Ever-ubiquitous, Canadian rapper and singer Drake returns with more new music in 2017, this time in the form of single, “Signs.”

At this point, we – the world – has become accustomed Drake being prolific.  By prolific, we mean releasing an abundance of new material.  Early in his career, the rapper/singer took more time between releases.  The best example is the two-year hiatus between Take Care (2011) and Nothing Was the Same (2013), as well as NWTS and 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.

Beginning with If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, Drake went on a roll. He released another mixtape (What A Time to Be Alive with Future), an album (Views), and a “playlist” (More Life).  Now the ubiquitous hip-hop presence returns with a new single, “Signs.” Ultimately, the signs for “Signs” is ‘all good’ – well, mostly good.

“Signs” is Drake through and through.  Starting with the production work, it’s minimal, but packs a punch.  “Signs” includes synths – nothing too crazy – and relatively simple, yet effect drum programming.  The sound and overall vibe is moody, matching the persona that he’s erected throughout the course of his career.  Furthermore, the sound is slated somewhere between the tropical sound he’s been stuck on and urban contemporary music in general.

In regards to performance, Drake is on autopilot as usual.  He doesn’t offer anything new or groundbreaking, but he also doesn’t disappoint either.  At this point, he’s become a bit saturated, so unless he does something dramatically different, it won’t come over as particularly rousing.  That’s the case with “Signs,” which is sound – even hypnotic – but not monumental or game changing. Still, Drake gives a respectable performance, but the song itself feels more like one whole piece as opposed to featuring several distinct sections.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Signs” is another welcome record that Drake adds to his collection.  This doesn’t sound like a definitive hit, but, it’s enjoyable without question.  The main reason it doesn’t play better is familiarity and perhaps a bit of the oversaturation of the MC.  Would we be yearning for new Drake if he gave us a break? “That is the question.”

Drake • Signs – Single • Young Money / Cash Money • Release: 6.23.17 

Photo Credit: Young Money / Cash Money