Epiphany by Chrisette Michele

Pros: Excellent songwriting from Ne-Yo, sharp vocals from Chrisette.
Cons: A couple of midtempo tracks blend into the scenery.

There haven't been a lot of newcomers in the R&B field worth mentioning over the past couple of years, but Chrisette Michele is definitely a star on the rise. Most people first heard her distinctive voice singing the choruses of Jay-Z's "Lost One" ...

Pros: updates her sound without selling out, Ne-Yo's freshest writing in a while, I'm Okay
Cons: production runs together toward the middle of the record, too safe, less jazz influences

Hype is a funny thing. On one hand, you want to keep your perspective and become realistic about whatever it is that you're excited about; however, on the other hand, sometimes it's just too hard to contain and you simply have to let it out. While there ...