That only one major hit originated on 2015's
Non-Fiction had more to do with the state of mainstream urban radio than it did with
Ne-Yo's dwindling ability to craft appealing songs. While the follow-up involves the significantly younger likes of
PartyNextDoor,
Bebe Rexha, and
Stefflon Don with playlist-bid production touches to match, it's mostly business as usual for
Ne-Yo. He largely persists with his tried-and-true songwriting approach, detailing various scenes from a monogamous relationship while saving room for a few moments with low-key, high-class celebrations in mind. The highlights here include "U Deserve," a spacious slow jam, and the
PartyNextDoor-assisted "On Ur Mind," a sweet midtempo number. ~ Andy Kellman