Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that even though Ne-Yo keeps it clean on most of the CD's tracks, he also sprinkles in some very sexy talk, stopping just short of "yikes!": "I wanna 'pologize/For bein' blessed with the ability to satisfy accurately/And quickly find the spot." It's also true, though, that he can't help sounding sexy -- his voice is so gorgeous that he could make singing the phone book appealing.
Families can talk about using explicit lyrics to get your point across. Do you think Ne-Yo has to use graphic lyrics to say what he needs to say? Can he tone it down and still make an impact? How does his sex talk reflect how he feels about women?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Ne-Yo's sophomore effort, BECAUSE OF YOU, is an impressive collection of soulful, exquisitely-performed songs -- proving without a doubt that this talented young man's rightful place is center-stage. In addition to being an excellent songwriter whose songs have become hits for many contemporary R&B stars, Ne-Yo is a consummate vocalist and performer.
Lyrics run the emotional gamut between sexy and playful ("It's not as if I'm not totally aware/That you want my hands right here and my mouth right there/Girl don't play shy, show me how bold you can be/Open your mouth and tell me where you want me" on "Say It"); sexy and wistful ("Heard that you just had a baby girl/If she looks anything like her mother/She's the prettiest thing in the world/Swear that I'm not tryin' to start no trouble/Tell your fiancé he can relax/I'll leave you alone for good I promise" on "Do You"); and just plain sexy ("Oh and you...suddenly just lose control/Beggin' me to smack it and pull yo hair/Babe, understand you got a new man (tellin' me that your in love, OK)/Oh girl that's your thing/Long as you understand I get mine anytime" on "Sex with My Ex").
The absolute high point is "Leaving Tonight," a lovers-quarrel duet with recent Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls). There's palpable chemistry at work as their amazing voices intertwine -- dramatic and intense without ever going all the way over the top. The instrumental tracks are all tasteful and appropriate, with enough musical surprises to keep things intriguing. There's no doubt that Ne-Yo is an exceptional talent, even more so as a singer than as a songwriter.
For more soulful R&B, fans might want to check out John Legend and Musiq Soulchild.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentInnuendo stops just short of explicit on a few songs ("I wanna 'pologize/For bein' blessed with the ability to satisfy accurately/And quickly find the spot"); Ne-Yo has one of the sexiest voices in contemporary R&B. |
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ViolenceHe's a lover, not a fighter. |
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Social BehaviorAll over the road with occasional sexist imagery among all the sexy imagery; in between adoring-boyfriend stuff. |
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CommercialismMentions Bluetooth once. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA couple of references to drinking. Talks about addiction -- to love. |
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