In My Own Words

by Ne-Yo

Overview

Shaffer Smith has been writing material for mainstream acts since the tail end of the '90s, when he was barely old enough to drive. In 2004, after he adopted the name Ne-Yo -- a sensible move since his birth name is more like that of a sitcom actor or anchorman than an R&B loverman -- his industry stock shot way up for co-writing Mario's "Let Me Love You," an inescapable number one hit. The pointedly titled In My Own Words is the second album he has made as a solo artist, but it's the first to be released, and its presentation clearly intends to get the point across that he's a writer, with images of lyric sheets strewn across the accompanying booklet, and the photo props of choice are pencils and pads, not practically naked models and probably rented sports cars. In My Own Words is a concise album with only one guest verse (from Peedi Peedi), unless you count the unlisted bonus remix (featuring Ghostface). It's very focused and surprisingly taut, especially for a debut that involves several producers. "So Sick," a hit single released in advance of the album, carries a vulnerability not unlike "Let Me Love You" -- it's certainly additional proof that Ne-Yo does heartache best of all -- but it's even more successful at staying on the right side of the line that separates heartfelt anguish from insufferable whining. Its modern approach, interlocked with touches of '70s and '80s R&B sensibilities, is also in effect for the entirety of the album. Beyond a couple lightweight tracks, the album only falters when scenarios from different relationships clash: in "Get Down Like That," Ne-Yo is a righteous boyfriend who turns down the advances of a tempting ex, while in "That Just Ain't Right," he confesses to an ex (who has been an ex for three years) that he calls out her name while in bed with his current lover. The problems, however, really aren't all that detrimental. Ne-Yo is a real talent as a songwriter, and as a vocalist he is unmistakably more concerned with serving the song than his ego. He's not the flashiest vocalist, but he's able to put across contrasting emotions with slight adjustments, and he balances toughness with tenderness exceptionally well -- all of which are uncommon traits in the early 2000s. This album could turn out to be the most impressive R&B debut of 2006, as well as one of several milestones in a lengthy career. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	02/28/2006
Label:	Def Jam
UPC:	0602498826126

Tracks

1. Stay
2. Let Me Get This Right
3. So Sick
4. When You're Mad
5. It Just Ain't Right
6. Mirror
7. Sign Me Up
8. I Ain't Gotta Tell You
9. Get Down Like That
10. Sexy Love
11. Let Go
12. Time
13. Get Down Like That

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Ne-Yo   Primary Artist,Vocals
Peedi Peedi   Primary Artist,Rap,Guest Artist,Vocals,Featured Artist
Ghostface Killah   Primary Artist,Vocals,Featured Artist
Rick Ross   Primary Artist
Nissan Stewart   Drums
Tor Erik Hermanson   Various Instruments,Multi Instruments
Mikkel Storleer Eriksen   Various Instruments,Multi Instruments
Shea Taylor   Guitar
Tor Erik Hermansen   Multi Instruments
Mikkel S. Eriksen   Multi Instruments
Robert Taylor   Guitar
Robert B. Taylor   Guitar
Larry Gold   Strings

Technical Credits

Brian Reid   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Theron Feemster   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Brandon Howard   Composer,Producer,Additional Production
Shea Taylor   Composer,Producer
Mike Tocci   Engineer
A. Lewis   Composer
Cam Wilson   Composer
Carter Administration   Executive Producer
B. Reid   Composer
Ervin Pope   Composer,Producer
Leon Huff   Composer
Mark DeBarge   Composer
Phil Tan   Mixing
Anthony Acid Caputo   Recording
Nichell Delvaille   Photography,Art Coordinator,Photo Coordination
Phil Knott   Photography
Adrienne Muhammad   A&R
Tia Johnson   Design,Art Direction
Rochad Holiday   Composer,Producer
Kwaku Alston   Photography
Etterlene Jordan   Composer
Curtis "Sauce" Wilson   Composer,Engineer,Producer,Recording
Sixx John   Producer
Jay Brown   A&R
Nonja McKenzie   Stylist,Wardrobe
Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith   A&R
Tor Erik Hermansen   Composer
E. Jordan   Composer
Mikkel S. Eriksen   Composer,Engineer
Sixx Johnson   Composer
Solomon Ridge   Composer
Alfred Lewis   Composer
Curtis Wilson   Composer
Bobby DeBarge   Composer
Kenny Gamble   Composer
Stargate   Producer
Boola   Producer
Tor Erik Hermanson   Instrumentation
Bunny Sigler   Composer
Dave Pensado   Mixing
Shaffer Smith   Composer
Alrad Lewis   Composer
Tom Coyne   Mastering
B. Howard   Composer
R. Blaylock   Composer
Solomon Ridge Jr.   Composer
A.J. Lewis   Composer
Doug Joswick   Package Production,Package Preparation
Gregory Williams   Composer
Sammy Taylor   Composer
Sean Tallman   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Ron "Neff U" Feemstar   Composer,Producer
Leesa Brunson   A&R
Ashaunna Ayars   Marketing
Randy DeBarge   Composer
Mark Ford   Groomer
G. Williams   Composer
Tia Johson   Art Direction
Jayvon Smith   Stylist,Wardrobe
Pedro Zayas   Composer
Michael Tocci   Engineer,Recording
Robert Horn   Mixing,Engineer,Recording
Soli Ridge   Composer
Brian "B-Nasty" Reid   Composer,Producer
Kevin KD Davis   Mixing
Robert Debarge   Composer
Nico T   Mixing
Larry Gold   Management
Dennis Coles   Composer
S. Taylor   Composer
R. Debarge   Composer
Ray Blaylock   Composer
Mikkel Storleer Eriksen   Composer,Engineer,Recording,Instrumentation