R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo makes a strong, soulful return on his first single of 2018, “Good Man.” D’Angelo helps to ‘fuel his fire.’

Ne-Yo was once the “it” guy in R&B.  He definitely had a run with hit albums In My Own Words (2006), Because of You (2007), Year of the Gentleman (2008).  Year of the Gentleman was nominated for the most prestigious Grammy of them all, album of the year.  After peaking with Year of the Gentleman, the buzz surrounding Shaffer Smith has waned.  Face it, R&B has waned.  Libra Scale (2010), R.E.D. (2012), and Non-Fiction (2015) just weren’t as commercially successful.  Regardless, Ne-Yo keeps grinding, returning with “Good Man,” his first single of 2018.

The soulful production of “Good Man” is the first hint that Ne-Yo is back in top-notch form or at least, true to self.  D’Angelo fuels the fire – “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)” is sampled brilliantly. Vocally, he remains smooth with his relatively light, easygoing vocals.  This was what made him such a ‘cool cat’ back in the day.  Even so, he sings the rhythmic melody with great agility, incorporating oomph via nuance and personality. He’s backed by supporting vocals, straight out of the soul and R&B of the past.  A shock to no one, the chorus, in all its simplicity, is the centerpiece.

“So, I just wanna be a good man, good man to you, girl / That’s all I want to be, baby.”

Final Thoughts

“Good Man” is more traditional than modern, but that is the lane that Ne-Yo excels in. His more traditional R&B approach, while sprinkling in just the right amount of contemporary, hip-hop, and swagger is when he’s most compelling.  Perhaps he doesn’t win over new fans with “Good Man,” but his old fans should be thrilled to hear him exhibiting so much life.

Ne-Yo • Good Man – Single • Motown • Release: 2.8.18

Photo Credit: Motown