Janelle Monáe – Dirty Computer

Review

Janelle Monáe truly brought her A-game with "Dirty Computer," and I felt the impact of her soulful dare-to-be-different vibe from the first listen. Shedding her futuristic alter-ego, she digs deep into what it means to be her authentic self, exploring the intricacies of identity, love, and society. She dubbed it an "emotion picture," and it really is an audiovisual feast that ties her songs to a larger, more vivid narrative.

"Dirty Computer" is like a powerhouse of self-empowerment anthems that hit home with their political punch. Monáe doesn't hold back; her openness about her pansexuality and the bold critique of unjust power structures give the album a resounding voice that's more than just music—it's a movement. With catchy grooves in "Make Me Feel" and heartfelt vulnerability in "So Afraid," she masterfully mixes funk, soul, pop, and R&B. Her bravery and lyrical prowess earned her a well-deserved spot at the Grammys with a nomination for Album of the Year, and let me tell you, it's not hard to see why this album soared. - Ava