In stores today yesterday:
Ne-Yo, the Camden-born R&B crooner (who moved to Vegas when he was a little kid) released “Because of You,” his sophomore album. Several things to note: 1. Last year there was a rumor (brace yourself) that Ne-Yo was a SEX ADDICT. The soul singer didn’t waste any time addressing the rumor. His lead single is “Addicted,” and the chorus is “No. I. Am. Not. I’m not addicted to sex, but girl I guarantee, that if you lay with me, you just might be.” It’s fairly awesome. Big honking synths and moaning that sounds kind of like Prince. 2. Jay-Z sounds pretty alright on “Crazy.” That’s an upgrade from most of his recent stuff. He says, “If Ne-Yo’s like young Michael/then I’m Quincy, hov.” Just today someone who saw Ne-Yo in New York over the weekend said that he’s going in to the studio with Jacko soon to help him write and produce new tracks. You hear it first, yo. 3. Ne-Yo is never hatless. Jus saying. 4. IN conclusion: Aside from R. Kelly, the best contemporary soul dude around. Quit being fat and drunk, D’angelo. Still, Ne-Yo rocks the saccharine jams a little too much.
Other new releases of note: Dinosaur Jr.’s first new album in almost 20 years. And singer/songwriter Leslie Feist’s major label debut. She’s generally pretty good. She also has several really cool, hugely choreographed music videos that’re worth checking out.