10 Essential Janelle Monáe Tracks You Should Be Listening To

It's been a long five years since the release of her previous record The Electric Lady, but the super-talented singer-songwriter, actress, and queer icon Janelle Monáe will finally be releasing her newest album Dirty Computer tomorrow!

Although Janelle Monáe's musical artistry is best appreciated by listening to her albums, there are many standout tracks that can be appreciated on their own! While we're waiting for Dirty Computer to officially drop, here are ten Janelle Monáe songs you should definitely know (and should already be listening to!).

1. "Violet Stars, Happy Hunting!"

This funky track from the EP Metropolis Suite I: The Chase kicks off the chase for Janelle Monáe's android alter ego Cindi Mayweather. If you need a good intro to what Janelle Monáe is all about in terms of musical style and her concept albums, this track is the perfect place to start.

2. "Many Moons"

Directly following "Violet Stars. Happy Hunting," this groovy song has smart lyrics that feature Cindi attempting to warn the citizens of Metropolis about how society is oppressing. The single was made into a fantastic short film where Cindi sings at a droid auction.

3. "Locked Inside"

Featured on the album The Archandroid, this '70s, disco-tinged song is reminiscent of Michael Jackson's Off the Wall album. Lyrically, the song discusses how Cindi Mayweather feels trapped in her oppressive society but desires to change it.

4. "Cold War"

An upbeat blend of funk and rock, this Archandroid track is Cindi's rallying cry for the droids of Metropolis to fight for their freedom. The track was accompanied by a creative music video with Monáe emoting and reacting to the song as it progresses.

5. "Tightrope"

As the song that immediately follows "Cold War" on The Archandroid, it remains one of Janelle Monáe's funkiest songs ever due to the fantastic horn section and the singer's James Brown-style wails. The music video for the track features Cindi and her band dancing in an asylum called "The Palace of the Dogs."

6. "Mushrooms and Roses"

An erotic, psychedelic rock track that oozes sensuality, this track features Monáe singing in an robotic voice that suits Cindi Mayweather well. Lyrically, the song discusses a bar in Metropolis where lovers meet and features Cindi having an encounter with a regular named Blueberry Mary.

7. "Say You'll Go"

With gorgeous lyrics, soothing vocals, and a lovely sample of Claude Debussy's classic piano track "Claire De Lune," this song is easily one of Monáe's most romantic masterpieces. 

8. "Bopbyeya"

This closing track on The Archandroid features a sweeping jazz orchestra that perfectly compliments Janelle Monáe's soaring vocals. The lyrics feature Cindi Mayweather calling to her human lover, Anthony Greendown.

9. "Givin' Em What They Love"

This steamy track from The Electric Lady features sultry vocals and guitar from Prince that enhance Janelle Monáe's soulful vocals. The result is one of the most timeless,  contemporary R&B songs ever.

10. "Q.U.E.E.N."

Blending funk with a dash hip-hop, this song from The Electric Lady features vocals from soul singer Erykah Badu and is a self-empowerment anthem. Enhancing the track is a fun music video that features Cindi Mayweather dancing up a storm after being reanimated in the museum called "The Ministry of Droids."