If anybody is aware of a factor or two about endurance, it’s Victoria Monét. The singer and songwriter simply dropped her debut album, JAGUAR II, on RCA Data, after greater than a decade of laborious work.
The 34-year-old minimize her enamel within the music trade in 2009 as a member of Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins’ short-lived R&B lady group, Purple Reign. Following the group’s disbandment, Monét shifted her focus to songwriting and studied the greats such because the late LaShawn Daniels, who was pivotal in her writing and vocal manufacturing strategy.
“He’s the explanation why I understood vocal manufacturing, including harmonies. Seeing him write from scratch, seeing him go within the sales space and mumble issues after which they turn into phrases. All of that comes from him,” Monét informed The Related Press in 2020.
Touchdown a placement on Diddy – Soiled Cash’s Final Prepare To Paris (“I Hate That You Love Me”) solid the path for extra writing alternatives. Monét went on to jot down and vocal produce for extra acts resembling Chrisette Michele, Nas (she’s featured on 2012’s “You Wouldn’t Perceive”), Fifth Concord and Ariana Grande. Monét co-wrote songs on Grande’s debut album, Yours Really, in addition to her subsequent albums.
Monét’s sharp pen minimize by like a knife, permitting her to carve out her personal trajectory as a singer and songwriter. She continued writing for others whereas conserving her eyes on her objective of changing into an artist, like a vigilant jaguar.
In 2014, Monét launched her debut EP, Nightmares & Lullabies, Pt. 1, on Atlantic Data. Its sequel arrived within the following yr. “Nightmares & Lullabies is a metaphor for the juxtapositions one’s life can show – dangerous days versus one of the best ones and the way they will play off of one another,” Monét defined to Billboard. “My voice represents the lullaby, and the tribal undertone within the music is darkish like a nightmare.”
Nightmares & Lullabies would arrange the cadence of her future releases. Her 2018 EP, Life After Love, was launched in two components. Half 1, impressed by a real story, is a weak set of songs that sees Monét processing the aftermath of a breakup.
The place there’s ache, there’s therapeutic. Half 2 continues the story with Monét discovering the energy to maneuver on and obtain happiness.
Life After Love, Pt. 2 arrived only a month after Grande’s Sweetener album, on which Monét co-wrote two tracks: “pete davidison” and “goodnight n go.” Each initiatives echoed a way of overcoming difficult occasions.
In 2020, Monét turned heads together with her JAGUAR EP. (She proudly pushed the mission again one week to honor Beyoncé’s visible album The Present.) JAGUAR welcomes listeners into Monét’s jungle that drips with sultry and steamy bangers like “Second” and “Contact Me.”
She labored carefully with acclaimed producer D’Mile, with extra contributions from SG Lewis and Deputy, to create a sonic expertise that delves into ‘70s soul. She was dedicated to making sure that her earth-toned styling and vintage-like visuals mirrored her sound.
Initially deliberate to be a trilogy, JAGUAR was finally condensed right into a two-part sequence like Monét’s earlier releases, with JAGUAR II as the newest installment. All through her profession, Monét constantly showcased her capability to strike a harmonious steadiness. Any sequel she’s launched has at all times come throughout as a significant extension of the bigger story Monét was telling. JAGUAR II is not any completely different. Whereas it shares the identical title as its predecessor, JAGUAR II drastically places Monét the place she rightfully belongs: on the summit.
Since JAGUAR, Monét has turn into a mom to her daughter Hazel, who makes an look on JAGUAR II (extra on that later). She additionally signed a brand new take care of RCA Data, affording her extra sources than when she was unbiased.
The place JAGUAR confirmed off Monét’s sensual prowess, JAGUAR II roars unwavering energy and self-assurance. D’Mile, who went on to attain Silk Sonic’s breakout album An Night With Silk Sonic, returns to the helm for II.
Monét eases into the album with “Smoke,” the Fortunate Daye-featured lead single, co-produced by D’Mile, Tim Suby and Yogi. The smoldering bass and regal horns, paired with their hazy vocals, are sufficient to get you excessive off contact. And also you’ll really feel it rapidly in “Smoke Reprise,” the place Monét’s vocals sprinkle down like a mild drizzle on a cloudy day.
Whereas “Smoke” is Monét’s apparent ode to weed, she additionally famous it represents “exhaling the outdated and inhaling the brand new.” Monét’s blazing mantra for “Smoke” might be utilized to JAGUAR II in a common sense. Whereas the album could mark the top of 1 period, it undoubtedly establishes the ambiance for what’s to comply with.
JAGUAR II brims with a excessive stage of confidence, even when there have been moments when Monét felt the other. The nostalgic “On My Mama,” which samples Texas rapper Chalie Boy’s 2009 hit “I Look Good,” is infused with self-affirming lyrics. “I wrote it postpartum after I wasn’t feeling my finest, however spoke to how I needed to really feel,” Monét beforehand defined.
Monét doesn’t simply encourage herself, she additionally needs to carry others alongside. “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem),” decked out with resonant bass sweeps and brassy horns, is an empowering tribute to ladies. “We girls been successful since from the start / Of your complete life,” Monét sings. The Kaytranada-produced standout “Alright” and Buju Banton-assisted “Occasion Ladies” have fun having a great time in a festive ambiance.
Monét is aware of how one can let her hair down, however she additionally is aware of how one can set boundaries. “Cease (Askin’ Me 4Shyt),” co-written by James Fauntleroy, humorously expresses Monét’s annoyance with a persistent individual. The kiss-off lyrics are paying homage to songs like Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone” and Future’s Youngster’s “Bug a Boo,” with comedic traces like: “Do I appear to be a tree to you? Nicely, leaf me alone if I do.”
As a masterful songwriter, Monét has proven that her capability to wordplay is unmatched. She will do it in a cheeky manner on songs like “Cease” or in a sentimental manner on songs like “How Does It Make You Really feel.” Within the latter, she sings, “Similar to the sand I’ll at all times be for shore (certain),” over a dreamy backdrop punctuated by cinematic strings and tinkling xylophone. The soul ballad, which has traces of New Energy Era and Prince’s “Diamonds and Pearls,” captures the essence of unconditional love.
Monét has been very vocal about honoring legendary artists who got here earlier than her, together with these from the ‘60s and ‘70s soul eras. The introspective “Hollywood” options Earth, Wind & Fireplace, making a full-circle second. Lyrically, the tune delves into Monét’s expertise residing in Los Angeles, the place she first moved when she auditioned for Purple Reign.
Over glamorous instrumentation, with Verdine White on the bass, Monét sings about the way it’s simple to “get misplaced in all of the glitter” and the way it’s necessary to stay grounded. Towards the top of the tune, we hear Monét’s daughter guffawing. It might probably signify how motherhood has reshaped Monét’s considering and given her a brand new sense of goal. She’s now not residing for herself but in addition her baby.
As talked about above, JAGUAR II is the ultimate installment of Monét’s JAGUAR sequence. It’s solely proper that it ends with “Good Bye,” a bittersweet send-off that cherishes the ultimate moments of a relationship. Regardless of the fading union, Monét opts to finish issues on a great word.
JAGUAR II pleasantly concludes the two-part sequence. The album additional underscores Monét’s capability to thrive in various soundscapes. It’s a bit extra expansive than her earlier works. Monét seamlessly blends components of funk, reggae, hip-hop and pop, whereas sustaining an R&B core. Her meticulous consideration to element can be obvious all through the mission. The songwriting is knife-sharp. The ad-libs and background vocals are successfully positioned. The manufacturing is refreshingly opulent and textured. The monitor sequencing is impeccable. The album was undoubtedly optimized to raise the listening expertise.
Although JAGUAR II could mark the top of Monét’s time within the jungle, she’s going to emerge from it reworked. Like a stealthy jaguar that prowls by the evening shadows, conserving a watchful eye on its environment and stalking its prey, Monét has poised herself for this juncture. We’ve traced her footprints. We’ve heard her distant roars. Now, it’s Monét’s time to completely pounce into the sunshine with JAGUAR II, which is certain to depart an eternal mark in her discography.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Standout tracks: “Alright,” “Hollywood” and “How Does It Make You Really feel”
Stream Victoria Monét’s debut album, JAGUAR II, beneath.
