Ne-Yo "Libra Scale"

I recognized Ne-Yo as a talented songwriter, but the first year I truly enjoyed his music was The Year of The Gentleman, which not only had his most addictive hit (at the time) and brung me closer to his fan base, but also was inspired by sounds of The Rat Pack and even Paul McCartney and John Lennon. His follow-up was a concept album inspired by Michael Jackson albums such as Thriller, as well as Bad and Moonwalker, and his love of science fiction, japanese animation, and comic books. In a nutshell it features three garbage men who are given everything they want as long as they protect their city and choose the side of the Libra Scale devoid of love (Wealth,Money and Power), but Ne-Yo’s character falls in love (plot twist). Because they could not make a movie they made extended music videos if you want to see the story come to life. While the concept is interesting, what makes it easy to come back for more is that it favors music with old-school production values and songs that focus on substance over making songs for the club ; which is often what his peers do. It is ok for a few songs, but if the majority of the album is made for the floor, it gets old! That can also be said for an album full of baby-making music as well, but there is enough variety to keep it interesting. Even if you are not about the “Champagne Life” you can enjoy that nod to the king of pop. “Makin’ A Movie” sounds like a classier cut from the originator of the Bump n’ Grind; sweeping with the occasional strings and the subtle guitar in back. The song was properly titled “Telekinesis” because even if this song does not sex your body or your mind, you feel like the sound lifts you up with its tone and just the laid back percussion and sexy accompaniment; it almost reminds me of a calmer update of Benny Mardones Classic. All I am saying is that is the synergy of Ne-Yo’s song makes it easier to imagine floating into the night. This is music you can make some “Crazy Love” to by that subtle touch of funk and blues overshadowed by the hand-clap beat and some rapper quoting Gary Coleman? Fabolous! It is just enough though. This song may be “One in A Million,” but there are plenty of songs like this; it is just that most don’t sound as good as this does. You’ll listen to this song “Cause I Said So.” The instrumentals are more than fine, but the most interesting part of the song is the phrasing; you can hear echoes of MJ in the vocal department, ok and everything else too. It’s like you just can’t get enough of this thriller! The most vibrant song off of the record was the first single, a “Beautiful Monster” made of that whirring dance-club synth, and an energy that rivals Closer. Ne-Yo never fails to close every album with a top-notch song, and it seems like every album’s denouement is better than the last. The song sounds like a slight techno-tinged lullaby of regret; full of climbing harmonies and sweeping strings. “What Have I Done?” My Favorites: Champagne Life, Makin’ A Movie, Telekinesis, Crazy Love, One In A Million,Cause I Said So, and What Have I Done?