Victoria Monét Serves Us an Authentic Fierceness in 'JAGUAR'
Victoria Monét is as talented as they come, and she is no stranger to wearing multiple crowns. She has written for many artists, such as Nas, Ariana Grande, and Fifth Harmony, to name a few. However, for her new album, JAGUAR, Monét is front and center and giving us 100 percent of her authentic self.
The album lives up to its fierce title, showcasing Monét's utter versatility while also exploring a common thread. Each song reflects a degree of funk-infused R&B with an overlay of etherealness, combining sultry lyrics with clever instrumentation and refreshing vocal melodies.
Many tracks are driven by a bass pocket, like "Moment," which was released as a single prior to the album. "Moment" features enchanting string stabs and swells and stimulating vocal choices, certainly creating a moment of its own. Other songs, like "Dive," the title track "Jaguar," and "Experience," featuring Khalid and SG Lewis, also exhibit bright brass sections along with a sprinkle of nostalgia.
In her Apple Music listening party, co-hosted with Masego, Monét described the album as "that feel good music [but] mix it with some nasty." She says she wants "women to feel empowered, and...men to get used to us talking about our bodies, our sexuality, our desires." With a fierce album title like JAGUAR, Monét shows us there is power in freedom, in confidence, and in being yourself, as she rightfully takes hold of the narrative around female sexuality.
Monét's music is "all about freedom." And JAGUAR certainly exhibits that, from the opening bar to the final vocal notes that conclude the album.
Listen to JAGUAR below:
