Review Roundup: Ne-Yo - 'Because of You'

Ne-Yo’s second album Because of You hits stores this Tuesday, May 1st. Here’s what the critics are saying about his new CD.

Los Angeles Times: This Ne-Yo album makes no secret that it’s mainlining Michael Jackson and Prince for inspiration. “Sex With My Ex” and “Addicted” are adequate Prince homages, with their chugging electric guitars and churchy organs. But most of the other songs are too formulaic to be truly addictive. 2 1/2 out of 4 stars

Entertainment Weekly: Ne-Yo’s second album, by contrast, makes it very clear what’s on his mind: Michael Jackson. Because of You‘s polished string sections and muted horns could have been recorded in 1979, but they sound elegant, not dated. Unlike Jackson, Ne-Yo sometimes lets his polite style shade into stiffness. B+

New York Times: Ne-Yo has found an enthusiastic audience among the young female listeners who watch BET’s “106 and Park” and buy tickets for the teenager-friendly “Scream” tour. The new album will keep them happy, but it’s clearly an attempt to win over their parents.