JAGUAR II / Victoria Monét / August 25, 2023
- Joshua Yoo
- Nov 6, 2023
- 1 min read
Among the new emerging artists in R&B, Victoria Monét might be one of the most poised for the spotlight already. The successor to her acclaimed EP in 2020, ‘JAGUAR II’ is a stellar debut full-length project that polishes the smooth, sensual and empowering brand of R&B that people gravitate to.
In a general sense, Victoria Monét’s artistry is already the entire package. The production is pristine and glimmering all across the album, laced with killer bass lines and luscious live instrumentation. It’s often so easy to sink into the grooves, like when Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire glides in on the second half of “Hollywood”.
It also is very clear why Victoria has so much songwriting real estate in the music industry over the past decade, and it’s because she has a effortless knack for a sharp hook or melody. Just listen to the chorus of the gorgeous closer “Good Bye” for a shower of beautiful vocals and sweet lyricism. There aren’t too many songs on the album that aren’t structurally and instrumentally dynamic, an understatedly impressive feat for a debut album.
There’s also something to be noted for a new artist to develop and grow under a very consistent and quality sound over years and years. Listeners know what to expect from Victoria Monét just as much as they did three years ago, which ‘JAGUAR II’ demonstrates is pure golden female R&B.
Highlight(s): Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem), Hollywood, Good Bye, Smoke, How Does It Make You Feel
Lowlight(s): I’m The One
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