Victoria Monét's Debut 'Jaguar II' is a Groovy and Sultry Testament to What We Miss in R&B
The decorated singer-song writer is stepping into the spotlight with her masterful debut.
The jaguar is often described as a sleek and unique creature in the animal kingdom. Masterful, patient, and creative in their hunting style and yet fearless among most adversities. Victoria Monét, having worked in the industry for nearly a decade and written for prominent acts like Brandy, Ariana Grande and Chloe x Halle; has always been powerful with her pen. But to major audiences, she was still something of a mystery. Her highly anticipated debut, Jaguar II, is a testament to that of the feline — a distinct masterwork that is a groovy eccentric cut above many.
The album, which came out last Friday, is a glimmering blend of a fun 1970’s groove about partying, pride, sexuality and dreaming big — with a style flare that only Monét could pull off magnificently.
Like its predecessor Jaguar, released in 2020, Jaguar II is an elegant love letter to R&B’s past but with a soulful modern style. A combination of various genres such as funk, R&B, disco and reggae with lustrous melodies, lyrics and a nostalgic style that is absolutely satisfying to any music lover. Co-produced by D’Mile and full of colorful collabs, this album excels with a golden oldies flavor that is still exploratory. The all-too-short 36-minute album flows silky smooth between each track with exciting upbeat tempos to soft airy ballads that is lively and fun yet unpredictable.
Monét isn’t afraid to show her playfulness in songs like the lead single “Party Girls” featuring Buju Banton, which is a sultry dancehall hit that you can’t help to move your hips to. Or the rhythmic and fun third single “On My Mama” with euphoric horns and a creative sample of southern rap banger “I Look Good” by Chalie Boy. Even songs exuding attitude and being fed up about bums asking for too much in “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)” hold an experimental yet familiar reminiscent groove that is pleasing and amusing to the ear.
Jaguar II also oozes sensuality with harmonious, shimmery ballads like “How Does It Make You Feel” and daring you to dream big with the melodious, inspirational and warm “Hollywood” featuring the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, and the gleeful contagious giggles of Hazel Monét.
The album ends on a melancholy note, with Monét saying a final adieu to a love lost in the album’s final song “Goodbye”, but making the farewell something exemplary. One could decipher this song as being the end of an era for the artist, or even a new beginning, while still remembering all the memories made along the way. Jaguar II could be a new beginning for the artist.
My point is that Jaguar II is a splendid overflow of wistful storytelling and witty lyricism that many music lovers will adore. From the laid-back, melodic opener Smoke featuring Lucky Daye, or even the playfully tuneful and striking “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem)”, this album is a glimmering crystal ball of greatness you will never get enough of.