Assisted by Rodney Jerkins on the boards, Ciara delivers one of her best singles in years with “Dose,” It’s chocked-full of attitude & infectious.

“100, 100, 100, 100 rounds / I know how to keep you chasing / Leave my handprint, make my mark…/ Trust me boy, it’s worth the waiting / Ain’t no stopping when I start.” Word. Ciara is back with a bang on her latest of many singles released in 2018, “Dose.” Perhaps the biggest lift that the urban contemporary artists gets is from veteran producer Rodney Jerkins.  He definitely sets up Ciara for success with a rhythmic, brassy backdrop, hard-hitting drum programming, all chocked-full of attitude that serves as fuel for the fire.

There’s simply no way to deny the groovy, infectious, and utterly playful nature of “Dose.” The minor-key banger it is a great fit for Ciara. Notably, her vocals are bright, possessing a presence on this particular record.  The lyrics are hella simple – typical – but exude confidence:

“I’m a groundbreaking woman

I get loud when I wanna

Put me down, I’ll go harder

Promise that I give you life.”

The chorus is both catchy and incredibly sexy.  Clearly, she is referencing good sex.

“I’ma hit you with a dose
I’ma get a little closer
I’ma give a little more
Put your body in motion
I’ma hit you with a dose
Can you keep your composure?
Have you singing like ‘oh’
You’ll be feeling like oh.”

She follows the chorus with a post-chorus, confirming ‘the heat’: “When you fall, fall / Just get back up again…” On the bridge, she’s incredibly turned-up, singing, “Ooh baby, ooh baby / Oooh let me if you think you’re ready…” Here, there’s great musical contrast with the use of guitars and a lighter backdrop. Even so, it remains groovy to the nth degree.  One of the best musical moments – and there’s lots – are the hyper-rhythmic, marching band/synthetic drums that follow the bridge.

Final Thoughts

If it seems like I’m gushing about the heaping “Dose” Ciara is giving, I totally am.  In my humble opinion, this is one of the better Ciara records I’ve heard in years.  Why? Rodney Jerkins is a big factor, but give “C” credit where it’s due as well.

Ciara • Dose • Beauty Marks Entertainment • Release: 9.14.18

Photo Credit: Beauty Marks Entertainment