Ne Yo excites fans at Birmingham NIA

NE YO

NIA, Birmingham

review by James Watkins

International R'n'B sensation Ne-Yo delivered a bare-all set that delighted an awe-inspired crowd of West Midlands revellers at the Birmingham NIA.

Before the big show however, music fans were treated to the incredible talent of the well established American rapper, Trey Songz, who delivered an immense vocal performance.

With four albums all hitting the heights of the US Billboard charts and with his debut UK tour causing a stir, Songz ran through a punchy but short set that included a lively Bottoms Up and his latest single Love Faces.

The fans were thrilled by the powerful lyrics of Can't Be Friends and will doubtless look forward to his return to the West Midlands on April 25, when he plays the O2 Academy.

Despite being enthralled by Trey Songz, hoewver, the partisan crowd was present for Ne-Yo.

Walking onto a massive stage with a barrage of scantily clad dancers, the urban music superstar opened to the sounds of Beautiful Monster and consistently impressed with a barrage of hits, including So Sick and Because Of You.

Playing through a sexed-up Mad, Ne-Yo brought the house to its feet with Crazy Love, which went down as one of the standout tracks of the night alongside Say It.

Ending the night with an encore of One In A Million and Miss Independent, fans sang their hearts out and raised the decibel level to its loudest for the opening chords of Closer.

The crowd went home happy after hearing a greatest hits set from one of the world's biggest R'n'B acts.