Janelle Monae's new album "Electric Lady'" was made available to stream online on Tuesday.
The album, which features the likes of Prince, Solange and Erykah Badu, did not disappoint-in fact, "Electric" could be a running contender for one of the best albums of 2013.
In an interview with the Washington Post, the singer expounded upon the title of her newest album, saying that a mysterious lady constantly pervaded her psyche, and eventually inspired her to come up with the concept for "Electric":
I was painting on stage day and night, painting the image of a female silhouette, and I would sing as I would paint in front of my audience. I was painting the silhouette of this woman in these reds, greens and visceral colors...and I didn't quite understand why I was doing it...As I began to go through all these paintings I had done, the Electric Lady came to my mind. Came to my heart. Came to my spirit. A new 21 century woman. I started to ask myself, well, what does the Electric Lady think about love, think about politics? What does she think about religion, spirituality, sexuality? I started asking myself these questions and it really helped me write.
Monae's new album is a sonic voyage through throwbacks: her sound and imagery, right down to the "Qui Etes-Vous, Polly Maggoo?" inspired album artwork, reflects different aspects the 1960s and beyond.
The album opens with a Nancy Sinatra-esque overture of strings, which quickly fades to guitar melodies reminiscent of T.Rex. Strong soul influence remains throughout the album, but it's peppered with Bossa Nova elements as well--think Shaft meets Astrud Gilberto. Her lyrics bear themes of feminism, questions of love and the position of a lady in society.
Some highlights include "Electric Lady" ft. Solange, "We Were Rock N' Roll," and, of course, her breakout single with Erykah Badu, "Q.U.E.E.N." It's the kind of song you'd be a fool not to get up and dance to.
Another favorite: "Primetime" featuring Miguel. On this track, Monae flexes some serious vocals-the song screams 90s R&B, and offers a fitting backdrop for a duet with one of the most soulful dudes in the game right now.
"Electric" is a work of art-a full-on experience through various eras, a time machine through sound, a political and delicately painted canvas that spans multiple genres.
"Electric" will be released Sept. 10.
Monae is scheduled to perform at Rebecca Minkoff's New York Fashion Week show this Friday in Lincoln Center.
Stream "Electric Lady" here and let us know what you think. Could this be a favorite album of 2013?
