Editorial Review
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 Recordings, 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 Sick", 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.
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Customer Reviews
Not Ready For Prime Time 
2007-07-30
Ne Yo has had some promising singles and on the strength of "So Sick", I picked up this album. In the same order, I picked up an older Anthony Hamilton and man, let me tell you they are like night and day.
Ne Yo is obviously a talented cat, but his delivery and overall presentation leave a lot to be desired. R+B and Soul come from having some history, having some real pain, having lost your woman the night before your wedding, having your man two time you all over town. No matter what, you need to go through the pain to sing and write about the pain.
Ne Yo comes off like a teenager, with immature experiences and no street cred. Maybe someone that is 13 and is breaking up with their girl of 6 weeks can realate...but I need Teddy Pendergrass, Anthony Hamilton, Marvin Gaye, James Ingrim, Johnny Gill...or anyone else that keeps it real to tell me whats up, not some kid whining on track after track.
Ne Yo may grow into a solid performer, but for now he should stick to MTV and pop radio...cause he just doesnt stand up in the midnight hour like R+B singers that I know and love.
EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC THERAPY 
2007-07-25
NEYO IS TO BE COMMENDED ON HIS EXEMPLARY MUSIC STYLE!! I LOVE HIS NEW ALBUM WHICH IS "TASTEFULLY WRITTEN".(SMILE) THANK YOU NEYO FOR GRACING US WITH YOUR GREAT STYLE OF MUSIC BECAUSE "YOU MAKE ME BETTER"(SMILE).
PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL,
MONESHIA PERKINS
FRESNO,CALIFORNIA
Superior Product 2007-07-17
Ne-Yo is the real deal...real singer and writer. I strongly recommend that he eliminates the use of profanity; it is not necessary with his talent. Real singers don't need to use profanity. I recommend he and real singers like Jaheim leave the profanity to the countless other entertainers (not singers) performing today.
Definitely worth buying... 2007-06-26
I really like this CD! I'm happy with my purchase and highly recommend it. I particularly love the following tracks:
"Stay"
"So Sick"
"When You're Mad"
"It Just Ain't Right"
"Mirror"
"I Ain't Gotta Tell You"
"Get Down Like That"
"Sexy Love"
Disclaimer: The entire album is HOT! But these are some favs.
POOR!!! 
2007-05-18
You can only leave a good review for Neyo or you get your review removed from the list. But I have over 500 cd's, so my expectations are high and after so sick, Mario's let me love you, I was expecting a great cd but sorry, this is not, he can write good songs like the above, but the cd as a whole, is only worth 1 star.
I just had to write a review because I was so disappointed in the almum as whole and I did not want another person to fall into the same trap I did, due to the hype around this guy. So if you have been into r&b like me from the early 90t's, and you have alot of cd's and you have reached a stage were, if you are going to spend your money on a cd, all or at least 8/10 tacks must be good, then take your time before you decide to buy this cd. When he comes up with a great cd with more than two or three songs I will be one of the first, to get online and say so.
Having said all that, he just writes better songs for other people, so If you like his music, I highly recommend...Save The Last Dance 2 Soundtaack, he does some of his best work on it.
We are not all the same, so what ever I say may or may not help you but, if you are looking for something different(and you are say over 30) to the everyday music or some good of the past, check out my other reviews to get the artist names and check them out, example Dwele and Raul Midon.
The Ne-Yo captured my feelings in his songs. 2008-06-04
I thoroughly enjoyed this CD because it just captured some of the emotions that I am going through at the moment. Although I am twice the age of the artist, the expressive emotional vibe that is given with each of the songs brings it all into perspective.
RANKS A STRONG 10 AMONG TEENAGERS.... 2008-02-07
This was just a simple 'I have to have it A.S.A.P.!'. This was bought for a friend's Daughter...And she's been playing it to death! Not my cup of tea (I lean more towards 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's & 2000 Deep Soul, Soul, Blues, Jazz & Gospel Music). Expect several more Top Selling Albums/Singles from this artist....So how easy that was!
Sexy songwriter. 4.5 stars. 2007-11-04
This Boy Possesses ILL skills - Like *Magic*. He Won't Be Denied in the Near Future, I'm just So sure of it!
I like His smooth vocal ability, His decent range, and His songwriting skills are up there with the rest of the non-refundable R&B/Pop stars.
I love Ne-Yo. He's kinda cute and He's so fly.
I can't speak enough about Him!!!
I now own this and have played it enough to know how it works. There are songs that are close enough to R&B to actually be called so - So Sick, When You're Mad, and Time - as well as those with a more Pop and catchy feel - Stay, Let Me Get This Right, Sign Me Up (one of my favorites), and the mid-tempo Let Go. He has a way with words and although this CD is about music - Stay - relationships, love and, well, relationships and love.
Although the subject matter at hand it quite limited, that doesn't make this a bad run through nor does it take away from this man's talent. It's very fresh-feeling, youthful, catchy, filled with good, good beats, a few samples and something that a lot of the monotone rap could take a few tips from; talent.
This album as of February 2006, has sold over 1,400,000 copies (1.4 million) in the U.S. alone, certified platinum once over. His sophomore release, which wasn't up to par but way more varied musically, Because Of You is doing well also. It has been certified Platinum also.
There is not one song here I don't appreciate at least a little.
He's got *It*, I'm telling You. Buy a copy, and just zone the "F" out. :P
Cover Art: A+
Inside Art: B- -I like all the drawn stars in it. They're simple, but they're there. I've always been into stars. (:-
Songwriting: B-
Vocals: B-
Vocal Emotion: C+
Production: A+
Overall: A-
4.5 stars.
end note: It Just Ain't Right is pretty much my favorite track from the album. It's a bit more poppy than R&B, but the lyrics and the way he sings it gives it R&B undertones. Come to think about it, I may like this CD more than some others cause it is pretty poppy in parts...
In My Own Words - actually 3.5 stars 
2007-09-29
I, like a lot of people began to hear about Ne-Yo when his single, SO SICK "blew him up". I honestly don't listen to the radio anymore but do occasionally watch videos so the fact that every channel I turned to seemed to have his video on constant repeat informed me that he had a huge hit on his hands. As the summer and fall of 2006 progressed, I got to see Ne-Yo perform on awards shows and was intrigued enough to get his debut disc.
After listening to it off and on for the past few months I can honestly say that in addition to his songwriting skills, he's got a pleasant smooth voice that works extremely well with his songs. In the tradition of the other so-called 'young guns of r&b', he mixes elements of hip hop and r&b to make an album of catchy mid to up-tempo tracks. I was prepared to only like 2 or 3 tracks and had initially wrote him off as a one hit wonder but was pleasantly surprised - this is a solid debut.
My stand-out tracks:
SEXY LOVE - now this track I love more than SO SICK
TIME - interesting ballad
LET GO - I like the interesting beats used on this track
LET ME GET THIS RIGHT - catchy lyrics & exceptional musical arrangement
IT JUST AIN'T RIGHT - loved how the DeBarge sample was incorporated
Ne-Yo - In My Own Words 
2007-09-01
See i am a big fan of ne-yo. I remember hearing So Sick for the first time, and i imediately became hooked and Ne-Yo became my favourite artist at that moment. I was litterally counting down the days until this album came out. And he seems to have gained alot of fans with this album, and the massive hit single "So Sick" which almost any grown man can relate to. So Sick is easily one of the greatest break up songs of all time. It has undoubtidly brought thousands of men to tears. And even though i will admit that Mr. Smith does not have the greatest voice, its his writing ability that attacts most of his fans. But with all that said, i was a little dissapointed with this album. There are some great tracks on here, but at the same time i felt that alot of those tracks all sounded the same. The first feeling i got with this album is that some of its tracks are immature popish sounding songs. And even though they still are not bad songs, i felt like he could have given some more grown folks music on this album besides all the poppy type of tracks. But there are some standouts. All of the singles are stellar, plus the addicting song "Let Go" which after one listen you will be addicted to this up tempo song of a man not being able to let his girl go no matter what. That song is a masterpiece. And then the other song that comes to mind is "I Aint Gonna Tell U" which is just a sexy song. If u really like all the singles you will probably like the album. But i think Ne-Yo Can do better. This is definetly a strong debut, its easily one of the best R&B albums to come out this year, i just want some more grown folks music on the next album. He is a master song writer. And even though he does not have the best voice he always seems to make it work.
Grade:
B
