Ne-Yo knows the champagne life all too well. His new single, “Simple Things,” eschews flashiness in favor of everyday pleasures.
On the country-tinged track, produced by Dave Cohen and Young Lan, Ne-Yo sings, “It’s the long talks and the quiet drives / And the slow alks, that’s when you realize / It’s always the simple things.”
Recorded in Nashville, “Simple Things” is set to appear on Ne-Yo’s forthcoming album, which will fuse country and R&B.“I can’t not be me but it’s everything that I love about country music mixed with what it is that I normally do,” Ne-Yo toldJoe and Jada podcast hosts Fat Joe and Jadakiss.
“Simple Things” arrives following Ne-Yo’s Grand Ole Opry debut, where he performed “Simple Things” along with a medley of his signature hits.
The “So Sick” crooner also appeared at the 2025 CMA Awards, alongside Gretchen Wilson, to present Vocal Duo of the Year. (Brooks & Dunn took home the award.)
In addition to his upcoming album, Ne-Yo will also make his Broadway debut in Alicia Keys‘ award-winning musical Hell’s Kitchen. His limited run as Davis, previously held by Brandon Victor Dixon and Tank, begins Dec. 4.
“I’ve performed on a lot of stages in my life, but making my Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen is something truly special,” said Ne-Yo. “Alicia created a world that’s real, raw, and full of soul, and stepping into the role of ‘Davis’ lets me explore a whole new side of storytelling. I’m honored to join this incredible cast and creative team, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve got to the Shubert Theatre.”
“Simple Things” is Ne-Yo’s first solo single since “Show Me” in December 2024. Earlier that summer, he released his first independent single, “2 Million Secrets,” after parting ways with Motown Records.
Ne-Yo’s upcoming album, the follow-up to 2022’s Self Explanatory, will release via Compound Entertainment/Atlantic Outpost.
Stream Ne-Yo’s new song “Simple Life” below.