Signature (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Over the last several years R&B has pandered to a younger and younger audience, to the point where it is often hard to tell where the R&B market ends and the teen market begins. Joe is one of the few contemporary soul singers to refuse to follow this trend. Signature upholds the tradition of grown-up R&B epitomized by Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross and Freddie Jackson, but this isn’t by any means a retro album. “Majic” and “Sex Girl” have a low-key thump that fans of hip-hop can easily relate to. Signature is the rare R&B album that values musicianship and songwriting over big hooks and flashy beats. It’s refreshing to hear live horns on “Friends Don’t Let Friends,” “Love’s Greatest Episode” and “Miss My Baby,” and the hypnotic shuffle of “Come Get to This” echoes Marvin Gaye in his prime. Of course a singer with as tasteful and understated a style as Joe is bound to excel at slow jams. Check out “Very Special Friend,” “Wanna Be Your Lover,” and “Metaphor” for low-light bedroom atmosphere.