Nelly tries to update himself with '5.0'

It seemed like Nelly had reinvented himself for his new "5.0" (Universal Motown) album, with the Europop-leaning, guitar-tinged single "Just a Dream."

After all, the St. Lunatics style that made him one of the Aughts' biggest hip-hop stars had gotten stale by 2008's "Brass Knuckles" and he needed to shake things up.

"Just a Dream" does just that, putting Nelly's distinctive flow into more timely surroundings. "Nothing Without Her" takes it even further, as he sings over a One Republic-ish ballad, complete with guitar solo, while the dance-oriented "Liv Tonight," featuring Keri Hilson, has more in common with David Guetta than "Country Grammar."

Unfortunately, Nelly can't let go of his past completely and gets stuck in some dated sounds (the plodding "I'm No. 1") and dated ideas (the annoying "Broke"). The result is that "5.0" doesn't sound quite done - maybe "4.5" at best.

GRADE: B-