Victoria Monét went against artists like Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Ice Spice and Jelly Roll for best new artist. Her win stirred up many prideful fans for the losing artists. Even though Monét has released prior works, it was not until this year that the singer-songwriter made it mainstream with hit single, “On My Mama.”
Not only does Monét write her own lyrics and perform them, she also writes for many notable pop artists, including Ariana Grande, sister duo Chloe x Halle and Selena Gomez. Monét’s collaborative work extends past her song-writing abilities too. In “Jaguar II,” three of Monét’s eleven tracks feature guest musicians, adding irreplaceable flare to the songs and album.
The album begins with “Smoke,” one of the three collaborative tracks. This song featuring fellow R&B artist, Lucky Daye, kickstarts the album with a funk-like bassline and matching horns, smoothly blending together with Monét’s and Daye’s vocals. I found myself nodding my head and swaying along to the rhythm with little thought.
The second collaborative track, “Party Girls,” features reggae musician Buju Banton. It meshes the strengths of both vocalists with a percussive bassline that partners with the drums and incorporates room for the honey smooth vocals of Monét alongside the unique and classic reggae vocals of Banton; neither artist taking away from each other, but rather creating a sway-able harmony.
The third feature song, “Hollywood,” caters more subtly to the home genre of the guest artist. Famous disco group, Earth, Wind & Fire, is the notable guest on this song, but little of their classic disco sound is heard in the feature. Though, even without the easily recognizable influence, the vocals from Earth, Wind & Fire blend well with Monét’s.
Additionally, “Hollywood” contains a more unconventional feature: a recording of Monét’s daughter, Hazel, cooing at the end of the song.
The rest of the album does not shy away from more sultry and vulgar lyricism. Monét effortlessly and sensually layers her sexuality over instrumentals and beats that can be sonically likened to an intimately dim-lit room.
Overall, “Jaguar II” is an audibly brilliant album, with addictively sleek instrumentals and caressing vocals.
