I don't know how he does it but there's something increasingly annoying about how addictive Ne-Yo's songs can be. Whether you're listening to the radio, shopping or out dancing in a club, his voice invariably crops up to remind you that he has yet another hit and — love it or hate it — you have to live with it.

It gets even stranger though. He may be a singer himself, but the man's even more famous for brilliant songwriting — his hot tunes like Mario's 'Let Me Love You', Beyonce's 'Irreplaceable' and Rihanna's 'Take A Bow' seemed permanently imbedded on the Billboard Hot 100 at one stage.

Now stepping out as a singer again, his latest offering is inspired by the music and dress code of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack". 'Year Of The Gentleman' opens with 'Closer', a lively dance track with lyrics to match, that's already causing global havoc.

'Miss Independent' is doing rather well too. It's a bit on the slow side of things but perfect to sing along or do a bit of romantic waltzing to. And 'Mad', the most distinctively R&B-sounding track of all the featured singles, really showcases Ne-Yo's voice. Boy does he belt it out.

When it comes to songs of the moment, Ne-Yo is clearly king. Without a doubt. But even he can't keep the good stuff coming — 'Year Of The Gentleman' soon settles (and almost falls asleep) on a comfortable couch. Resorting to one generic ballad after the next, the hitmaker turns on the quiet storm autopilot for plenty of treacle and Mariah Carey insincerity.

No gentleman is this sappy.