Ne-Yo, the multi-platinum, 3-time Grammy Award-winning Def Jam recording artist adds a new credits to his long list of successes over the last three year and premiered a brand-new official music video on Myspace Music yesterday for his latest single "Never Knew I Needed". The track will be the featured as the lead single from upcoming new Walt Disney animated motion picture "The Princess & The Frog: Tiana and Her Princess Friends", that will feature the first African American Disney princess. The track was shipped to Urban, Urban AC and Rhythmic radio on October 14, will be available for digital download through the iTunes Music Store on November 3, the ballad will be included in the film's soundtrack album will hit stores on November 23, and the movie, a Broadway-style musical set in the French Quarter of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou, will open in theatres on December 11.Since the reigning King of R&B's debut, Ne-Yo(a.k.a Shaffer Chimere Smith) has had five top ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist and two number-one albums on the Billboard 200. Ne-Yo's always classy style is the perfect fit to give Disney some updated R&B edge, and his vocals soar over lush production and while the lyrics are certainly family friendly, they're far from corny. All told, this might be one of the strongest testaments to his writing ability we've heard since "Irreplaceable."
Ne-Yo re-teams with director Melina ("Closer", "Miss Independent") for the pop theme song' clip which was shot in New Orleans and co-stars a Teairra Mari look-alike, finds the pop star playing a waiter who catches the eye of a beautiful wealthy diner. While her friends shun the lowly servant, she's falling in love. New Orleans serves as the gorgeous backdrop for a middling song. It's Ne-Yo and the many hats he's wearing - thankfully literally - that makes the video watchable. I love the lyrics of the song, especially since there is a dearth of sweet and romantic songs these days. Ne-Yo was the perfect choice to write and sing a song that would fit the movie. Overall, a very nice video and a great song.
Fairy tales do come true in the video, "Never Knew I Needed" puts the warm, romantic feelings in tune without being overtly corny like many big movie tracks. I doubt this will be setting charts alight anywhere, hats off to Ne-Yo for expanding his market. In addition to Ne-Yo's contribution, "The Princess and the Frog" Soundtrack boosts a colorful collection of original songs and a lively orchestral score, both composed and conducted by Randy Newman. You can visit the official website to hear exclusive snippets from "The Princess and the Frog" Soundtrack.
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