He has written for the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna in the past but Ne-Yo is back with his third album of love songs The Year of the Gentleman.
His smooth lyrics have perhaps made him one of the most sought after song-writers in recent years and with his new offering he has done it again as he produces a record where all thirteen tracks could be potential singles.
The Year of the Gentleman is pro-women with songs like Miss Independent and the unworthy of his lady's love Why Does She Stay both appearing on the first half of the record, which is definitely the strongest.
Although he's moved away from the soul sound that worked so well on his grammy winning predecessor Because of You his new pop sound does work and his voice and melodies are easy on the ears.
But what Because of You, one of his stongest singles to date, had was a particular song that you could listen to again and again but Year of the Gentleman lacks the hook that would lead you into the rest of the record, despite the album being well crafted and top draw.
But there's no denying that Ne-Yo is a talented singer-songwriter who has put together a high quality record of silky vocals backed up with sophisticated beats and smooth melodies as he well and truly, if somewhat surprising given his records of the past, settles himself on the pop side of the R&B fence.
Long has R&B been looking for a new King and with Usher's reign over after a disappointing couple of records Ne-Yo looks ready to step up to the plate and take the crown.
He may not have the slick dance moves of Usher or Chris Brown but it's his musicality that really leaves the other two flagging in his wake and Year of the Gentleman really could be the R&B album of 2008.
Ne-Yo Year of the Gentleman is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw