Album Review: Because of You by Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo's "Because of You" album is the follow up to his 2006 hit CD "In My Own Words".

Born Shaffer Smith on 10-18-1982, Ne-yo has been making hits for not only himself but a list of musicians, including Mario, Beyonce and even Mary J. Blige. This guy is very very talented and his new CD "Because of you" solidifies that statement. This is the artists second major label release with Def Jam. From that CD he has two powerful hit singles "Because of You", and "Do You". Those two songs alone provoked me to go out and buy the CD. I listened to it from beginning to end and I loved it. In my opinion the best songs on the CD are "Crazy", "Make it Work", and "Can We Chill". His songwriting is amazing and his team of producers seal this deal. In "Can We Chill", Ne-Yo really seems to channel Michael Jackson. The music and the lyrics have MJ written all over it. I seriously deny the speculation going around that Def Jam is trying to mold him into an MJ clone. 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. Also on the CD he does an amazing ballad/duet with American Idol's Jennifer Hudson, called "Leaving Tonight". It is a very beautiful song and in my personal opinion, is a classic duet. Although I love the CD, there is one song that I didn't really care for called "Sex With My Ex". It sounds like hes trying to be like Prince, and the lyrics and music did not entice me at all. Except for one song, this CD is amazing and a must for true and even new, Ne-Yo fans. In this CD his maturity and talent really shines. I plan to follow Ne-Yo for the years to come. He does not seem cocky, you don't hear about him headlining CNN for drugs or any scandal. He seems like a mature, intelligent individual, and he displays that in his music as well. Ne-Yo is definitely one of my favorite artists of this year and I give "Because of You" a firm A+. Way to go Ne-Yo.