Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman

Rating:

* * * *

Ne-Yo's mother should be very proud of her baby boy. Yes, he can sing. And regularly writes chart-topping songs - his writing credits include number ones for Rihanna and Beyonce, plus his own hits. But Ne-Yo's greatest feat in life is remaining a true gentleman in an industry riddled with lecherous lotharios and misogynists.

Where Usher disappointed fans with his skeezy  chants about sex in clubs - and everywhere else - Ne-Yo has delivered a smooth, soulful collection of club jams and ballads that stands out as one of the best R'n'B albums of the year. And doesn't denigrate women in the process.

While the pulsing beats of

Closer

and

Miss Independent

have already scaled the charts with their up-tempo danceability, Ne-Yo proves his songwriting chops as he slows things down and turns his hand to smooth, subtle ballads that don't drown in their own soppiness.

The beautiful, cascading chorus of piano ballad

Mad

will plague your head for days, while the slow-building, string-accompanied

Stop This World

closes the record with a restrained flourish of grandeur.

Two bonus tracks - one from Ne-Yo's previous album

Because of You

and the superb

What's the Matter

- make up for the singer's occasional lyrical misstep. He may be suave, but not even Ne-Yo can get away with rhyming  "pity party" with "calamari".

Fellas, take note - this one's sure to be a hit with the ladies.

Joanna Hunkin