| Ne-yo Music:
In My Own Words
Music
In My Own Words
by Ne-Yo
|  |  | | List Price: $13.98 | | Label: Def Jam
Salesrank: 16843
Released: February 28, 2006 | | Our Price: $8.80 | | Used Price: $3.50 | | | Media: Audio CD | |
In My Own Words Track Listing:
1. Stay
2. Let Me Get This Right
3. So Sick
4. When You're Mad
5. It Just Ain't Right
6. Mirror
7. Sign Me Up
8. I Ain't Gotta Tell You
9. Get Down Like That
10. Sexy Love
11. Let Go
12. Time
13. Bonus Track 1
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.Description of In My Own Words:
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 Sick" 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 Ain’t 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 In My Own Words Reviews:
In My Own Words.... Ahhhh, Ne-Yo 
2008-08-30 - I am a BIG fan of Ne-Yo's, and I LOVE this CD! He has such a SEXY voice, style, swagger, etc...
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
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