Because Of You
by Ne-Yo
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: May 1, 2007
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. PopMatters
    90
    Because of You might end up being the best R&B album of the year.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The album is an unmistakable attempt to channel [Michael] Jackson's early Quncy Jones-helmed LPs--and the effort often pays off beautifully. [27 Apr 2007, p.139]
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  3. AllMusic
    80
    The key to the album's potency and freshness is its differences from In My Own Words.
  5. The A.V. Club
    75
    Because Of You, is a real sleeper that reveals considerable strengths upon repeat listens.
  6. The New York Times
    70
    A likable little album.
  7. Billboard
    70
    Ne-Yo still has a way with melody, managing to upgrade his offerings while showing that the writer in him ain't dead either. [5 May 2007]
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  8. Boston Globe
    70
    A sexy and sweet sophomore release that’s got more love flowing from it than an ‘‘Oprah’’ audience on ‘‘My Favorite Things’’ day.
  9. Hartford Courant
    70
    It's a little less immediate than the first album, but also takes Ne-Yo's case where it belongs: to the dance floor.
  10. Blender
    70
    One long, shameless come-on. [Jun 2007, p.107]
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  11. Los Angeles Times
    63
    The young songwriter lacks enough artistic weirdness to follow in the deified footsteps of [Michael Jackson] or... Prince.
  12. The Boston Phoenix
    63
    If he never takes another chance, this new R&B torch carrier will still have a pop career for another 20 years, but if he wants to make a real mark, he’ll have to toss that hat.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. Bringman
    Jan 7, 2016
    8
    A really a good album, it's not good as his first album but it's sill a very good album. The first part of the album it's beautiful, has theA really a good album, it's not good as his first album but it's sill a very good album. The first part of the album it's beautiful, has the Michael Jackson vibe, and the last part have a "detective" sound. The the best tracks of the album are "Because of You", a beautiful R&B track, "Crazy", a hip hop soul track that have the style taken from the '90, "Do You", a pop/R&B ballad, "Make It Work" a good song but Ne-Yo should avoid that horrible 'ayo' in the song, and "Go On Girl" a sweet R&B track. The only thing that i don't like it's the slowness in some tracks, like in the chorus of "Addicted" or in "Sex With My Ex"… Full Review »
  2. LorenT.
    Jul 11, 2007
    1
    This album was hilariously bad. The lyrics predictable, the immature theme the ridiculous disco beat were collectively entertaining. I This album was hilariously bad. The lyrics predictable, the immature theme the ridiculous disco beat were collectively entertaining. I especially loved the whispering background used to spice up yet another song everyone skips. I had to fight the urge to curl my lip at each subsequent irritating beat- notably "say it" The worst twenty dollars I have ever spent!… Full Review »
  3. GershwinH.
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    Love the album!Not only do the songs pay tribute to the music legends(MJ & Prince) but their also touch our souls.Tracks like Do You & Make Love the album!Not only do the songs pay tribute to the music legends(MJ & Prince) but their also touch our souls.Tracks like Do You & Make It Work.Because Of You is written beautifully which you cant take away and each song will take you back if you listen to the words.Love this album cant wait for the next… Full Review »
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