Because of You by Ne-Yo

Pros: Fantastic melodies and harmonies, well-chosen guest appearances.
Cons: Ne-Yo has a one-track lyrical mind, needs to mature artistically.

Ne-Yo's successful 2006 debut, "In My Own Words", marked him as one of the hottest new R&B artists around. Ne-Yo took the singer/songwriter aesthetic as exemplified by John Legend, Musiq Soulchild and Robin Thicke and gave it a youthful makeover, putting ...

Pros: Understands how to write solid R&B/pop music.
Cons: He goes to the well one too many times.

Ne-Yo is a young and up and coming star in R&B and pop music. Actually, based off the success of his rookie album, and this second album, maybe he's not up and coming anymore. In fact, I'd expect his next album to be as good or even better. He ...