Non-fiction is not just a genre of literature anymore.
A little over two years since his last release, Ne-Yo returns with his sixth studio album “Non-Fiction.”
“Non-Fiction” is a concept album focused on a girl referred to as Integrity, which is also the title of a track on the album. It tells the complex nature of she and Ne-Yo’s relationship from start to finish in a storytelling fashion.
The record has several collaborations featuring Juicy J, Schoolboy Q, Charisse Mills, T.I., Pitbull, Jeezy and Candice. This hinders the album’s ability to be original because it has too much influence from the other artists’ styles.
The amount of styles present ruin his attempt at a solid theme. Switching back-and-forth from R&B to pop leaves the listener confused as to what it is Ne-Yo is trying to accomplish.
The deluxe version of “Non-Fiction” features several spoken word tracks and interludes in between the songs that serve no purpose. Usually interludes include a transition into the next song or at the very least, insight into the tracks, but not here. Ne-Yo’s simply involve conversations between him and Integrity or commentary littered with sleazy pick-up lines.
“Our story begins in a dark place. A place where you learn that everything you ever thought you wanted could potentially be the very thing that leads to your destruction,” Ne-Yo said in the opening lines of the deluxe version.
His extensive use of metaphors doesn’t make sense. It’s comparable to a freshman philosophy major trying too hard to be intellectual.
Compared to previous albums, this one is a complete flop. The lyrics aren’t as thoughtful as those on his 2008 album “Year of the Gentleman.”
The ending songs on “Non-Fiction” are also problematic. In “Story Time” he sings about trying to talk his girlfriend into a threesome despite her constant rejections all backed by an acoustic melody. The ironic thing is this is the only song that isn’t trite as far as lyrics or sound goes. Maybe if he would have kept that sound throughout the album it would be worth something.
The following song, “Congratulations,” criticizes one of his exes for finding a new relationship with a guy who “treats her like she deserves” as Ne-Yo puts it. It’s a reflection on how he shouldn’t have let her go, but at the time he wasn’t ready for commitment. It’s a very high school-esque theme with no originality.
Overall, this album was a total disappointment. The single “She Knows,” which was well received, is the only song worth listening to on the album.