Give Victoria Monét Her Flowers!
Jaguar II Album Review
Modern R&B fans are no stranger to Victoria Monét and her work in the music industry. The singer-songwriter has written for artist like Chloe x Halle, Brandy, Fifth Harmony, and her long-time friend Ariana Grande. However, Monét ‘s latest release further cements her presence in music as a singer, dancer, and all-around solo artist. As the follow up to 2020’s Jaguar, the newest project Jaguar II serves as a perfect transition into the next era of her career.
Album Rollout and Visuals
Jaguar II is Victoria Monét’s first full length album since 2020’s global pandemic. The rollout for the album has been steady, and the singles released have been helping to build up audience anticipation. Fans were first given a taste of what the singer planned to bring with the release of “Smoke”, a collaboration with Lucky Daye, earlier this year. The song continued to bring in 60s and 70s funk and disco influences that have become a part of Monet’s signature style in both her music and visuals.
Never one to stay stagnant, the following two releases spotlighted Monét’s ability to experiment in different genres. “Party Girls” featuring Buju Banton allowed the singer to explore how her sound melded with reggae/dancehall aesthetics. Shortly after, “On My Mama”, a sample of Chalie Boy’s 2009 hit “I Look Good” was released with the accompanying music video. Both the song and visuals received overwhelmingly positive feedback. By paying omage to her birthplace of Atlanta, Georgia and the era that inspired the song being referenced, the piece (choreographed by Sean Bankhead) has been a treat to modern R&B fans, and created a dance craze that is currently gaining momentum on TikTok. “On My Mama” became the singers fist top 20 single on the Billboard R&B charts landing at #19.
Album Themes and Messaging
Funk music and sounds of the disco era have been a huge source of influence in today’s R&B singers. Releases of albums like An Evening with Silk Sonic and the rise of popularity in new-wave funk bands such as Phony Ppl and The Internet has played a huge part in the sound reentering popular music. Monét is arguably a pioneer in this resurgence, and her ability to shift the traditional elements of the genre on its head makes her music stand out amongst her peers. Cis-het men’s perspective has usually been at the forefront of the genre. Singers often were highlighting their relationship with women who meet them with disinterest, gold-digging, or unhealthy infatuation. Monét gives us femme and queer perspective that is both empowering and exciting to listen to. Ethereal vocals and collaborations with artist like Earth, Wind, and Fire who pioneered the sound keep us rooted in where she’s pulling inspiration from, but her lyricism and hip-hop influences keep us grounded in a sound that still feels true to 2023 R&B. The 11 track project uses the sound to help listeners experience euphoria (“Smoke” and “Smoke (Reprise)”), the duality of sultry femme existence when coupled with independence (“Cadillac ( A Pimp’s Anthem)” and “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”), and reflection after long physical and emotional journeys (“Good Bye”).
Final Thoughts
With Jaguar II, Victoria Monet has cemented herself as a staple in the R&B genre. By further spotlighting her exceptional writing skills and establishing herself as a consistent and thoughtful vocalist and dancer, the singer is receiving long overdue recognition for her dedication to her craft and the intention she puts behind her work. We certainly have been eyeing tickets to go see the singer on the recently announced Jaguar Tour, and hope the award season acknowledges the album in the way it so obviously deserves.
