In My Own Words [Explicit Lyrics]

1. We Dem Boyz - Lil Rio, Lo-Key,

2. In My Neighborhood - Lil Rio, Li'l Tone

3. It's On - Li'l Tone, Lo-Key,

4. Skit 1 - Lo-Key

5. Y'all Ain't Real - Lo-Key, Scrooge Brothers

6. Rearview - Lo-Key,

7. Hunt, Trunk, Slump, Dump - B-Rock, Bossy J, , Lo-Key

8. We All Skrewed Up - Li'l Tone, Lo-Key,

9. Oops - Lo-Key

10. 1.2.3. - B-Rock, Lil Rio, Li'l Tone, Lo-Key

11. Represent - Lil Rio, ,

12. In My Own Words

13. My Life [DJ Infamous] - B12

Tracks:

Stay
Let Me Get This Right
So Sick
When You're Mad
It Just Ain't Right
Mirror
Sign Me Up
I Ain't Gotta Tell You
Get Down Like That
Sexy Love
Let Go
Time
Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com

You may not have heard of the name Ne-Yo before, but you've more than likely heard some of his lyrics--specifically, on Mario's massive hit, "Let Me Love You." This talented musician wrote for a number of chart-toppers before the age of 22, penning songs for Mary J. Blige, B2K, and Faith Evans as well. After working for others, Ne-Yo--a.k.a. Shaffer Smith--decided to focus on his own career. Judging by the quality of songs on this debut, his creative well is not running dry anytime soon. The kick-off single, "So Sick" showcases the same tenderness evident in his Mario hit, as does much of this slow-jam heavy CD. Smith also shines on the Michael Jackson-esque "Sign Me Up," giving props to the icon in the chorus by singing "I just wanna rock with you" with beat-fueled bravado. Ne-Yo's songs come from a love of seventies and eighties soul; as a result, his music contains some unique samples, including an O'Jays lick (on the sexy "Get Down Like That," and a Switch snippet (on "It Just Ain't Right"). Surprisingly, for such a hooked-up songwriter, he has limited the number of guest performers on the disc to just one--rapper Peedi Peedi performs on the disc opener, "Stay." The depth of the final track, "Time," clinches the hunch; In My Own Words is an impressive debut for a seasoned songwriter, likely to make memorable music for years to come. --Denise Sheppard

Album Description

A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing at an early age. A vivid imagination and creative energy has allowed Ne-Yo to write songs for multi-platinum artists such as Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq. When asked about writing number one hits for other artists, simply put, Ne-Yo said, "I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach people's soul with my lyrics through whatever vessel God chooses."

Set to release his debut album In My Own Words on Def Jam Recordings, this dynamic entertainer is ready to deliver. Infusing pop melodies to rich, soulful production the album is sure to score with fans and critics alike. Relying on mostly his own in-house crew Compound, Ne-Yo creates both a unique sound and sentiment for his records. Songs like the first single "Stay" (featuring Peedi Crack) exemplify Ne-Yo's nuanced, layered vocals and sample free production. "So Sick", a beautiful track in which he laments hearing love songs on the radio due to the feelings they conjure, reveals his voice to be clean and almost elated, but rich and weathered at the same time. But true to his charismatic character, the album shows many sides of Ne-Yo and even finds him lighter, more playful, even coy, on "When You're Mad." Sure cello hits move the track as Ne-Yo floats above, telling his woman that she's even more beautiful when she's mad.

With In My Own Words in the chamber, ready to go, Ne-Yo now just has to prepare himself for the stardom that is sure to follow. "The toughest part has been getting used to being known," he confesses, "I've always been the writer, the guy in the background, but being the actual artist is a whole new experience for me."

Citing Prince, Marvin Gaye, the Rat Pack, and Stevie Wonder in his list of favorite entertainers, Ne-Yo's album invokes a nostalgic feeling, a renaissance if you will. Whether it's the bedroom or the dance floor, Ne-Yo's songs are filled with passion and intense energy that pulls (you into the music) and puts you into a zone.

Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and challenges popular music with his writing and vocal talents. Much more than today's male singer, Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing creativity through drawings, paintings, martial arts and song. He is distinguished by youthful energy with in-depth lyrics that touch the soul.

Customer Reviews:

Not Ready For Prime Time.......2007-07-30

Ne Yo has had some promising singles and on the strength of "So Sick", I picked up this album. In the same order, I picked up an older Anthony Hamilton and man, let me tell you they are like night and day.

Ne Yo is obviously a talented cat, but his delivery and overall presentation leave a lot to be desired. R+B and Soul come from having some history, having some real pain, having lost your woman the night before your wedding, having your man two time you all over town. No matter what, you need to go through the pain to sing and write about the pain.

Ne Yo comes off like a teenager, with immature experiences and no street cred. Maybe someone that is 13 and is breaking up with their girl of 6 weeks can realate...but I need Teddy Pendergrass, Anthony Hamilton, Marvin Gaye, James Ingrim, Johnny Gill...or anyone else that keeps it real to tell me whats up, not some kid whining on track after track.

Ne Yo may grow into a solid performer, but for now he should stick to MTV and pop radio...cause he just doesnt stand up in the midnight hour like R+B singers that I know and love.

EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC THERAPY.......2007-07-25

NEYO IS TO BE COMMENDED ON HIS EXEMPLARY MUSIC STYLE!! I LOVE HIS NEW ALBUM WHICH IS "TASTEFULLY WRITTEN".(SMILE) THANK YOU NEYO FOR GRACING US WITH YOUR GREAT STYLE OF MUSIC BECAUSE "YOU MAKE ME BETTER"(SMILE).
PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL,
MONESHIA PERKINS
FRESNO,CALIFORNIA

Superior Product.......2007-07-17

Ne-Yo is the real deal...real singer and writer. I strongly recommend that he eliminates the use of profanity; it is not necessary with his talent. Real singers don't need to use profanity. I recommend he and real singers like Jaheim leave the profanity to the countless other entertainers (not singers) performing today.

Definitely worth buying..........2007-06-26

I really like this CD! I'm happy with my purchase and highly recommend it. I particularly love the following tracks:

"Stay"
"So Sick"
"When You're Mad"
"It Just Ain't Right"
"Mirror"
"I Ain't Gotta Tell You"
"Get Down Like That"
"Sexy Love"

Disclaimer: The entire album is HOT! But these are some favs.

POOR!!!.......2007-05-19

You can only leave a good review for Neyo or you get your review removed from the list. But I have over 500 cd's, so my expectations are high and after so sick, Mario's let me love you, I was expecting a great cd but sorry, this is not, he can write good songs like the above, but the cd as a whole, is only worth 1 star.
I just had to write a review because I was so disappointed in the almum as whole and I did not want another person to fall into the same trap I did, due to the hype around this guy. So if you have been into r&b like me from the early 90t's, and you have alot of cd's and you have reached a stage were, if you are going to spend your money on a cd, all or at least 8/10 tacks must be good, then take your time before you decide to buy this cd. When he comes up with a great cd with more than two or three songs I will be one of the first, to get online and say so.
Having said all that, he just writes better songs for other people, so If you like his music, I highly recommend...Save The Last Dance 2 Soundtaack, he does some of his best work on it.

We are not all the same, so what ever I say may or may not help you but, if you are looking for something different(and you are say over 30) to the everyday music or some good of the past, check out my other reviews to get the artist names and check them out, example Dwele and Raul Midon.

Average customer rating:

a wonderful surprise
What!? How is this possible?
Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all
A perfect marriage of music and lyrics
The Maury Yeston Songbook

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Maury Yeston , Christine Andreas , Brent Barrett , Betty Buckley , Liz Callaway , Alice Ripley , Sutton Foster , Brian d'Arcy James , and Philip Chaffin
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Maury Yeston Songbook
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
December Songs
Jule Styne in Hollywood
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00008H2LJ
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Please Let's Not Even Say Hello - Alice Ripley
Only with You - Brent Barrett
I Want to Go to Hollywood - Sutton Foster
Danglin' - Johnny Rodgers
I Had a Dream About You - Betty Buckley
My True Love - Philip Chaffin
A Call from the Vatican - Alice Ripley
Now and Then - Laura Benanti
You're There Too - Christopher Fitzgerald
Is Someone Out There? - Eden Espinosa
New Words - Brent Barrett
My Grandmother's Love Letters - Christine Ebersole
By the River - Christine Andreas
I Am Longing - Philip Chaffin
Home - Laura Benanti & Robert Cuccioli
Another Day in the Modern World - Michael Holland
Simple - Liz Callaway
Unusual Way - Brian d'Arcy James
Be On Your Own - Betty Buckley
No Moon - Howard McGillin

Amazon.com

Despite racking up Tony nominations and/or box-office success with Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic, Maury Yeston remains a relatively unknown Broadway auteur. And yet, what a fabulous songwriter he is. Listen to "Home," for instance: This excerpt from Phantom (the other adaptation of Phantom of the Opera) has great melodic hooks, along with natural sweep and unrestrained emotion. Like every song on this CD, it also has such dramatic drive that it easily stands on its own outside of its regular narrative frame. This collection of new recordings provides an excellent overview of Yeston's talent, juxtaposing numbers from his three best-known scores (though there's only one from Titanic) with rarities and a generous selection from his 1991 song cycle December Songs. Christine Ebersole, Liz Callaway, and Betty Buckley turn in expectedly strong performances, but watch also for Laura Benanti (the star of the 2003 revival of Nine), Christine Andreas, and Foster Sutton, who completely make the material theirs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

The Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist -- who's given us the smash hit musicals Titanic, Phantom and Grand Hotel, and whose first stage show, Nine, is currently being revived in New York with Antonio Banderas -- is celebrated in song by the best stars o

Customer Reviews:

a wonderful surprise.......2007-07-22

Like others, I bought this CD primarily for Sutton Foster's rendition of "I Want to Go to Hollywood." And while that's wonderful, the real surprises here are the songs from Yeston's song cycle "December Songs." Christine Ebersole and Christine Andreas give absolutely lovely, technically proficient, completely heartfelt renditions of "My Grandmother's Love Letters" and "By the River", respectively. I'd heard Andrea Marcovicci's recording of "December Songs" and was seriously underwhelmed. These two tracks just prove that Yeston might have over-estimated Marcovicci's range and technical ability. "By the River" is a revelation in the right hands, and Ms. Andreas's rendition is just four minutes of wonderful. I also want to mention Howard McGillin's "No Moon". This little song from "Titanic" is just so moving. Pulled out of context, it becomes a little jewel of metaphor.

The CD as a whole is beautifully recorded, with an intimacy and clarity that makes you feel like you're in the first row of a very small theatre. If you come across this and you're on the fence, take a chance. I bet that you'll be as pleasantly surprised and deeply moved as I've been.

What!? How is this possible?.......2007-01-20

How could one put together a Maury Yeston Songbook cd without a track from Andrea Marcovicci? He wrote a song cycle for her. Granted there are some great singers here but a grave oversight to not include Ms Marcovicci.

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all.......2006-11-14

Maury Yeston may be musical theatre's unsung genius to the public at large, but I've heard his praises sung many times. A friend convinced me to buy the original Broadway cast of "Nine", and while there were some fantastic songs and an undeniable melodic gift throughout, it left me lukewarm. The same with "Grand Hotel". And I couldn't stand "Titanic" - too big, too self-important, too reliant on booming low brass and bombastic orchestral swells.

"Phantom" was the only one of his scores that touched something other than distanced admiration in me. It was everything Sir Lloyd Webber's popera travesty could never quite aspire to - epic yet human, beautiful and touching, with songs that showed actual details and emotions. So it was with that in mind that I purchased this, figuring that maybe Maury could prove me wrong, shorn from the restrictions of a book musical format.

And by God, did he prove me right and then some.

Maybe it's the singers. Maybe it's the perfect orchestrations. Maybe it's just the absence of a plot to follow. More than likely, it's all three, but this is one of the most gorgeous, enjoyable, heartbreaking albums I've ever purchased. Yeston has assembled an impressive cast to give voice to his music - such heavy Broadway hitters as Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Howard McGillin mix with up-and-comers like Eden Espinosa, Sutton Foster, and Brian d'Arcy James. But the most impressive turns are given by people I'd never heard of before - Johnny Rodgers (who?) has a voice spun from gold, and he's absolutely perfect in "Danglin'", a simple and powerful song despite some odd lyric choices by Yeston. Likewise Philip Chaffin in "My True Love" and "I Am Longing", and Michael Holland displays a warm and untrained performance of "Another Day in the Modern World". These three men, who I'd never heard of before, absolutely stole the show. It doesn't hurt that they're given some of the best songs from the album.

Of course, the rest of the ensemble uniformly turns in worthwhile performances. The professionalism of Broadway is gloriously evident here, each singer making their song uniquely theirs. Brent Barrett made me hear "Only With You" as if for the first time. Betty Buckley is surprisingly vulnerable in "I Had A Dream About You". Alice Ripley is her usual bundle of raw emotion in "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello", and turns in a rare comic performance in "Call From The Vatican" to great effect (listen to that surprise high note near the end! Wow, Alice!). Christine Ebersole is heartbroken, elated, vulnerable, and tough all in the course of "Grandmother's Love Letters"' 4 minutes.

There are some weak spots - Eden Espinosa is mostly one-note during her song, and while it's certainly a high note, it's nothing you haven't heard her do better elsewhere. Laura Benanti's "Now and Then" goes by without much notice, which is a shame for this talented actress. And Betty Buckley goes back to her usual high-volume stridence in "Be On Your Own", which despite its chilling music deserves a more nuanced performance than Buckley gives here. But these songs would be standouts on any other album, and it's only the company they keep that prevent them from being excellent.

Oh, and "Unusual Way", possibly Yeston's best-known song, is so beautifully performed here by Brian d'Arcy James and a three-piece band that I nearly cried hearing it. And that's quite a feat for a song that I swore never to listen to again after the seventeenth girl in a day auditioned with it (badly). But the gender swap works perfectly, and d'Arcy James' golden Irish tenor swings through the music effortlessly.

As for the band - there are no missteps here. Each song is given exactly what it needs, from the Romantic-with-a-capital-R string section on "Home", to the jazzy saxophone on "Letter From the Vatican", to "Be On Your Own", which is given a Herrmann-esque string section. Some particular touches stand out - that lovely acoustic guitar on "Danglin'", the simple piano line on "Modern World", and the sublime cello/piano outro in "Unusual Way" really stuck with me after the album stopped playing. And the recording is without fault - crisp, encompassing, personable and expansive as the mood requires. The whole album sounds fantastic.

There is such a wide range of style and substance here that each song would deserve purchasing individually. As a collection? It's bliss. If you're a fan of theater music, appreciate great vocals, or just need something to keep you company on long nights, this is required purchase.

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics.......2006-09-07

I think Yeston must be the most underrated talent in music theatre. And not just music theatre ... for as far as I know, "Danglin'" is not from a show - a jewel of a song ... and a disarmingly honest rendition from Johnny Rogers (what a beautiful voice! Why hasn't he made more CD's?) Some other favourites are "New Words" (not enough parent-child love songs out there ... and I can't imagine it could be sung any better than this), "You're there too" (with a charming and unexpected twist), "Simple" (Callaway is superb), "Only With You" (loveable rogue!) ... to name but a few. Inspired music theatre writing. A must for any musical buff, composer or singer seeking repertoire that will help them stand out from the crowd.

The Maury Yeston Songbook.......2006-08-30

A good album sung by good singers. I have been an admirer of Maury Yeston for a number of years . I am a great fan of "Nine"
which I consider his best work.(If possible try to listen to the
Australian Cast Recording with John Diedrich) I enjoy listening to artists like Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Sutton Foster,and my very favourite singer Liz Callaway. All in all a great CD to just sit back ,relax and enjoy Les Breen

Average customer rating:

A Treasury of English Song

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001O2OBI
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Average customer rating:

In My Own Words
Ne-Yo
Manufacturer: Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Dutchess
Because Of You

ASIN: B000CQM50A
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Tracks:

Stay
Get Down Like That
Let Me Get This Right
When You're Mad
So Sick
I Ain't Gotta Tell You
Mirror
Sign Me Up
It Just Ain't Right
Girlfriend
Let Go
Time

Average customer rating:

I LOVE THIS CD

In My Own Words
Ne-Yo
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Evolution of Robin Thicke

ASIN: B000EJ9MEW
Release Date: 2006-03-27

Tracks:

Stay
Let Me Get This Right
So Sick
When You're Mad
It Just Ain't Right
Mirror
Sign Me Up
I Ain't Gotta Tell You
Get Down Like That
Sexy Love
Let Go
Time
Girlfriend
Get Down Like That

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE THIS CD.......2007-02-13

I listen to every song except for one. One of them just annoying to me. But other than that this man has real talent. He sings, he writes, who knew! Great CD, I would recommend it to everyone. Well everyone born between 1982 and 1993.

Average customer rating:

In My Own Words
B-12
Manufacturer: Mobb Boss Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006RINA
Release Date: 2002-10-29

Average customer rating:

Excellent.

In My Own Words
Jon Burr
Manufacturer: Cymekob
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000006CR4
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Blear
In My Own Words
Rainbow Over Harlem
Silver Water
Smokin' O.P's
Lament
Snowfall
Second Nature
Sentimental Mood
Captain Queeg
Out Of The Woods
It's A Girl
Time To Get Off

Customer Reviews:

Excellent........1999-09-25

Excellent bop, much in the vein of modal Chambers/Coltrane/Miles, BUT Burr's quartet definitely has estd. a "sound" of their own. Ellington's suite is beautifully crafted by these 4 guys, and I think if one can "improvise" yet "standardize" an Ellington piece, its magic. Great buy. Burr himself does not steal the show, which is great cos he simply acts a terrific trampouline bouncing off the other artists and thereby showcasing the "band".