After almost two years without releasing anything, Runtown succeeds with a scorching new album. The album’s title, “SIGNS,” suggests that Runtown intends to highlight how his time away has fueled his desire to showcase both his old and new artistic abilities.
14 tracks with provocative titles like “Sinner Man,” “O Fe Pa Mi,” “War,” “High Spirit,” and “Mic Check” can be found on the new album’s tracklist. Although some fantastic, undiscovered vocalists help him on a couple tunes, the tracklist still does not list any featured performers. The song names make it clear that this project wants to rank among the most serious albums of the year.
The 13-track album “Signs,” which has a Reggaeton-like vibe, opens with the catchy and superbly poetic “Signs,” which marks Runtown’s return to his fans.
The words of the song focus on issues like truth, jealousy, striving for material success, faith in supernatural forces and signs, and how current events impact society as a whole as it searches for the truth.
The song’s smooth Reggae beat arrangement and the chanting background vocal at the end give it character and make it an interesting introduction.
The following track, “Sinnerman,” keeps the pace established by the previous one while returning to an Afrobeat arrangement this time. Runtown describes himself as “a sinnerman” and thanks God for his benefits as he sings about his life. The delivery of the lively tune is excellent, and the production features Runtown’s signature Afro-pop. On “Things I Know,” which served as the album’s debut single and features Runtown as the primary vocalist, he discusses love, relationships, and how to deal with haters.
Although he is aware that “talk is cheap,” he is motivated to prove them wrong. As he sings to her and shares his thoughts with her, he exhorts his girlfriend to get closer so he may tell her “things he knows.” The backing vocals blend seamlessly with the beats and the soloist, and the beat arrangement is excellent.
“O Fe Pa Mi,” the first song on the album with a guest appearance, features Jamopyper. Runtown gives us the vibe we’re accustomed to hearing and liking on this nice danceable track. The lyrics contain a variety of messages about love, relationships, loyalty, desire, and truths that show how much better life is when there is abundance. Braggadocio is also sprinkled throughout. Jamopyper makes the song personal by adding backing vocals, continuing to sing on the music after the beat, and participating in the background vocals. Additionally, the delivery is excellent.
Mr. Hudson is a featured artist on “Dangerous,” a smooth, R&B-influenced track with a 90s vibe. In this song, the duo sonorously sings about issues relating to love and relationships. The melody has a romantic flavor thanks to Mr. Hudson’s smooth voice, and the background vocals flawlessly merge with the beat as the duo performs outstandingly. The album’s final track is “Mic check.” Again, the Afrobeat composition takes the musical journey to a satisfying conclusion as Runtown sings of his love for his baby and the effects that love has had on him. As the song nears its final few seconds and concludes, the background support vocals periodically enter the mix, bringing out the song’s melody.
Stream Signs by Runtown below: