When Ne-Yo said he was tired of "straight urban music" and started name-checking The Beatles and Billy Joel as influences for "The Year of the Gentleman" (Def Jam), it shook up some people. After all, he helped build that sound - writing "Irreplaceable" for Beyoncé and "Hate That I Love You" for Rihanna, as well as "So Sick" for himself.

The alarm was unnecessary, even as two release delays compounded fears. Yes, he expands the boundaries of urban music slightly, adding some Euro-influenced beats for the first danceable single, "Closer," and some upbeat synths for the bouncy "Miss Independent." But for the bulk of the album, Ne-Yo has simply honed his hit-making skills, churning out one memorable melody after another, building an album that finally lives up to the potential he only hinted at on his first two releases, both lyrically and vocally. (Only on the stately ballad "Stop This World" do Ne-Yo's vocals come up a little short, though a diva battle to remake the dramatic gem is, no doubt, already under way.)

"The Year of the Gentleman" is one of those rarities where every song could legitimately be a single. He mines a slow-burning vintage Prince-ly groove for the stunningly effective "Fade Into the Background," especially when paired with the alternate-ending "So You Can Cry." Ne-Yo has gotten so good that he can even pull off "I'm sorry I won't attend your pity party/I'd rather go have calamari" in grand style. That's a sign this is clearly Ne-Yo's "Year."

Check out these three exclusive tracks from his new album to see what you think!


Ne-Yo 'Year of the Gentleman' - Nobody



Ne-Yo 'Year of the Gentleman' - Single



Ne-Yo 'Year of the Gentleman' - Fade Into The Background



You can also purchase the 'YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN' album HERE.