Janelle Monáe: The Electric Lady – review

# Janelle Monae

# Pop and rock

# R&B

# Soul

(Atlantic)

Monáe's second full-length record is just as irresistible as her first: a supercharged collection of funk, soul and jazz, all in service to the cosmology of Cindi Mayweather, intergalactic android alter ego. There are songs dedicated to Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, and Dorothy Dandridge, the first African-American actress to be nominated for an Oscar, but the grooves are as on the money as the references. She's irrepressible and the record sparkles with personality and elan, sealing her as a pop star worthy of the illustrious company she keeps – Prince, Erykah Badu and Solange are among her collaborators here.

Contributor

Hermione Hoby

The GuardianTramp

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