Because of You

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Soulful, sensitive, and sexy. Did we mention sexy?
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

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.

  • All over the road with occasional sexist imagery among all the sexy imagery; in between adoring-boyfriend stuff.
  • He's a lover, not a fighter.
  • Innuendo 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.

What's the story?

Ne-Yo's sophomore effort, BECAUSE OF YOU, runs the emotional gamut -- from sexy and wistful to sexy and playful, but mostly just sexy ("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"). The absolute high point is "Leaving Tonight," a lovers' quarrel duet with Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls).There's palpable chemistry as their amazing voices intertwine -- dramatic and intense without ever going over the top.


Is it any good?

 

Because of You is an impressive collection of soulful, exquisitely performed songs. The instrumental tracks are all tasteful and appropriate, with enough musical surprises to keep things intriguing. The CD is proof positive that, without a doubt, Ne-Yo has a rightful place on center stage. Already acknowledged as an excellent songwriter whose songs have become hits for many contemporary R&B stars, Ne-Yo can now be recognized as a consummate vocalist and performer.


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What families can talk about

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?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
i laughed
i think it is great!!!

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Kid, 12 years old
August 19, 2009
 
Just Great
I love this song its great!! Ne-yo is one of my favorites :-)

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
i liked it's melodic ryhthm

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
A must-read book for evry 8 year old.
I think that he is a good perso so keep doin your thang mr.Ne-yo

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Ne-Yo
Release date:April 24, 2007
Label:Def Jam
Genre:R&B
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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