In My Own Words review

Ne-Yo takes his songwriting to a whole new level on his solo album

Ne-Yo is a 23-year old Las Vegas transplant (by way of Arkansas) who was given his name because one of his producers said the singer saw music like the movie character Neo saw the Matrix. His love and insight has made Ne-Yo (whose real name is Shaffer C. Smith) one of the most sought after songwriters today. A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing at an early age. A vivid imagination and creative energy has allowed Ne-Yo to write songs for multi-platinum artists such as Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq. Also responsible for the #1 most played song at radio in 2004, Mario’s Let Me Love You, which he co-wrote with Scott Storch, Ne-Yo takes his songwriting to a whole new level on his solo album. Releasing In My Own Words, this dynamic entertainer is ready to deliver. Infusing pop melodies to rich, soulful production the album is sure to score with fans and critics alike. Relying on mostly his own in-house crew Compound, Ne-Yo creates both a unique sound and sentiment for this record. With In My Own Words Ne-Yo now just has to prepare himself for the stardom that is sure to follow. Citing Prince, Marvin Gaye, The Rat Pack, and Stevie Wonder in his list of favorite entertainers, Ne-Yo's album invokes a nostalgic feeling, a renaissance if you will.

Matters of the heart are the primary theme of In My Own Words

Songs like the first single Stay, his energetic ode to music that cleverly samples DeBarge’s Stay With Me, exemplify Ne-Yo's nuanced, layered vocals and sample free production. So Sick, a beautiful track in which he laments hearing love songs on the radio due to the feelings they conjure, reveals his voice to be clean and almost elated, but rich and weathered at the same time. But true to his charismatic character, the album shows many sides of Ne-Yo and even finds him lighter, more playful, even coy, on When You're Mad. His attention to detail is key, as demonstrated on the well placed church-rooted organs of Let Me Get This Right or the multilayered harmonies of When You’re Mad. But it’s Ne-Yo’s natural ability to bring together the key ingredients that proves he’s a musician wise beyond his 23 years. So Sick, for instance, offers a catchy melody, heartfelt delivery, and deft lyricism all in one. As one might expect, matters of the heart are the primary theme, but Ne-Yo proves that the market can handle another romantic neo-soul crooner, especially one this talented. Most debut albums are filled with loads of guest appearances that are normally used to reinforce the artist, that's not the case with In My Own Words. Expect to hear nothing but cleverly written verses and hooks accompanied by some slick, smooth, mesmerizing production.

Ne-Yo is definitely the future of R&B

Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and challenges popular music with his writing and vocal talents. Ne-Yo is definitely the future of R&B, there is no doubt about it. He has too much talent for his music not to spread worldwide and this is just the introduction for bigger things to come. Ne-Yo’s approach to the game is quite mature for his age and the way he describes things show he has the mind of a grown man. The grooves on In My Own Words are mostly down- to mid-tempo, with plenty of room to showcase Ne-Yo’s way with a lyric and melody. He is distinguished by youthful energy. With one listen, it becomes apparent that Ne-Yo’s love for music isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Much more than today's male singer, Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing creativity through drawings, paintings, martial arts and songs. Already a budding actor, Ne-Yo recently wrapped filming for Save The Last Dance 2, the follow up to the 2001 smash film.