Product Description
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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. When asked about writing
number one hits for other artists, simply put, Ne-Yo said, "I
feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach
people's soul with my lyrics through whatever vessel God
chooses."
Set to release his debut album In My Own Words on Def Jam
s, 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 his records. Songs like the first single "Stay"
(featuring Peedi Crack) exemplify Ne-Yo's nuanced, layered vocals
and sample free production. "So ", 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." Sure cello hits move the track as Ne-Yo floats above,
telling his woman that she's even more beautiful when she's mad.
With In My Own Words in the chamber, ready to go, Ne-Yo now just
has to prepare himself for the stardom that is sure to follow.
"The toughest part has been getting used to being known," he
confesses, "I've always been the writer, the guy in the
background, but being the actual artist is a whole new experience
for me."
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. Whether it's the
bedroom or the dance floor, Ne-Yo's songs are filled with passion
and intense energy that pulls (you into the music) and puts you
into a zone.
Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and
challenges popular music with his writing and vocal talents. Much
more than today's male singer, Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing
creativity through drawings, paintings, martial arts and song. He
is distinguished by youthful energy with in-depth lyrics that
touch the soul.
.com
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You may not have heard of the name Ne-Yo before, but you've more
than likely heard some of his lyrics--specifically, on Mario's
massive hit, "Let Me Love You." This talented musician wrote for
a number of chart-toppers before the age of 22, penning songs for
Mary J. Blige, B2K, and Faith Evans as well. After working for
others, Ne-Yo--a.k.a. Shaffer Smith--decided to focus on his own
career. Judging by the quality of songs on this debut, his
creative well is not running dry anytime soon. The kick-off
single, "So " showcases the same tenderness evident in his
Mario hit, as does much of this slow-jam heavy CD. Smith also
shines on the Michael Jackson-esque "Sign Me Up," giving props to
the icon in the chorus by singing "I just wanna rock with you"
with beat-fueled bravado. Ne-Yo's songs come from a love of
seventies and eighties soul; as a result, his music contains some
unique samples, including an O'Jays lick (on the sexy "Get Down
Like That," and a Switch snippet (on "It Just Aint Right").
Surprisingly, for such a hooked-up songwriter, he has limited the
number of guest performers on the disc to just one--rapper Peedi
Peedi performs on the disc opener, "Stay." The depth of the final
track, "Time," clinches the hunch; In My Own Words is an
impressive debut for a seasoned songwriter, likely to make
memorable music for years to come. --Denise Sheppard