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Ahead of his seventh studio album ‘Good Man,’ Grammy-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo drops one final advance single, “Summertime.”

Following a three-year hiatus, Grammy-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo returns with his seventh studio album, Good Man (June 8, 2018). The singer-songwriter’s best work arguably came in 00s, with a run of albums including In My Own Words, Because of You, and Year of the Gentleman.  Oh, the nostalgia of Shaffer Smith, sigh. Nonetheless, he’s had his moments in the 10s.  After releasing singles “Good Man”, “Push Back”, and “Apology”, he drops a fourth and final advance single, “Summertime.” Does “Summertime” live up to the expectations set by the best singles during the Good Man cycle?

“Summertime” continues the emphasis on ‘R&B’ by Ne-Yo, much like “Good Man” and “Apology” (“Push Back” being the only exception). If you reminisce back-in-the-day, ‘Yo was all about making traditional R&B albums.  That’s definitely a good omen for Good Man based on “Summertime.  The production is filled with soulful touches, particularly the ultra-rhythmic drums, the acoustic guitars, sparing splashes of organ.  Vocally, he remains a force, delivering a balanced, nuanced performance.  Regarding the songwriting, he sings about ‘the one,’ who he likens to – yep you guessed it – the summertime.  It’s cliché and not particularly deep or incredibly poetic, but all in all, it’s effective.

“Dark clouds, for the dark clouds

Raining on me, raining on me…

But you’re like summertime and it feels so good…

You got me high.”

Final Thoughts

With “Summertime,” Ne-Yo doesn’t move the needle.  It’s another solid, enjoyable record from Good Man, but it also follows stiff competition.  While the production and Ne-Yo’s dedication go a long way, there’s just the sense that the summertime is missing something. Both “Good Man” and “Apology” eclipse it.

Ne-Yo • Good Man • Motown • Release: 6.8.18

Photo Credit: Motown