R.E.D.

Riddles from Ne-Yo

This is going to be a journey back to the basic, to the music I was starting out with. This is the brief and seemingly clear way in which Ne-Yo described the material of his new studio work called R.E.D. When something like that is said there is always a question whether the musician voiced what he had wanted to do, or what the audience had wanted to hear. After all, remembering the success of his previous effort, Libra Scale, largely an experimental one, the artist did not seem to have lots of reasons to turn back. Probably, statements of this kind are no more than just an advertisement aimed at old fans who are known to value and treasure what was in the beginning. Either way, R.E.D. was promising to be an intriguing and exciting album from the very start. Sufficient to sat Ne-Yo spared no time, no effort and no ideas for this record. Just think of it: he had written one and a half hundred songs and then selected the best that was presented on the fresh CD.

The directness and sincerity of R.E.D. win the audience

A countless number of times, R.E.D. has R&B transforming into dance pop music and back, into its original shape, never really distracting listeners from the essential – enjoying the performance. The unification of genres by Ne-Yo is so winning not only because he is a fantastic song writer, but also because he penned most of the songs in cooperation with other authors. Basically, Ne-Yo has failed to record a set of slow and mid tempo R&B cuts, even if he did intend to do so. Yet the beginning of the set is indeed a reminder of pure R&B, not so much on form as in content. Cracks In Mr. Perfect first pleases with Ne-Yo’s classic soundtrack and then touches deep with his confessions. Everything, even golden-glistening fame, has its downside; and although we have heard a lot of tales about how difficult it is to put up with your own popularity, this song, unlike similar ones, stands out because there is not a trace of farfetchedness or artificiality. Lazy Love has the same strengths, but it is even more open and personal than the first one. However, as the set unfolds, R.E.D. steadily heads towards a more flamboyant, hit-like sounding.

A perfect combination

Having set up a sentimental tone, entrusted his deep secrets to the audience, Ne-Yo refuses to elaborate these issues and prefers to have a more relaxed dialogue. As a result, the majority of his new album’s tracks are perfect hybrids of R&B (in terms of lyrics and singing) and club energetic music (in terms of production, tempo and showiness). Single Let Me Love You (Until You Love Yourself) alone will be enough to help you understand how skillful Ne-Yo is when he mixes romantic texts, penetrating vocals and thick dynamic sound. Shut Me Down, and Be The One are two more great samples of unexpectedly emotional dance music, where catchy tunes and vibrant rhythms are supplemented by an impressive vocal work. The experimental part of the album is moderate, delivering only one, yet charming, country pop piece, She Is. So, instead of a true return, we have probably an even better offer, a collection of up-to-date and modern music with the soul of R&B and massiveness of pop hits..