The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monae Album Review

The Age of Pleasure truly marks a new age for Janelle Monáe, the creative Afro-futuristic singer, dancer, and artist. Janelle has released an abundance of creative, expressive, eccentric, and non-conforming albums. Her last album was released in 2018 titled Dirty Computer and was critically acclaimed. It featured the likes of Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Grimes, Zoë Kravitz, and was even said to have Prince’s contribution to it before he passed.

Now we have a new Janelle Monáe, one that is more “down to Earth”. Prior we got an other-worldly Monáe whose identity was closely related to technology hence her past works: The ArchAndroid, The Electric Lady, and Dirty Computer. Now we have a Monáe who seems free-spirited, comfortable in her own skin, her sexuality and desires, and even in her physical essence.

I’d like to think this album is an ode to our shift into The Age of Aquarius. The album seems to have a spiritual element to it. Not only that we are getting a blend of Afro-futuristic elements and genres including R&B, afro-beats, reggae, dancehall, and even a blend of some jazzy and groovy beats. The features are epic and range to a variety of genre-bending artists including Seun Kuti (son of legendary Fela Kuti), Doechii, Grace Jones, Amaarae, and Sister Nancy to name some.

Songs like Black Sugar Beach, Phenomenal (feat. Doechii) and Haute really blend this delicious creative fusion of R&B, dance hall, and afro-beats with some expected iconic lyrics and vocals by Janelle. Another important note in this album is that the segues are super smooth and transition beautifully into each other. (Note: Lipstick Lover segue into The Rush). Overall the album has wonderfully produced rhythms, beats, lyricism, and vocals.

This album is extremely cohesive and flows really well, in its entirety The Age of Pleasure theme can really be read and heard all the way from start to finish. All of Janelle Monáe’s albums seem to be well thought through and can be played as an album which is a rarity in this day and age.

This album is such a refreshing exciting blend of beautiful genres and was executed phenomenally.