Because of You (2007)

The hit songs Ne-Yo writes for others are positively bursting with emotion — the defiant pride portrayed by Beyoncé in ''Irreplaceable,'' the agonizing guilt displayed by Rihanna in ''Unfaithful.'' Yet on his own Grammy-nominated 2006 debut, he came across as oddly guarded.

Ne-Yo's second album, by contrast, makes it very clear what's on his mind: Michael Jackson. Executive producer Jay-Z gets right to the point, rapping, ''Ne-Yo's like young Michael/I'm Quincy Hov'' (''Crazy''). Indeed, the album is an unmistakable attempt to channel Jackson's early Quincy Jones-helmed LPs — and the effort often pays off beautifully. Because of You's polished string sections and muted horns could have been recorded in 1979, but they sound elegant, not dated. And Ne-Yo's lithe falsetto puts the countless others who've been dubbed Jackson-esque to shame. His lyrics have a gentlemanly feel that's reminiscent of Thriller-era Jackson too: ''Leaving Tonight,'' his lovely brink-of-a-breakup duet with Jennifer Hudson, unfolds as a civil dialogue in the vein of MJ's ''The Girl Is Mine.''

Unlike Jackson, Ne-Yo sometimes lets his polite style shade into stiffness. But when he finally gives his id room to breathe on ''Say It'' and ''Sex With My Ex,'' he shows he can handle racy themes and aggressive beats without dumbing down or sleazing up his songwriting. Hopefully next time he'll feel ready to take a few more risks. B+

http://www.ew.com/ew/arti...93,00.html

- Ne-yo actually has talent unlike that other MJ clone I refuse to name, but i've been hearing good things about his new album so I might buy it afterall.

Im still not feeling it with this guy, theres alot of praise but im not hearing what sets him aside from others like Lloyd or Usher or Omarion, its really more about his way of singing and the production not so much his writing. When i hear that lazy production and vocal stylings that are a constant with mainstream RB males, i cant even get to lyrics. Now i know he has written some "hits" but his work on the Lionel Richie album was beyond bad, i would think if he understood production, rule 101 is you dont make a 55 year old try to sound like he's 19 and like everyone else on the chart, that is rule 1 with producing and writing for someone and he failed that.

I'm really unimpressed with him rangeless, emotionless voice and delivery

Thumbs down Ne-Yo

I really like Ne-Yo. He is a fantastic song-writer. He sometimes pushes the boundaries of influence, to the point where he comes off as an MJ impersonator (the "Because of You" video). But that's all good because he's loads better than all the other MJ rip-offs (JT, Chris Brown, Sisqo... lol @ Sisqo).

Here's some Ne-Yo penned songs that I really like...

Let Me Love You - Mario
So Sick - Ne-Yo
Sexy Love - Ne-Yo
Unfaithful - Rihanna
Irreplacable - Beyonce
Because of You - Ne-Yo

I can't wait to hear what he writes for Michael Jackson.
[Edited 4/24/07 19:49pm]

Out of the new batch of singers.. I really like this kid...I give him credit for writing his own material...I'm gonna support him
[Edited 4/24/07 20:09pm]

I still cant get into him though, hes just not showing me anything that sets him aside from the rest. I saw his video the other day and right after that they played Lloyd and then Trey Songz and i swear i thought it was all one long song.