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Stand-out tracks: "Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80" "A Dry Red"
My favorites: "The Rush (feat. Nia Long & Amaarae)" "Only Have Eyes 42"
The album opens with "Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)," which serves as a lighthearted introduction to the album. This track is confident and carefree, which sets the tone for the next 32 minutes of music on The Age of Pleasure. The theme of this album is summed up perfectly in one simple line:"I had to protect all my energy/I'm feelin' much lighter, now I float."
"Champagne Shit" keeps up the tone of confidence while introducing a cool and bold aura. This one transitions seamlessly into its outro, "Black Sugar Beach," before the album switches gears a little bit with "Phenomenal (feat. Doechii)." This one is a pared back from the dance-y and inviting first few tracks of the album. Instrumentally, "Phenomenal (feat. Doechii)" is fascinating, with trumpets and synth-y pianos paired with jazzy percussion and sultry lyrics.
Another pair of tracks that fade seamlessly from one to another are "Haute" and "Oooh La La (feat. Grace Jones)." These two with "Lipstick Lover" make up the sexiest part of the album, where Janelle holds nothing back about what she means by entering The Age of Pleasure.
The album pulls back again instrumentally, ironically, with "The Rush (feat. Nia Long & Amaarae)." This one has a nice reggae-style production with a romantic guitar that sings along in the background, complementing Janelle's soft-spoken, supple vocals. Again, this one transitions seamlessly into the interlude "The French 75 (feat. Sister Nancy)."
"Paid in Pleasure" is the pick-up track we need to spark interest going into the conclusion of the album. The Age of Pleasure ends on a strong foot with the most truly romantic track on the album, "Only Have Eyes 42." This one is lighthearted and sweet, with lyrics like "Cause you're the one, you're the one/Double the fun, triple the time for love." The album concludes with an acoustic guitar-led "A Dry Red," which beautifully layers Janelle Monaé's floaty and resounding melodic vocals and a simple drum pattern. This one wraps up the feel of the full project in a soft, satisfying-yet-open-ended conclusion.
GRAMMY for Album of the Year
As a concept album that presents as a complete, thorough project, The Age of Pleasure is extremely well executed. However, in terms of theming, lyricism, and production, there really isn't anything that makes this album stand out as something truly great. When compared to other nominees in the Album of the Year categories, others have also mastered the seamless concept album with greater success. Instrumentally, lyrically, and emotionally, The Age of Pleasure falls short across the board to really pack a punch. This album is jammed full of lusty references, simplistic production, and solid instrumentation that make it sensual, melodious, and seamless, but is that really enough to earn a nomination, much less a win, for Album of the Year? I'm all for representation of Black female artists at the GRAMMYs, but honestly, I'm not even sure The Age of Pleasure deserved its nomination in this category.
AM I OBSESSED?
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