The King of Pop, none other than Michael Jackson, has influenced artist from every genre of music known to man. They cop his dance moves, his timeless fashion, and of course the way he sounds. It does not matter to a true MJ fan how crazy society may perceive the legendary star; they will forever respect Michael Jackson the artist. Ok enough about the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s icon, and on to one of today’s biggest R&B stars inspired by MJ, who just dropped his third album, and is writing for everyone who is hot- Ne-yo.
“Because of you”, was the first Michael Jackson inspired Ne-yo hit, at least that is what I believe. The beat of the song, the melody, purely the way Ne-yo sounds, it all reminded me of a mid 80’s Michael song that I may have heard my older sister jamming to on a Saturday morning. Think about it; watch the video- even his dance moves are reminiscent of white socks, tight pants, and flashy silver thumbs snapping ever so slightly.
It’s a big difference in simply copying someone’s style, and truly allowing a great to influence your style. Ne-yo masters this keen ability to completely be himself and simply reminds us of the King of Pop at the same time. So we move on from “Because of You”, to slightly over a year later – to an entire album that brings the same feeling of MJ- Year of the Gentleman.
So Ne-yo what brought on this album?? Was it an effortless task to compile these songs, did you just pull pages out of your Great Book of words we would all love to get our hands on? Or has your style gradually evolved to a “She’s out of my life” or better yet “The way you make me feel” type of writing?
So Ne-yo what brought on this album?? Was it an effortless task to compile these songs, did you just pull pages out of your Great Book of words we would all love to get our hands on? Or has your style gradually evolved to a “She’s out of my life” or better yet “The way you make me feel” type of writing?
Let’s start with “Closer”, your 200- 80’s dance hit. Very Ne-yo yet very Michael, that’s all I have to say. From “Closer” he goes to more straight up Ne-yo joints “Mad” another repetitive cry for understanding between man and woman and their petty misunderstandings. And of course “Miss Independent”, an ode to all the millennium boss women- much like the ones he probably runs into from time to time in Atlanta. You know the business woman who has a fly car, swanky loft in Midtown, who rocks Chanel footwear with a simple wife beater and jeans. By the way thanks Ne-yo for giving them their props, and making the not so independent women i.e. me step our game up!
Remember “Do You” from his last album, well get ready for the sequel “Fade into the Background”- now it seems the same woman with the baby girl and fiancé is getting married. Here Ne-yo attends the wedding with the same feelings of just wondering. Again not so much Michael- very Ne-yo. But I must say from the very beginning of “Why Does She Stay” the now 29 year-old lyricist sounds just like Michael. Listen to it and see for yourself.
Great title for your album too, Ne-yo. Of course you have always been very gentleman-like in demeanor, we can’t deny that. Even with your little quarrel with Chris Brown a few months ago. We all you- tubed the underground R&B turned rapper beef between our two melodic stars. Hey Ne-yo seriously, what was that?? But even though you gave us a silly reason to feed off another beef we will always think of you as a lover not a fighter.
Overall the album is another hit. We shall see how the charts feel, but I’m saying job well done. Please allow me sound like Andre 3000 right quick…….Behold a Gentleman!
ENJOY, SHARE, and STAY TUNED ~ PEACHES
