An "emotion-picture" is how Janelle Monae describes her albums, and it's an apt phrase for The Electric Lady.
It continues to explore the story of her android alter-ego Cindy Mayweather and yet it's also all about shakin' your proverbial.
"The booty don't lie" she proclaims on QUEEN, her excellently funky collaboration with Erykah Badu.
The Electric Lady is a complete collection of hits, and offers up treat after aural treat. Her collaboration with Prince on Givin Em What They Love shows a swampier, more bluesy side, all scorching guitar riffs, and deep percussive vocal riffs, and it introduces her smashing new brass section.
The title track, which features Solange, is like an instant old school RnB classic and like her first love-soaked ballad Primetime with Miguel, it'll have you singing along after one listen.
There are so many layers to unwrap here - historical references, storylines, beautiful instrumentation - it's an album to keep you entertained, and dancing, for many, many listens.
Stars: 5/5
Verdict: A rich, hit-filled, genre-jumping, gem.
Click here to buy The Electric Lady by Janelle Monae.
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- TimeOut