A Moment for Jaguar II

I am going to try my best to write this without sounding like an absolute fangirl but I think that anybody who has taken the time to listen to this body of work can agree that any fangirling done would be justified.

Victoria Monét released the second album of what was meant to be a three part album series titled 'Jaguar', over the past weekend and to say that I am impressed would be a gross understatement. The artists musicality and story-telling abilities come as no surprise to those who have followed her career journey. For a long time, Monét made a name for herself within the industry as a songwriter, where you may see her name credited in songs of the likes of Fifth Harmony, BLACKPINK, John Legend and even Meek Mill as Victoria McCants. And more popularly known for her writing collaborations with Ariana Grande and even singing along side her in the single 'Monopoly'. However, the artists penmanship was not all that she had to offer. Releasing a series of EP's and singles Monét, slowly began to build a name for herself not only as a songwriter but as a performer too. After the release of her first Jaguar album, Monét captured many with her smooth tones featuring the most perfect blend of pop and old school R&B. With clear influences of the seventies, not only in her sound but in many of her visuals too.

The continuous use of orange, brown and green tones throughout her visuals, along side the soul and jazz fusion heard in her music through the use of horns and symphonic variations, really makes one feel like they have taken a trip back in time while still carrying with them much of the modern musical elements of present day R&B.

Monét's time spent in the studio, co-writing alongside her peers has come full circle in helping her master a sound that is rich in range and very true to her artistry. The way each song blends into the next feels like a story that is being told, with the final song titled 'Goodbye', a farewell to the Jaguar album era, that sounds reminiscent of the final act of a Broadway show or live theatre performance of the album. If people have been sleeping on her before now then I hope that this latest project is their sweet alarm to wake up to the talent that is Victoria Monét. I believe that it is only up from here for the artist. My only critique would be that I wish it were longer because it is honestly a crime for an album this good to only be 36 minutes long. I hope that justice is served in her next work because if this album is anything to go by then I already know it will be golden. Until then let us all enjoy the melodic beauty that is Jaguar II.

Listen to the album using the Spotify link below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6WlGOgNNtpwFt2gfRFfqgZ?si=Nv9aJmrGQsOnO-jdTZFlxw