Ne-Yo has declared 2008 to be the "Year of the Gentlemen." That is the name of the R&B crooner’s third studio album, a collection of songs that show the kind of man he would like to be for that special lady.

This record is different when compared to his first two commercial projects, In My Own Words and Because Of You. This album displays an older, more intellectual songwriter and singer that found a way to make songs that generate certain thoughts and/or emotions on call. The first album was an introduction of the singer to the public, filled with songs that were both upbeat and somber.

On the second album, Ne-Yo attempted to take more of a pop angle. The songs on that album are more radio friendly, but far from lacking in the creativity. His current album is a trip back to the old days of when there were entertainers, not just singers. It’s easy to see how he could be influenced by the crooning of Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis Jr.

With his two leading singles, "Closer" and "Miss Independent," Ne-Yo has created an aura that make women swoon and further solidify his songwriting abilities. The rest of the album is no different as "Nobody" keeps up the tempo while speaking on a woman whose appeal is undeniable.

The album begins to slow down with songs like "Why Does She Stay," asking why his girlfriend is still with him even though she hates everything he does and doesn’t do, and "Lie To Me," confronting his girlfriend about the cheating she is doing. The closing song "Stop This World" is one of the singer’s strongest songs as he speaks on a love that so great that it stops the world from spinning.

The list of producers isn’t very large, as Ne-yo mostly worked with Stargate. He did reach out to Polow Da Don, Shomari "Sho" Wilson, and Chuck Harmony as well as others to manifest the mood that guides the music throughout the latter part of the album. Overall, this is a record that has what it takes to become a classic.

This record shows growth in Ne-Yo both as a songwriter and a man. He is the leader of the pack when it comes to the rebirth of the entertainer and he has the songs to back it up. I’m sure that he is making the Rat Pack happy with the work he is doing in the Year of the Gentlemen.