Libra Scale (Deluxe Edition)

Ne-Yo is a musical triple-threat; singer, songwriter, and producer. Born in Arkansas and raised in Las Vegas, he spent many years grinding and paying dues before getting his big break in the mid-2000s, when he wrote the hit "Let Me Love You" for Mario, topping the charts for over two months. Signed by Jay-Z to Def Jam, his 2006 debut album In My Own Words spawned several huge singles, hit number one, and went platinum. Because of You and Year of the Gentleman followed setting the stage for this, his fourth album. Where his earlier releases were pretty much straight modern R&B, Libra Scale is a conceptual piece, centering on three men who must choose between true love vs. money/power/fame, while also paying homage to one of his biggest influences, the late great Michael Jackson. Produced by StarGate, Ryan Leslie, and others, it is his most interesting work to date, with unique story lines, highly danceable beats, and dominant vocals. Check out "Know Your Name," "Crazy Love," and "Beautiful Monster."