Science fiction, comic books, Japanese animation and Michael Jackson's Thriller, Bad and Moonwalker were the inspirations for Ne-Yo's new album Libra Scale. The influence of The King of Pop becomes clear when you look at the album cover. One might then wonder when influences turn into creative stealing. From this inspiration a story arose that is set out in comic form in the CD booklet. On the CD
… itself we do not notice such a concept and now more than ever it seems as if we are listening to a mix of Usher and Michael Jackson. Due to the success of the single Closer from the previous album Year Of The Gentleman (2008), a track with the same approach, Beautiful Monster, was within the line of expectation. This is also the only track that seems to have anything to do with the comic strip, which in itself is quite nonsensical. Despite all the sources of inspiration, Ne-Yo comes across as uninspired by falling into the well-known 'girl, what are you drinking, have one more from me' and other R&B cliches. (GL)more
