Non-Fiction
by Ne-Yo
  • Record Label: Motown
  • Release Date: Jan 27, 2015
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Boston Globe
    Jan 27, 2015
    50
    Alas, not enough of the songs have great tunes to go along with that production and vocal quality.
  2. Complex
    Jan 27, 2015
    40
    Non-Fiction is a fire sale of songs no one else bought, over beats no other singer could’ve wanted. The beat selection is whiplash, from pop to R&B to retro trance vibes that never settle into a sure, comfortable pattern.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 25, 2015
    40
    There are strong cameos from assorted MCs, particularly Juicy J and Schoolboy Q, but his attempt to talk a girlfriend into a threesome on Story Time is proof there are even worse things in life than dabbling in Eurodance. [Apr 2015, p.108]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    Jan 27, 2015
    50
    The music, sadly, can be just as tough to follow.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Jan 27, 2015
    40
    Non-Fiction is just blandly lazy about developing its representation of women, like it is about everything else. That lack of specificity renders the album ironically hindered by its own overt conception: a story album unable to sustain interest as fiction, non- or otherwise.
  7. The Guardian
    Feb 11, 2015
    40
    The album treads repetitive ground.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 17, 2015
    60
    The contrast between the rough and Ne-Yo’s ultra-smoothness only adds to his appeal.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 9 out of 29
  1. Slowjams_smooth
    Jan 31, 2015
    10
    is best work since Year of the Gentlemen. This album demonstrates the way an album is supposed to be listened to. As a body of work to beis best work since Year of the Gentlemen. This album demonstrates the way an album is supposed to be listened to. As a body of work to be consumed and rated as a whole not as individual songs. With the all songs coming together to paint a sincere and heartfelt story.… Full Review »
  2. BustaDimes
    Mar 16, 2022
    9
    His first 3 albums were back-to-back classics. No R&B singer has ever done an explosive entrance like that. 3 classic albums in 3 years.His first 3 albums were back-to-back classics. No R&B singer has ever done an explosive entrance like that. 3 classic albums in 3 years. Unfortunately he then lost his way into unnecessary pop trends, but with this record, he came back to greatness.

    Ne-Yo's most versatile project ever. From the flawless street R&B of "Money Can't Buy", the amazingly produced hip hop banger "She Knows" (Juicy J murdered this), the exemplary funky-synth-pop "Coming with You", the superb R&B slow-jam "Come Over". It's by far the most Chris Brown-ish stuff he's ever done (especially comparing it to Breezy's "X" album). Some took that as a step away from his "gentleman" image, but let's be honest, this doesn't sound out of character at all. This sounds all the way authentic. This got the great aesthetic that only a phenomenon like Ne-Yo can bring to the table. An amazing record following his first trio was needed, and this is his only one (to date) that marks that spot.    … Full Review »
  3. ihavevocaloid
    Apr 13, 2015
    6
    Not a bad album, but a generally forgettable effort from an artist who generally releases great albums. I came into this album with goodNot a bad album, but a generally forgettable effort from an artist who generally releases great albums. I came into this album with good expectations because I liked how Ne-Yo talked about the album in interviews, how it would be his full return to R&B and would be more of a storytelling album. I also liked the singles. But Ne-Yo was trying to trick his fans. He released all the good R&B songs as singles and then saved the bad R&B songs and pop songs as album cuts. Nice job, Ne-Yo, it's exactly the opposite of what you did for R.E.D., which was a better album because of this. Grade: B-/C+. Highlights: "One More", "Good Morning", "Money Can't Buy". Worst songs: "Time of Our Lives" (the album would have been a touch better if Pitbull saved the song entirely for only his own album Globalization), "Who's Taking You Home" (he's pulling a "We Found Love" here)… Full Review »
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