Tuesday, September 9 was a huge day for Janelle Monae fans everywhere, myself included. It was the release date of her sophomore album The Electric Lady and it hit store shelves to great fanfare. It’s the follow-up to Monae’s critically acclaimed debut album The ArchAndroid and it’s already receiving rave reviews for good reason.
The first single from the album, “Q.U.E.E.N.,” featured Erykah Badu and dropped months ago, only fueling the fire of anticipation for this album. It’s a female empowerment track without a doubt. Over a killer bass riff and retro synths, Monae swaggers, sings and even raps, reinforcing the message that a queen is whatever she wants to be.
There are a whole host of guest artists on this lengthy album from Miguel to Solange to Esperanza Spalding. Even Prince makes an appearance and his grooving track “Givin’ Em What They Love” makes for an incredibly strong opening track.
But the album is the strongest when Monae performs alone and is able to display her full vocal range. “Victory” is a perfect example, as Monae belts out the chorus: To be victorious, you must find glory in the little things, truly bringing out the meaning in those words.
“The Electric Lady” contains Suites IV and V of Monae’s futuristic concept series starring her android alter-ego Cindi Mayweather. Even if the storyline is too involved to get into, anyone can enjoy the musical quality found on the album.
The album seems to float between genres, from R&B to jazz to soul, without getting lost or muddled. The songs flow together seamlessly, bridged together by little interludes that imitate radio stations that exist in the concept album’s universe.
She’s soon embarking upon a tour for her new album and she will be making a stop in Philadelphia on October 13 at the Electric Factory. Considering her reputation for putting on an amazing show, I’d advise that you pick up tickets early. This is one electric lady that you don’t want to miss.