Year of the Gentleman (by Ne-Yo, R&B)

THE YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN is Ne-Yo's third studio production and follows on his previous success, which includes seven Grammys. Here -- channeling the slick, polished crooners of half a century ago -- he's set out to make an album full of smooth, subtle tracks that embrace his sensitive and particular nature.

Elements of artists ranging from the Bee Gees and Michael Jackson to Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra can be heard on this LP. And while Ne-Yo's silky vocals are light and airy, don't be fooled: This album also has a lot of depth. The songs aren't all about euphoric highs and melodramatic lows; instead, there's a lot of gray matter, and Ne-Yo sings about ecstasy coupled with dread, takes a pragmatic stance against heartbreak, and rails against the extravagant lifestyle so prevalent in today's pop culture. The first single, "Closer," is a dance groove that varies slightly from a typical love song, with lyrics like "She wants to own me, come closer, she says, 'come closer.'" And on the track "Why Does She Stay," he even plays the anti-crooner, going so far as to question why someone would want to love him (anyone want to respond?).

This "refined gentleman" persona might be a manufactured image, but musically it's a refreshing change from the typical suave seducer. Ne-Yo's mature songwriting should be credited with creating an interesting, insightful collection of down-to-earth romantic ballads and pop tunes. Rest assured, this definitely isn't another predictable R&B album.

Released on: September 16, 2008
Label: Def Jam
Genre: R&B