Self Explanatory

## **Singles from *Self Explanatory***

1. "U 2 Luv"
Released: May 29, 2020
2. "What If"
Released: September 24, 2021
3. "Stay Down"
Released: December 17, 2021
4. "Don't Love Me"
Released: April 14, 2022
5. "You Got the Body"
Released: June 17, 2022

***Self Explanatory*** is the eighth studio album by Ne-Yo, released on July 15, 2022, through Motown Records. It features guest appearances from Zae France, Jeremih, Bleu, and Trippie Redd. He once stated, "I named the album *Self Explanatory* because the music speaks for itself."

## Synopsis

The R&B singer and writer flexes his voice over sensual grooves.

## Background

He started the LP in 2018, though the global pandemic interfered with its release. In another interview, he elaborated, "I started this album in 2018, and I was moving through it a little more slowly than normal. It was taking me some time to get things going because I was really trying to figure out where I fit into the industry now—I'm not going to lie." He continued, "I've never been in this business just for the sake of selling records; that's not my job. I had to remind myself of the reasons I fell in love with music in the first place and not worry about where the album was going to fall—be it urban radio or pop radio—that nothing else really matters when it comes down to the creation of art." He explained the title once more: "I call the album *Self Explanatory* because at this point, the music should speak for itself. I hate to listen to a song that has a storyline to it and once it's over, I'm asking questions. I'm supposed to be able to know what's going on the second it plays. My body is supposed to know what it's supposed to do and that's what my music is doing on this album."

He shared, "The entire album is not about my wife, because one thing that I've realized as an entertainer is that, as much as I want to be able to be authentically me as humanly possible, I also understand that not everybody else is married, or in my predicament. I can't sing every song from the standpoint of a married man; not every visual can be my wife. I mean, it's still entertainment at the end of the day. As much as people love and appreciate my wife, maybe they don't want to know that every single song I'm singing is about her, because then how do you personalize it? So, not every song is about her or our situation—not even half, to be honest. There were songs that really meant something to me, and then songs where I kind of just needed to get them out and off my chest, and there were a lot, but only the best ones made the album, the ones that I felt like were going to tell the story I wanted to tell, but also be an instrument for a listener to use to help themselves whenever need be." He added that it was a different process compared to his previous albums, as he learned how to co-write. He also worked with new writers and producers.

## Videos

Ne-Yo - Self Explanatory (Trailer)Ne-Yo - Self Explanatory (Behind the Scenes)
## References

1. ↑ "NE-YO RELEASES HIS LATEST ALBUM 'SELF-EXPLANATORY'". *WBLS*. July 15, 2022.
2. ↑ Centeno, Tony (July 15, 2022). "Ne-Yo Talks New Album 'Self Explanatory,' Rebuilding His Marriage & More". *Power 105.1*.
3. ↑ "Ne-Yo brings forth new 'Self Explanatory' album". *Revolt*. July 15, 2022.