Ne-Yo’s third studio album probably couldn’t have a better title. 2008’s Year of the Gentleman is packed with songs of love, graciousness, and puppy dog likeability.
By having delved deep into the female mindset penning songs for Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, and Beyonce, it’s probably no surprise that Ne-Yo would be fully equipped to take the more sensitive road and truly deliver what the ladies want. Year of the Gentleman proves that he’s been paying attention and taking abundant notes, representing a sober love for women more than a crude lust for bedpost notches.
Ne-Yo’s aim with his latest is to capture the vibe set by the Rat Pack, indicating the sort of suit-and-tie slickness that Sinatra and Davis Jr. perfected. And to be sure, the 28-year-old singer/songwriter has come pretty damn close to echoing the smooth ways of those cats.
Year of the Gentleman is as strong an album of love songs as has come out in many years. With other R&B and pop stars trumpeting their egos and flirting with purported “mischievous” ideas, Ne-Yo’s record spins with the excellence and mindfulness of somebody finally acting their age. There is heart, strength, and maturity to his words.
The songs are constructed brilliantly, with uncomplicated production. Featuring no guest stars, Year of the Gentleman is an album with an easy, elegant concept based around tender tunes about love and kindness.
Surefire single “Mad” is an excellent example of this. Backed by an easy beat and gorgeous, affectionate piano, Ne-Yo delves into a touching chorus and gracefully steps through the song’s gorgeous lyrics. “I don’t want to go to bed mad at you,” he pleads. It is one of my favourite tracks of the year.
“Miss Independent” sparks ahead with a solid beat and piano foundation, as Ne-Yo delivers his ode to the self-sufficient, working woman. He isn’t shy about admiring a woman’s leadership, popping out lines like “She move like a boss, that’s why I love her” with smoothness and delicate awe.
Other tracks find Ne-Yo taking the blame for a bad relationship (the shattering “Why Does She Stay”) or putting his arm around the broken hearted in the utterly spectacular “So You Can Cry.” He even pours out his own heart on the Justin Timberlake-esque “Lie to Me.” “Single” sounds better without NKOTB and the first single, “Closer,” is a great opener to the album.
With stellar lyrics, excellent song composition, and Ne-Yo’s always reliable vocal talents, Year of the Gentleman is one of the best R&B records of the year. It brims with love, modesty, sadness, and the singer’s enthusiasm to plead his case of warmth to the women of the world.
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