MSD Listen: Neyo - Libra Scales

Over the weekend, I went to a private listening party for Neyo's forthcoming album Libra Scales. One could suspect it may be titled that because he is attempting to create a balance of different sounds on the album. The album is diverse in sounds and genres, but it lacks alot of creativity. I begged the question throughout the listening, "Where's the creativity?!" Let me add, I would not be surprised if he says in the future that a lot of the music was MJ-inspired. Dolow you can find a mini rundown of the tracks. They were strict so I can't remember every specific, but I still had a good idea of everything that was presented to us.

Champagne Life: Second single off of the album. Definitely a banger. Upbeat, collar-poppin song. "Let's toast it up!" Produced by dude from 112(he did alot on the album).

Making A Movie: Song is about hollering at a girl and telling her that "we can make a movie". Made me feel good. Really smooth instrumental. Song concept was decent.

Telekinesis: Straight up sexing song. "Let me touch you without touching you." It's not a ballad, it has a moderate melody that will get people into the bedroom. The song concept is very imaginative.

One In A Million: He didn't cover Aaliyah (Thank God cause I heard The Dream did) but this song is very pop and dance driven. It was a very basic and boring song.

Beautiful Monster: This song is very pop and dance driven as well. The lyrics hold alot of weight and the song concept is definitely different, but it's not for the urban fan.

She Is: Heartbreak ballad. Great lyrics, great concept. The beat is pretty simple, but the singing covers all that up.

Miss Right: Song is basically discussing Mr. Right from a guy's perspective. It's like "Miss Independent" part 2 but it is even more sexy. The beat is nice and the lyrics are attractive when he sings "Hello, Good evening".
 
Cause I Said So: Very sharp dance song that is geared towards the urban crowd. Beat and lyrics very straight forward and singing is aggressive.

What Have I Done: This was my favorite. If you loved "Lie To Me" from Year of the Gentleman, then you will love this song. It's the same melody somewhat but totally different concept. The arrangement is well done.

Crazy Love: This was produced by Ryan Leslie. Extremely radio-friendly. Fabolous is on the track and it has an 80's soul feel to it. Like straight Kiss 104.1.

Genuine Only: This is a cute song and a bonus track. Very catchy but really has no substance. Beat is basic, concept is wack, and lyrics and whatever.

Know Your Name: The boring songs just started to get redundant. This was another bonus track, hopefully they just leave it off the album all together.

Songs About You: It's like the opposite of "So Sick". Instead of listening to all the sad songs, now he is writing them about her. It's attractive concept and slick beat and words. Slow melody and easy listen.

The problem with this album is there is no balance, which I guess is the point of the libra scale thing. It's either the beat is carrying the song or the vocals are carrying the song or the lyrics are carrying the song. Also there is no flow to the album. I understand that he has the ability to be diverse because of his past success with pop-driven songs and dance music, but he should have approached it with more of a story or create some type of flow so the album can be consistent in concepts, sounds, etc. The creativity he did have just put him in a box of 'confused musician'.

I know the album will sell, hell I will buy it, but it does not at the least top the last two albums. Check two of the tracks dolow.