Words By Jada G.

Shaffer Chimere Smith’s stage name may be Matrix-inspired, but it seems to be synonymous with sighs and awws among female fans.  And his third album, Year of the Gentleman will surely welcome a similar reaction. Trading baseball caps for fedoras and tailored suits, and adopting the style of a Hip-Hop Sinatra, Ne-Yo is reviving a welcomed brand of class to R&B music. Perhaps most importantly, he’s created a collection of love’s highs and lows with the art of storytelling, a 45-minute reflection to revel in and appreciate the beauty of femininity.

On the album’s first single, “Closer,” Ne-Yo lyrically creates the scene of a man in pursuit, while you’re in the club on your own: “I can feel her on my skin/I can taste her on my tongue/She’s the sweetest taste of sin/The more I get the more I want.”

The second single, “Miss Independent,” is an ode to the working woman, with a melody so sweet it wraps around like a lavish bubble bath. Whether a CEO or a stay at home mom,  this song reminds a woman of her worth, and inspires the little women in training. In an age of pitbulls with lipstick, it’s a refreshing change. The remix, featuring Jamie Foxx and T.I., is so sexy it’s strictly for after work hours.

“Fade Into the Background” is reminiscent of Prince’s, “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” as tells the story of a man watching the woman he let slip away on her wedding day with someone else: “Such a lovely reception/I sit here sipping Rose/Then we catch eyes for a second and both quickly look away.”  The staccato beat sets the scene, and you can picture him standing at a table, looking on at the happy couple.

The ballads are YOTG’s bread and butter however. On “Part of the List,” Ne-Yo’s description of the lady that holds his heart is sincere and vulnerable, giving him a charm and charisma that elevates him above his counterparts.  “So You Can Cry” is a sweet pick me up for the brokenhearted à la Stevie Wonder’s “Little Girl Blue.” It’s the ingredients of soul music that makes him a throwback, yet his style makes him current. Ne-Yo is one of the rare voices in R&B that makes the ladies melt and send guys reminiscing about a sweet love.

If 2008 is the Year of the Gentleman, then women are in for a real treat which they’ll be much obliged. Aside from frequently slowing and speeding the album’s heart rate, much of YOTG is a welcomed delight.

3.5 CIGARETTES

Ne-Yo – Year Of The Gentleman (Japanese Bonus Tracks)