Billboard’s ‘Like a Surgeon’ Single Review

Ciara follows up her top 10 R&B single “Never Ever” with another midtempo shuffler, one that’s a bit more aggressive lyrically and musically than the previous song from her “Fantasy Ride” album. “Surgeon” finds the young siren operating under the guise of a sexual braggart on a song that sounds like it may have been modeled after the late Aaliyah’s more ambitious album tracks. Tricky Stewart creates a tense production template for the singer to explore a darker, sexier side than listeners may be used to hearing from her. Plodding synth lines, an unusual bassline and a stop-and-go rhythm add up to one of Ciara’s most interesting singles to date. —Chris Williams