Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

Her previous albums were Afrofuturist concepts in which Monae adopted characters like parts in a movie. The actress-singer’s fourth album is admirably more autobiographical, with the non-binary artist opting for an unabashed exploration of hedonistic delights. “Lipstick Lover” uses summery reggae to express playful queer sex, while “Only Have Eyes 42” co-opts a doo-wop classic for an ode to polyamorous relationships. With eclectic guests that include Grace Jones, Sister Nancy and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, the album keeps things moving, rhythmically adventurous and ultimately fun. It’s a party record with a purpose: finding joy through sexual pleasure—in all its many forms. 

She’s made two conceptual albums featuring her alter-ego, the time-traveling android Cindi Mayweather, and starred in two films: the Oscar-winning Moonlight and Hidden Figures. And yet a major commercial breakthrough has so far eluded her. But this could be Monáe’s moment. Working with Prince before he died in 2016, Monáe went on to create a strikingly personal album. The sensual “Make Me Feel” is a direct homage to Prince’s “Kiss,” while “Americans” resembles the free spirit of his “Let’s Go Crazy” and the finger-popping “Pynk” channels the Purple One’s sexually liberated anthems. Monáe, who has been romantically linked to actress Tessa Thompson, uses her new album to explore themes of femi...

Monáe may be pop’s most fashionable innovator. The Kansas City native, recently chosen as the new face of CoverGirl, has been turning heads ever since releasing her debut album, The ArchAndroid, in 2010. A collection of psychedelic soul with a sci-fi twist, it featured both her android alter-ego Cindi Mayweather and her Grammy-nominated r&b hit “Tightrope.” With Monáe’s fondness for tuxedos, bowties and a distinctive pompadour, she was also seen in an eye-catching cameo for fun.’s video “We Are Young.” Now the 27-year-old beauty has released a dazzling followup, another concept album that continues her cyborg thematic storyline. With guests ranging from Prince and Erykah Badu to Beyonce’...