Year Of The Gentleman
by Ne-Yo
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2008
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Los Angeles Times
    88
    It's no surprise that Ne-Yo sings about women on his excellent third album, Year of the Gentleman.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    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.
  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    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.
  5. The Guardian
    80
    His way with a melody is unstoppable, made all the more effective by his understated, no-frills approach to performing.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    '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.
  7. Village Voice
    80
    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.
  8. Vibe
    80
    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."
  9. Dot Music
    80
    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.
  10. Billboard
    70
    [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.
  11. PopMatters
    70
    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.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Bringman
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    Another masterpiece from Ne-Yo, this album is simply amazing, one of the greaest R&B records ever made. The best songs are "Closer", aAnother masterpiece from Ne-Yo, this album is simply amazing, one of the greaest R&B records ever made. The best songs are "Closer", a dance/R&B track that it's lyrically a masterpiece, it's incredible how Ne-Yo in this song talks about sex, being totally a really gentleman, "Nobody", a song that have an incredible Michael Jackson vibe, reminds me of "Blood is on the Dance floor" by MJ, "Single", a pop/R&B track really sweet and beautiful, "Mad", a melodic R&B ballad, "Miss Independent", a good fresh track, "She Got Her Own", a song where Jamie Foxx give a beautiful demonstration of his talent. This album hasn't bad songs, it's an incredible album, congratulations Ne-Yo… Full Review »
  2. ec
    Sep 17, 2008
    5
    (83+80+80+80)/4=84? Oh yeah, and Ne Yo annoys the hell out of me.
  3. ShaniqueP.
    Oct 7, 2008
    9
    The cd is hot.
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