Urban contemporary standout Ne-Yo enlists rising pop star Bebe Rexha and rising English rapper Stefflon Don for fun single, “Push Back.” 

Ne-Yo is prepping his new studio album, his first in three years (Non-Fiction, 2015).  Back in the late 00s, he was one of R&B’s brightest stars.  While his star hasn’t been as bright in the 10s, he’s still managed to have some stellar moments including “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” and “Time of Our Lives” featuring Pitbull.  On “Push Back,” he’s paired with rising stars Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don.

Ne-Yo is in tropical-pop mode on “Push Back.”The groove is infectious, while the vibe screams beach.  Vocally, on his end of things, he’s playful and a bit gimmicky, embracing the sound of the islands.  Even so, the vocals are still respectable – he doesn’t sacrifice his enjoyable instrument.  Even so, he keeps things cool, calm, and collected.  The same can be said of Rexha, who follows.  A powerful vocalist, she holds back here, with respectable results. Stefflon Don caps off things with her distinct, reggae, tropically-tinged sound.

Final Thoughts

So, how does “Push Back” stack up – is there any push back?  All in all, “Push Back” is enjoyable, fun, and infectious.  There’s no push back.  That said, Ne-Yo, Bebe Rexha, and Stefflon Don don’t reinvent dance, pop, or urban contemporary music.  This isn’t a transcendent record by any means.  Still, the key word is fun, and it excels in that capacity.

Ne-Yo • Push Back (Ft. Bebe Rexha & Stefflon Don) – Single • Motown • Release: 3.30.18 

Photo Credits: Motown