An in-depth discussion about why some songs should have received air time
THAT’S MY JAM: The nominee for our next Should-Be Single? is none other than Beyoncé’s "Signs" from 2003’s Dangerously in Love.
SU ZEE: “I was in love with a Sagittarius.” The opening lyrics for Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love song “Signs” were, at the time, as close as an admission anyone was going get from B that she was involved with a famous Sagittarian ― one she later went on to marry ― in secret of course. It’s part of the reason why I enjoyed this song when I first heard it on Dangerously in Love. On her debut solo album, the notoriously private superstar was finally giving fans a little insight on the star she was reportedly romantically aligned with, then threw in her thoughts on the rest of the astrological chart just to keep things interesting, inclusive and, perhaps, deliberately evasive.
Evasive is what she seems to do best. But on this cut, she went directly into the catchy, smooth melody that’s at times ― and appropriately ― cosmic. I admit the only reason I can recite the zodiac signs in any kind of order is because of this song. And I have to say that her descriptions of each sign are dead-on. I think these qualities help make it a radio-ready track that would fare well on pop and R&B stations, and I can just imagine the treatment this would have received in the dance clubs.
Musically, “Signs’” melody plays out a little unevenly, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but not immediately catchy or memorable. Missy Elliott gets “featuring” credits, but she’s hardly noticeable on the track save for a lyrical “rewind” in the midst of a refrain in which Beyoncé wishes her lyrical lover was a Virgo ― the same sign as she. But she also gives shout-outs to Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and “every sign from coast to coast.” Beyoncé’s need to appease begins to run thin, much like her vocals on the track. Unlike some of the album’s singles, “Crazy In Love,” “Naughty Girl” and even the title track sequel, “Dangerously In Love 2,” “Signs” seems to lack the passion and commitment Beyoncé so often delivers in her songs.
I think it’s great that Missy didn’t dominate the track. Not that there’s anything wrong with Missy, but sometimes, her appearances on cuts tend to overtake the featured artist. But when it comes to “Signs,” it has so many engaging elements. There’s the Creole chants during the bridge; the intriguing chorus that lists the different signs; and its overall memorable nature. It’s definitely a standout and easily recognizable for those who have the album. I think radio audiences would have appreciated hearing this on the airwaves. I can hear B’s hypnotic vocals now on all the quiet storm radio shows.
Overall, I think “Signs” is a good “filler” for the album, and I’m glad it made the cut. But like Beyoncé’s indecisiveness about her astrological preferences, this critiquing Virgo is also undecided on whether this song was radio-friendly enough to be released as a single. That said, the “signs” are pointing me to push pause on this track as a “Should-Be Single?” but I may hit “rewind” when I listen to it on the album again.
The Rating Scale:
►– Push Play
|| – Push Pause
■ – Push Stop
The Verdict:
Su Zee gives “Signs” a || while That’s My Jam gives it a ►.
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