review: Ne-Yo- “Year Of The Gentleman”

rating: 9/10

Ne-Yo’s latest album “Year of the Gentleman,” is sure to spice up the playlist of any boring iPod.

The R&B singer’s third album is one of the sexiest summer albums around. However, the slow jams and club songs are still the perfect tunes to add a little heat to the upcoming chills of fall.

Interestingly, the album does not feature a title track, but Ne-Yo was able to get the theme across in this concept album, as it sticks to the concept that a gentleman is to be suave, passionate and

work through difficult fights.

Through the tracks “Mad,” and “Why Does She Stay,” Ne-Yo explains that just because the person you love is upset does not mean you should call it quits. He explains the intimacy of a fight between couples that truly care for each other, and that sometimes in the midst of a fight, the most beautiful moments can arise.

By including the track “Single,” Ne-Yo lets his emotions soar as he speaks about wanting to have someone to take care of. He remains a gentleman in every sense of the word as he sings about wanting to be there for a woman and treat her with respect instead of singing about just wanting to be with her for the night.

Using the track “Back to What You Know,” the sensitive issue of letting the past not affect your present is brought up. Ne-Yo’s voice is filled with longing for the one he loves. He wants her to think of him when they are in their most passionate moments, and to not be thinking of the guy she used to be with. With the blended sound of Jesse McCartney and Nick Lachey, Ne-Yo’s voice sweetly speaks to even the hardest heart.

Bringing up the beat, the track “Closer” uses a techno beat to make the album more energetic and make the listener feel like he or she is down at the local dance club. Although none of the other songs on the album follow to this style, it does not feel randomly placed onto the album.

So, for anyone who wants his or her iPod to be treated properly, place Ne-Yo’s album on the playlist and watch yourself fall in love.