Dirty Computer – Janelle Monae
Harry
The decision to listen to this album was a result of the filthy high places it received on so many year end lists for 2018 (even getting a shoutout from Obama on his song list). However, immediately before I was unsure I would be able to give a reliable first listen review – mostly as a result of being extremely ill (with my insides bleeding and my head feeling as if Zach was stamping on it). Despite this, I had an extremely enjoyable time. Janelle’s vocal delivery is extraordinarily diverse. Indeed, on numerous occasions I was certain there was a new featured artist. Some examples would be her exquisite SZA-esque crooning on ‘I Like That’ or her cut-throat rap on the song ‘Django Jane’. Janelle manages to tackle some serious political issues throughout the album in a genuine and really inspiring way. A gorgeous album.
88/100
Zach
Having been made aware of this album through Jacob Collier’s social media, when she splits the minor 3rd into 5, and subsequently hearing of her Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, I was intrigued to listen to how Monae transitioned from ‘perennial rising star’, to an extremely credible artist. I have to admit, this album is not what I expected. Rather than a high-class pop/jazz fusion, this album presents us with a trappy/poppy fun collection of catchy and memorable songs, that is very accessible. By far my favourite aspect of this album is how Monae exploits her platform to make a real and powerful statement. This album is jammed with female empowerment anthems with a powerful sense of rejection of the patriarchal society in modern day America. This album celebrates uniqueness, and condemns judgement which all contributes to Monae’s vision of a new America, a fair America.
Fave tracks: Django Jane, I Like That, Don’t Judge Me
Spazzy McGee 