♫ ALBUM REVIEW: NE-YO - YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN ♫
Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Ne-Yo has been penning hits for artists for a while now. He has the two most played songs with Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable,” but in 2006, Ne-Yo decided it was time to make himself known with his debut album, In My Own Words, and now, two albums later, he brings us Year of the Gentleman…
Admittedly, I was a not a fan of Ne-Yo as an artist at first. I wasn’t sold on his first single, “Stay,” but I was in love with, “So Sick,” much like the rest of the world. Ne-Yo really didn’t catch my attention until his second album, Because of You. I think it’s the Michael Jackson-ness of his some of his material that attracted me to his sound. Ne-Yo is undeniably a talented writer, but something about him to me just wasn’t the total package. When I got word that Ne-Yo was working on a third album, I can’t say that I was eagerly anticipating, especially after I started to feel like the tracks he was writing for others were all starting to sound the same. But with the release of “♫ CLOSER,” my attention shifted.
After a couple of performances of the song, Ne-Yo had gained my attention, but the single didn’t take off right away like they thought it would, but it seemed as though Def Jam had found a hit in the album’s second single, the crowd-pleaser “♫ MISS INDEPENDENT.” A flurry of material had leaked before the tracklisting was even solidified, some hits and some misses - it was a little hard to get a definite on the direction of the album.
All in all, Year of the Gentleman boasts some pretty good tracks and his a pretty cohesive effort. Ne-Yo is a writer first, so of course he isn’t going to give himself anything less that stellar as far as wordsmanship and content. The album is full of mid-tempos, which I’ve learned is pretty much home for Ne-Yo, it’s definitely his comfort zone. The album also has some nice ballads. Although it’s not one of those LP’s that I can listen to from start to finish, front to back, I am always impressed with Ne-Yo’s ability to craft a great R&B song.
Stand-out tracks include, of course, “Closer,” “Single,” “Fade Into the Background,” and the Polow Da Don-assisted “Single.”
Make sure you pick up Ne-Yo’s new album, Year of the Gentleman, in stores and online today!









85 Comments
COMMENT PAGES: [1] 2 » Show All
1.
cuvagurl08
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
im interested in seeing how this album sells.
2.
akakimmz
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
loveeeeeeeeeeee Ne-Yo.
I’m not a CD buyer, but I’ll actually buy this CD.
3.
marci0881
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Brian I can’t believe you won’t feeling Ne-Yo!?? Dats my dude! I can’t wait to get that new ablum to, the last one was okay but I love his new tracks so far.
4.
Dame( Please vote)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Closer is the bomb it grew on me I will be buying the cd this weekend.
Please make sure you have your voting situation in order.
5.
algie
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
love the new cd.his talent is so refreshing.fade into the background is da bomb
6.
BRIAN
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
#2, I think it’s just because at first, I didn’t see the full package with ne-yo.
before, I didn’t see him as a performer, but he has definitely proved me wrong!
7.
the_one
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I love Neyo, believe its hard to get pass what I think is him trying to hard all the time to be sexy, but I LOVE his music. I dance to Closer like everyday, he is a great artist who will continue to grow in talent not in ego.
8.
thickems
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Love Ne-Yo ! A big Fan! Will always support him ! He is definitely a Gentleman ! ! !
9.
Chelly
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I like Neyo’s music always have. He is keeping true R&B alive. I need to go get that CD or download it off ITunes.
10.
the_one
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I hope regarding my last sentence.
11.
Greatestloveofall
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
BIG BIG fan of Ne-Yo. Someone you can tell works very hard and puts his mind into his craft. I look forward to hearing this album!
12.
DeShawn
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
From the sounds of it… its sounds like a really nice album… I wish him all the success
13.
J
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I love his newest album. It took a minute for Ne-Yo to grow on me as well, but I have become a fan. HIs songs seem to always tell a story….
14.
math
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I listened to it yesterday and I think you’re far too nice with your review =/
I seriously wasn’t impressed. Good writer, yes but he fails elsewhere imo.
15.
BEAUTY Q.T.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I LOVE Neyo!!! He’s know for making hits. I’m with CHELLY - he does keeps R&B alive. I will be coping the album.
16.
pretty as a pistol
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Isnt “sinqle” one of New Kids on the block’s sonqs on their album? I think they performed on tha today show too.
17.
Let me just say this.... (I don't care if ya get mad)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I will be purchasing his cd… I love his music. His vocals have a unique sound and his writing is like storytelling.
His writing goes back to a slew of other hits and sounds for other artists/singers so I’m glad he decided to come to the forefront and actually has real talent….
18.
Chinky_Brown
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Listening to the CD as I’m typing….
The CD is a solid Ne-Yo effort…so as a fan..I’m bias and I like the sound of it! Especially the songs “Why Does She Stay” and “Lie to Me”
19.
complexndope
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Brian don’t you mean second album: Because Of You.
Anywho. LOVE Ne-Yo’s music & have from the jump.
In My Own Words had some many GREAT tracks: “Stay, So Sick,Mirror,Sign Me Up,I AINT GOTTA TELL YOU,GET DOWN LIKE THAT,Sexy Love,LET GO, and Time”
Because of You had: “the title track, Can We Chill, Do You, MAKE IT WORK, say it, GO ON GIRL”
I’ll most def be bumping this new album. He brings a freshness to R&B
20.
NUDARKAQUA
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I’M LISTENING TO IT ON RHAPSODY RIGHT NOW…SO FAR PRETTY GOOD!
NE-YO DOES HAVE A 80′S MICHAEL JACKSON FEEL TO HIS MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
HE’S DEFINITELY UNTOUCHABLE WRITER AND HE’S SLOWLY GOING INTO A GOOD ARTIST…HIS BET PERFORMANCE WAS ONE OF THE BEST!!!
21.
Brandon
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Fade into the Background sounds like a Prince song. I swear Nobody sounds just like Michael Jackson’s song This Time Around from the HIStory cd. You can definitely tell his major influences are both MJ and Prince. But it’s definitely in a good way. I think he does them justice.
22.
david
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
single is off the chain, and i just found out that it’s the New kids on the block new single, check out the video it pretty nice…..
23.
helloo
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
i can listen 2 his first cd from front 2 back
24.
*Sigh*
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Neyo’s songs are just okay, imo. He’s never had a single that I just absolutely loved, that would inspire me to spend $15 on his CD. Wish him the best of luck on the new LP
25.
NUDARKAQUA
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
SO FAR…”FADE INTO THE BACKGROUND” WILL BE ON REPEAT IN MY CAR!!
26.
PBS
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
This album is leaps and bounds better than his last LP. The singles on his last album were decent, but the rest of the songs weren’t that great.
27.
Slanted
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
he has a song tom’bout being mad for no reason…..i absolutely adore…..this guy i work with gets cds b4 they’re released and when i heard that song (dont know title), it has stayed on repeat……
28.
Dame( Please vote)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
@19
I love Say It too Neyo is the bomb
29.
Atouchofjazz
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I am a huge Ne-Yo fan and I can’t wait to leave work tonight so I can go out and buy this CD. I think this young man is so gifted!! I wish him much success w/ this album.
30.
Let me just say this.... (I don't care if ya get mad)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
*#24 The first week of release most cd’s are 9.99 or 7.99 depending on the artist…..
31.
BigDaddyReg
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
just got my pre release from itunes a few min ago, I think this album will be great
32.
ashleigh
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
time to dust off the ol’ boombox
33.
Jamie872006
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I love the song single…And I love Ne-Yo anyway
34.
Fly Guy
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Ive been listening to this for at least 2 weeks now, and I can’t say that i’m in love with it. The slow tempos and uninteresting concepts dont pull me in as his first album did, and the way his second album half did. I actually enjoyed Lloyd’s album alot better if I were to compare the 2
- http://www.mrswagger.com
35.
FINE-N-MELLOW
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Love Ne-Yo and im feeling this CD
36.
Anthill
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Yeah, the Single track is just the reference track. He is featured on the New Kids on The Block one tho.
37.
TELLINITLIKEITIS
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I don’t know how this man managed to make a career of singing simple illiterate lyrics through his nose over toy keyboard beats.
38.
TELLINITLIKEITIS
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I guess that was a bit harsh - I take it back. I don’t think his music is involved enough to warrant all the success. Closer is actually a good song but it’s the only thing I’ve heard from him that I liked… I think all his other singles were overrated…especially “Take a Bow” and “Irreplaceable”… I think “Unfaithful” is the only thing he’s done that was even remotely inspired and I suspect it was Rihanna’s awkward delivery that sealed the deal on that. Basically, I think people are assuming he’s a minimalist when he’s really just average…
39.
*Sigh*
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
@ 37
LMAO!!!!
But hey if that’s how you feel then…shame the devil & tell the truth!
40.
Prince of Soho
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Yo that song called Single is New Kids on The BloCK song…..i see yall looking at me crazy but they got a video for it with Neyo …the song is tight ….i dont like Neyo too much tho……his voice is too soft to me, genuis writer producer composer though
Mirror is that ish !
41.
kmniles
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Be a man Ne-Yo…take off the hat! LOL.
On the real, he does make good music.
I’ll probably get his and Robin Thicke’s CD.
42.
D-Mac
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
“Fade Into The Background” is the shyt. It’s like a continuation of “Do You” from the last album. Overall this album is not as good as the first two (the first one is a classic) but if you’re a Ne-Yo fan, you’ll enjoy this album. Now, Go Buy It!!!
43.
bruck_out
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
brain your insane ne-yo’s album is the best r&b album this year. stand out tracks include lie to me, so you can cry and part of the list.
44.
FuschiaLove
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
LOVE CONCRETELOOP…
LOVE NEYO!
45.
bruck_out
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
i also love single but i kinda like it more with the new kids on the block feature.
46.
Dev
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Didn’t New Kids on the Block record single with NeYo? I prefer that version, cant say i’m a big NeYo fan.
47.
OMG!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Love Ne-yo…but I still can comment objectively. His vocals are not the strongest-but they work for him! He’s doing his thang and doing it well.
48.
lala
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
congratulations to him. i got it for free just because he is relevant to the music movement.
other than that ne-yo gets away with being gay and a succesful writer and performer so i have to admire his gameplan.
49.
TRUTHFULLY CUTE08
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
NO@#41 u see his shape head?? NO He needs to leave his hat ON!
He’s songs is good but they’re not something I would call my favorite but my favorite NeYo song is “Let It Go” that’s that joint. I don’t buy cd’s anymore so I won’t be buying his cd…
50.
ANGELA(U.K.)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Can you say classic?????? Wow!!! What an amazing album!! Hands down,my favorite record on this album besides Miss Independent,is So You Can Cry!! I love that song,can’t stop listening to it! This has to be a single!!! Big international record,i can
hear this all over radio!!
My other favorite songs are:
Lie To Me
Why Does She Stay
Fade to the Background
Everyone please go get this classic!!!!!
51.
Tina08
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I love this album!!OMG!!! This is one of the best albums of the year!This is a must
buy…
Top three songs on the album
So You Can Cry
Lie to Me
Miss Independent
But be honest,u cant go wrong with any other records…from beginning to end!!
52.
JOJO
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I just bought the album and I have to say I am very impressed.. I luv it!! But then again, I am a huge NeYo fan….
53.
Let me just say this.... (I don't care if ya get mad)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I just listened to a few snippets, now I’m not sure I want to buy it..lol.. well it’s only 9.99 so I guess it will be alright….I loved both cd’s so I’ll add this to the collection just cuz even though I can tell it’s not going to be a favorite….. #38 Neyo has also written for Mary J, Music, Heather Headley, B2K, Mario and Faith etc…. so the list goes on…He has been sought after for his writing and arranging for quite sometime…. just an FYI
54.
Allison
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
All I have to say is Wow!!!! We might have a new king of r&b!! All hail King Ne-yo!!!!
Seriously this album is amazing!!! We needed this album in music…breathe of fresh
air…From Closer to Miss Independent to So You Can Cry….Flawless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the best r&b album in awhile!!! Love Lie to Me,Why Does She Stay,Stop This World!!!
Every song has single potential…But my favorite of them is So You Can Cry!!!
Ne-yo kills this record!!! Standing Ovation(clap)!!!!
55.
I'm Gonna Give You The Truth
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
These reviews make me wanna go out and get this right after work!
56.
Supyall
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
thanks brian. it was concise and to the point.
57.
tjack25
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Ne-Yo always comes with it. He can do no wrong with me…
58.
Mutada al sader the king
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Ne-yo is a solid dude, I love the michael jackson like backround vocals and he’s got good lyrics the song he did on ushers album his mistake is a classic ..
59.
john
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
i think the album is ok. I like the songs that are linked on this website but…I was kind of bored. I think I liked his last one better.
60.
NiciZdakewlness
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Closer sounds just like the shyt RiRi and CB have been putting out, just lyrically enhanced since he’s a songwriter…but…I really loved Because of You so i’ll be coppin this CD also
61.
ALUSHA
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I went out & bought this album early this morning & I have to say this album is simply amazing….No skips!!! I am very impressed wit this album.Just when u think he can’t get any better it does…he does!!!! Can’t stop playin this album already!!!
I love Miss Independent….But i have to say that the songs that stick in my head is
So You Can Cry & Fade to the Background….I like Why Does She Stay alot,too!
Ne-yo shows growth on this album…I love it!!!
62.
Msz. Hewstin *Counting Down Hours 'til Beyonce's Cd Release*
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I Adore Ne-Yo, But his lyircs sometimes are very sexual for what reason..not like I don’t like them but I can’t listen to his music when I want too all the time because of my nieces and nephews..it’s annoying as hell.
He’s a GRRRRRRRREATT writer though, I def will be copping this Cd. He’s one of the few artist out today that MAKES SENSE and using his musical talent in a good way, sometimes atleast.
63.
TeTe(Padded Room.October 28th)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
i love Ne-Yo,been a fan of his since the first album,he has so much talent.its weird but i can see him receiving those lifetime achievement awards years from now…i really see him as the Michael Jackson of our generation…
as for the new album,not what i was anticipating but because i loved both of his previous albums,im still going to support him and i do plan on buying this album.one of the only albums i’ll be buying this year…
my favorite songs:Miss Independent,Fade Into The Background,Stop This World, Single,and Lie To Me…….i can see Fade Into The Background as a single….even though it has that Prince feel(When Doves Cry)
64.
TeTe(Padded Room.October 28th)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
@34,we’re the opposite because i HATED lloyd’s last album.lol…i mean i really only like about 2 or 3 songs and i cant even remember those because i really HATE his new stuff..prefer his first two albums…
65.
dyvinesun
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I think ill listen to it online first then see if its worth buying..I really liked lloyds cd too.
66.
MizzBlaze
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
This CD sucks. I downloaded it and promptly deleted it so it wouldn’t take up any more space on my hard drive. “Miss Independent” and “Fade Into the Background”are the only good songs on the CD. The New Kids On the Block version on “Single” sounds a lot better than his version. Ne-Yo should just stick to writing songs for more talented singers.
67.
MICHELLE
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
So Far “So You Can Cry” is on repeat in the car……..Can’t stop listening to it
68.
NATALIE
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I love this album. Ne-yo is one of my favorite artist! Year of the Gentleman is a classic. Favorite records so far are; So You Can Cry,Fade to the Background,Miss Independent(of course,lol!) & Lie To Me..
69.
KiddLozer
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I juz got da cd, and though is not as perfect as i thought it would be… its really good.
I’ve been a fan of Ne-Yo’s since Sexy Love (datz my song rite there). First cd i got was Because of you. after hearing that i bought In My Own Words. I think Year of the Gentleman is his best Yet. “Closer” is one of the sickest song of the year. luv’d it from the first time i heard it. And everyone loves “Miss Indepedent”. All songs on the album are not as catchy as these two, but Ne-Yo’s song-writting skills shine. Songs like “Fade into The Back”, “Why Does She Stay” tell stories so real, with feelin’. Ne-Yo is one of the best song-writers of our time, he’s like this Generations BABYFACE.
My Favorites are “BAck to What You Know”, the sick ballads”PArt of The List” and “Stop this World”… and “Single” which prob will b a single, has hit written all over it.
… only bad thing, i wish that Ne-Yo would’ve included WHAT’S THE MATTER. best song of this project. would’ve been a great album closer.
70.
dee
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
Love it.
71.
Sarah Vaughan
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
ne-yo is dat dude….we FINALLY have a mainstream guy that celebrates women : )
good lookin’ boo..
72.
CillaFAB
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 /
I’m loving the song In The Background
Single is a cool track too
73.
SHE SHE
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 /
love neyo but those three songs that i heard. im not feeling it.. soon as i heard polo da don i turned it off. sorry neyo. try again!!!
74.
Peter
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 /
Now i have to say Neyo album was ok,,,,,i mean i was so in luv with the first album that i keep hoping to get the same results, but every time he fail now dont get me wrong the album is good but it not a easy run threw.. key songs are of course him singles plus “lie to me” _ “Mad” _ and “Single”. I just was hoping for somthing better..
Maybe songz like Mirrors, Say it, and the best “Time”
75.
Jada
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 /
I ABSOULUTELY ADORE THIS ALBUM, AS I ADORE HIS OTHER PROJECTS AS WELL. NE-YO IS SUPER TALENTED AND NEVER DISAPPOINTS ME. THIS IS ANOTHER CLASSIC EFFORT FROM HIM. KUDOS TO NE-YO FOR YET ANOTHER GREAT ALBUM. CAN’T EVEN NAME FAVORITES CAUSE I LOVE THE WHOLE THING.
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