Victoria Monét’s 2020 EP “JAGUAR” was the first glimpse of an artist hidden behind the pages filled with lyrics of love and empowerment. She positions herself beyond the songwriter she is known to be. The up-tempo disco-inspired track “Experience” and the ode to self-love in“Ass Like That” served as the catalyst for her long-awaited follow-up and debut album “JAGUAR II.”
As Monét first described in an interview with “The Cut” in 2020, “[Jaguars] are not always in the limelight, but they’re there.”
In the interview, she described her desire to change her reputation in the music industry.
“That’s how I feel as an artist and a songwriter in this music world, she said. “I’m more in the background. But then if I want something, I really learn and transform into that beast that’s focused and centered and wants to go get what I’ve had my eye on.”
Following the release of “JAGUAR II,” there is no doubt that the beast has now fully transformed, cementing her mark and conquest of the music industry and showing that she is here to stay.
Monét is most known for her frequent collaborations with singer Ariana Grande on multiple hits such as “7 Rings,” “Thank U, Next” and “Dangerous Woman.”
Throughout her career, she has released several EPs featuring a blend of contemporary R&B, pop, Motown, reggae and Afro-infused sounds that stemmed from the 2000s music scene.
In “JAGUAR II,” these influences are evident as she chooses to interpolate the 2009 hit “I Look Good” in the chorus. Monét adds a twist to the interpolated lyrics, “I put that on my own mama, on my hood/I look fly, I look good” as she uses her sultry voice to sing an anthemic self affirmation.
In an interview with Dork she explains the power of reciting uplifting words.
“Singing the lyrics about yourself will change your frequency and elevate a positive mental state, Monét said. “The words speak not only to physical features but to a feeling too because I believe when you feel good, you look even better! Give yourself the words you need to hear because it’s true – you look good!”
Other examples of the recurring self-love message present throughout the album appears in the track “Party Girls,” where Monét once again creates an infectious chorus to not only highlight the importance of surrendering yourself to the rhythm that follows through the night but also to embrace the femininity and energetic women in nightlife.
“Can’t forget about the party girls/Out lighting up thе world/Let’s hear it for the party girls,” she sings.
The final track “Good Bye,” showcases a more vulnerable side of Monét as she sings about an old relationship that has left her heartbroken. She promises her former lover to leave the relationship, ensuring that they’re better off without one another. In the outro she makes it very clear that it’s hard for her to let go but if she’s letting go, she wants to make it a proper goodbye.
Music critics from several outlets have praised “JAGUAR II” but no words have been more true than those of Pitchfork’s Anna Gaca.
“Even if you get the sense her best work still lies ahead, it’s refreshing to see an emerging star earn their concept album,” Gaca said. “Simply imagining you are Bruno Mars won’t take you there—but an album like Jaguar II will. It’s the rare species of pop-soul that evokes a real sense of spiritual uplift: We’re not just succeeding, we’re made for better things.
