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Los Angeles Times

It's no surprise that Ne-Yo sings about women on his excellent third album, Year of the Gentleman.

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Entertainment Weekly

On his third disc in as many years, the 28-year-old Southerner with the Michael Jackson falsetto not only wears his heart on his sleeve, he lets it bleed down his (no doubt high-thread-count) cuff.

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Rolling Stone

The 28-year-old singer-songwriter says his latest collection of heartfelt love songs is a tribute to the Rat Pack's pressed-suit style, but it's actually a superb concept album about what a great boyfriend he can be.

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The Guardian

His way with a melody is unstoppable, made all the more effective by his understated, no-frills approach to performing.

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All Music Guide

'Why Does She Stay,' forms the front end of a two-track patch of glorious gloom--the album's center, both literally and figuratively--complemented by 'Fade into the Background,' where he watches the one who got away get married.

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Village Voice

Ne-Yo's fantastic third CD, The Year of the Gentleman, reconfigures "grown and sexy" by detailing relationships with an often uneasy mix of heartache, reflection, wit, lust, and resignation.

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Vibe

Ne-Yo is a stronger, more confident man than the one many remember licking his wounds on 'So Sick' from his debut album "In My Own Words" and 'Do You' from 2007’s "Because of You."

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Dot Music

It's Shaffer's writing, rather than Ne-Yo's singing (and the distinction between the personas is one he's made himself), which elevates this collection beyond those of his peers.

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Billboard

[He said] wanted to take a different direction on Year of the Gentleman. However, it seems he still has a heavy--yet welcome--case of the (rhythm and) blues on the finished product.

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PopMatters

Year of the Gentleman proves that a contemporary artist can appeal to the youth while still writing songs that are lyrically substantial enough for the older folks to appreciate.

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Slant Magazine

So, even if the album eventually succumbs to Mariah Carey LP-balladitis, and even if it never quite soars like Justified (which had the benefit of that inner conflict between sensitivity and pussy-hounding that Ne-Yo couldn't fake if he tried), Gentlemen's complete lack of irony or humor makes for an ironically surprising listen.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

With his latest, Ne-Yo's winning groove devolves into a rut, and his quiet storm gets awfully sleepy

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 16 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Shanique P. gave it a9:
The cd is hot.

L B gave it a10:
Ne-Yo........ hits on top of hits....everytime! Love it!

Callie T. gave it a10:
I personally bought this CD and thought it was the best use of my money! I haven't bought a CD in over five years and wasn't disappointed at all when I heard Ne-Yo's wonderfully flowing lyrics. I've listened to the CD everyday since I bought it.

Yonko D. gave it a6:
It's a great album!

Chew gave it a9:
This album is the 3rd album for Ne-yo. Each album he makes seems to get better and better. From In My Own Words, Because of You to Year of The Gentleman, Ne-yo keeps getting better with the lyrics and production. His style is a style that we all envy, and what was thought to be non-existant, only shown in artists from the past, such as Micheal Jackson. His lyrics don't talk about sex, drugs, or hoes, or the cliched love, but atlthough love, he talks about messages that we all can relate to. Superb album. Chew Picks: All, the albums a calm ride.

Usman K. gave it a10:
Closest thing possible to an MJ album. Beautiful melodies throughout and a lot of tracks use in house live instruments which you just don't see anymore with rnb singers. Great lyrics as well especially on songs 'like lie to me' and 'stop this world'. Hope ne-yo continues to make music like this

e c gave it a5:
(83+80+80+80)/4=84? Oh yeah, and Ne Yo annoys the hell out of me.

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Year Of The Gentleman

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