Year of the Gentleman

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Year of the Gentleman was released on 16 September 2008 on Compound Entertainment and Def Jam, as Ne-Yo's third album. As on the two earlier records, he worked with Stargate, Reggie Syience Perry and Shea Taylor, but he also found new collaborators, such as Chuck Harmony and Polow da Don. The title refers to the Rat Pack of the 1960s, with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.: their polished style was meant to resonate in his music as well. There are no guest vocalists.

The singles Closer and Miss Independent became international hits, followed by Mad and Part of the List. The record earned six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Rolling Stone called it a concept album about what a great friend he can be. Others found it uneven and too ballad-heavy.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Closer3:54Apple Music ↗
2. 2Nobody3:07Apple Music ↗
3. 3Single4:18Apple Music ↗
4. 4Mad4:15Apple Music ↗
5. 5Miss Independent3:52Apple Music ↗
6. 6Why Does She Stay4:33Apple Music ↗
7. 7Fade Into the Background3:18Apple Music ↗
8. 8So You Can Cry4:18Apple Music ↗
9. 9Part of the List4:10Apple Music ↗
10. 10Back to What You Know4:10Apple Music ↗
11. 11Lie to Me4:27Apple Music ↗
12. 12Stop This World4:24Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗