Libra Scale [CD]

NE-YO has produced yet another stellar CD. I was one of the nay-sayers three CDs ago,complaining that NE-YO was simply a Michael Jackson wannabe.I own all four of his CDs and I have to admitt that I was so wrong. Yeah, NE-YO,like so many R&B singers today does borrow from Michael, but he definately has his own style and talent. He is one of the best young song writers we have today. Libra Scale is his best to date, and it appears that NE-YO is getting better and better with every new release. I love every track, so there is no need for a track break down. One other thing I love about NE-YO, there is no AUTOTUNE to be found on this CD. Thank God for that.I already know that I will be wearing this CD out, I've played it all day today. One message for any NE-YO haters out there: wake up and enjoy this fine young talent now!!!!

Welcome back Mr Smith! In more ways than one! With Ne-Yo's new
album 'Libra Scale' he seems to have shucked off the ill-fitting
raiments of the One-Gloved-One which, to a substantial degree,
marred his 2008 release 'Year Of The Gentleman'. Although there
are still small shades of his spirit-guide in evidence they do not
suffocate his own inimitable (and highly likeable) vocal gift.

'Libra Scale' positively glistens and glows with five-star style.
There are ten songs in the bunch and the greater part of its
beauty rests in the laid-back, unhurried and exemplary production.
There's a cutesy concept, of sorts, running through the album
which might have been more easily graspable had Def Jam deigned
to include the lyrics in the supporting printed material but
what fell by the wayside in terms of my own understanding of
the unifying narrative probably doesn't matter that much at
the end of the day. It's the music and the singing that count
here and both are glorious!

It's a largely mid-paced collection, the mellow arrangements
supporting our hero's effortlessly mellifluous vocals with
unerringly good grace and taste. 'One In A Million' is a
marvellous example of a master at the top of his game.
The lithe, gently funky and understated percussion; consummately
crafted harmonies and captivating melody frame one of the finest
vocal performances of his career so-far.
The chorus is a real cracker! Seriously beautiful.

Opening track 'Champagne Life' is a classy piece of work too.
As a night out on the tiles looms large we are led by the hand
into a glittering city soundscape full of optimism and romantic
possibility. An 'On The Town' for a new generation.
The harmonic structure of the composition is stunning.

'Cause I Said So' and the splendid 'Beautiful Monster' come close
to being the most danceable numbers in the set (trust me I tried -
much to Mrs Wolf's amusement!) The latter, with its infectiously
bubbling synth ostinato, seems destined to become a major club anthem
(it probably already has but my teeth and tail have always gotten in
the way of being permitted entry to the Capital's coolest nightspots
to know for sure what's hot and what's not!)

Final track 'What Have I Done' finds our guide making the most of
his perfectly-formed falsetto. He makes it all sound so easy which,
of course, is what makes it so magical too!

'Libra Scale' is a fine album.
Ne-Yo has a voice in a million.
It's good to have him back.

Highly Recommended.

Libra Scale, is the follow up to Year Of The Gentleman ( which is one of my favourite albums, of all time ! ) Ne Yo, as produced another superb album ! Fantastic melodies, yet again. My favourite tracks are : Champagne Life, ( brilliant opener to the album ) One In A Million, Genuine Only, Cause I Said So, & final track, What Have I Done ? All these tracks are so infectious !
The biggest compliment i can pay Ne Yo, is that he's the only person, that could come close to Michael Jackson, my favourite artist of all time.