Signature marks album number eight from R&B lover man Joe, the second release on his new label (Kedar) after his dramatic split from Jive Records. Even with a new label, new album, new management, he manages to deliver the same signature Joe sound, which is why this album is so appropriately titled. There’s little departure from Joe’s traditional subject matter or style so longtime fans will appreciate the consistency.

Signature excels on tracks like Worst Case Scenario with its great melody, Metaphor for overall appeal, and the Marvin Gaye cover Come Get To This. The downfall however is in the lyrics; Joe just tries a bit too hard to ditch the ‘nice guy’ persona for the ‘playboy’ mantle in some songs, ditching the subtle poetry for a more blunt approach: “I’ll give you anything plus pipe I lay” on Miss My Baby. Even in the single Majic, Joe’s notion that he’ll “hug the block” comes off a bitslightly far-fetched.

Nothing really blew me away about this album, but there weren’t any tracks I felt the need to skip over either. Signature makes good background music if you’re looking for a chill evening with that special someone or just want something easy to listen to. You won’t be amazed, but you won’t be disappointed either.

Sound-Savvy rates Signature with 3 out of 5 platinum headphones.