Its 2008. FLSS was boorrring. Im really interested in hearing what JC delivers on his next record, but shit its been 2 years in the making. Schizophrenic had good pop instincts and utilised great producers. The album had the style and interpretation that Ne-Yo should have sought inspiration from.
As for Paper Trail, minus the horrible Rihanna and Usher Trackts, it’s quite good. Definitely in the top 5 releases so far this year. LAX, Nigger and Raw Footage are also good contenders.
“Stop this world”! Definite CLASSIC! Perfect marriage song
And yes am still playing his album, hope I don’t scratch it!
@t stall:
THANK GOD! (that you realize this ant a JT post) Then keep being his fan! I really don’t care what you say. I know better. JT sucks ass! And Ne-yo rocks big time.
@t vu: I think Ne-yo’s album is more than slightly better than Ushers! Ne-yo got a A- on his album review something Usher did not accomplish. But enough said you will see for yourself. Mark my words!
And Rihanna rocked big time.
@t everyone else who has something negative to say about Ne-yo, you all will bite your words! The end.
hahah ur so gullible keisha.
@jw
oh yeah the hurricane!..dats good your cousin got it then and lucky!
lol yeah it dont hurt to have two..i will enjoy it thanks you too
@t VU you too funny! My name?
Ps: haven’t been able to listen to another album since I got this one. Played it all night. Oh and I watched him and NKOTB perform this song on T.V. and it did sound pretty good.haha, I bet you didn’t know I’ll say that.
YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN= #1 ALBUM On Japanese International Chart!!
#1 On Japan iTunes combined chart!
Closer # 1 spot on the ring tone!
11 songs in The Top 20!
Congratulations Ne-yo for your success and superb album, and for proving that you are most definitely a Superstar! This year belongs to you, “YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN”!!!.
@ thehonorable:
I hope ya reading this! I’ve got some news but I don’t know if I want to put that news on blast, but you probably heard already anyway. Let’s just say I hope and PRAY that its nothing but a vicious rumor!
Signing off depressed……
@honorable
Shaff’s next single will either be “MAD” or “LIE TO ME!
right now “MAD” is in the lead and I think this will be his next single.
PS: check out his sight and see the link to his live chat he had the other day. He said a lot of ‘eye opening’ and interesting things.
i love this album especially nuber 12 it rocks. he is even better than chris brown.
wowowowowow
^ I agree but CB is still a talented young man.
@ Mr H: ne-yo did an interview I think in peoples mag where he discussed why he maintains this sound. It has a lot to do with his RECORD LABEL. They wanna keep him in this box but he wants to spread his wings further because he said he has so much more to offer of himself but they don’t want him to. He also said that people out their are encouraging him to sleep with every other celebrity out their and go to clubs and party it up all night but he said that he is not that type of Man and will not become that type of Man. Basically, he said that he will “not be like no DIDDY”!
* you can check this informative story out at your sister blog at (SOHH.COM) Just click on the Ne-yo tag. The post is marked Sept.17th
1. Jamaican woman…you are WAY too hype. WAY TOO HYPE.
2. For the record, Justin Timberlake has worked with MJ a couple of times. Not anything for an MJ album, but I’m sure he would’ve asked Timberlake to work with him if timing was right, etc.
3. Ne-yo has played himself out. He’s writing for everyone now, which is good for him and the industry that pimps him out. But, I don’t know…if I hear another song written by Ne-yo I’m gonna scream. Why is it so hard for people to write their own shit? Then maybe Ne-Yo’s won’t lack because he can use his best work for himself….Idk, I’ll stil download the album.
4. Jamaican woman…you are way too hype.
@ Melanie you know what! Your nothing but a freaken MORON!!!
May I say it again…..Moron!
If I choose to be hyped up on Ne-yo, that’s my choose. So now go get a f*cken life and go do something constructive with yourself and go get out those OBAMA votes!!!!
@ thehonorable you wrong for giving that COMPLETE PATHETIC MORON that smiley face. Her ass needs to be BLOCKED from this sight due to her stupidity. Anyways on another more pleasant note, you still have that Ne-yo look so I’ll let this one slide. Lol
@ non-registered voters
If you haven’t registered to vote as yet,GET TO SIGNING UP ASAP!!!!!!!! OCTOBER 6TH is the last day to register in TX and around the states.(You can go on the web and check out the last date to register in your own state!
Happy Birthday to the MOST talented artist and Most “HOTTEST” and “SEXIEST” Gentleman in the game right now SHAFFER SMITH aka “NE-YO”!
May God continue to grant him success and love always…….
PS: please make sure and go out and get his album YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN in stores right now…..its CLASSIC!
I love Ne-Yo’s entire album. My #1 favorite song is Closer. The reason I say that is because when I first heard it, I couldn’t believe that Ne-Yo came back that strong. It was faster than any other song he sang, and it had a different sound.