Janelle Monáe returns to the spotlight fiercely on “Make Me Feel,” a promo single from her third, full-length studio album, ‘Dirty Computer.’

“That’s just the way that I feel now, baby / Good God! I can’t help it! Agh!” It’s been nearly four years since the world heard from eclectic R&B artist Janelle Monáe.  In 2013, Monaé was being a “Q.U.E.E.N.”, not to mention collaborating with the likes of Erykah Badu (“Q.U.E.E.N.”), Miguel (“Primetime”), and Prince (“Givin’ Em What They Love”). After a long wait, Monáe is back with her third full-length album, Dirty Computer.  Upon announcement of Dirty Computer, she issued two advance singles: “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane.”

“Make Me Feel” sounds like a mix between throwback 80s R&B-funk production, and modern, urban contemporary fare.  Notable instruments used are guitars and of course, keyboards.  Notably, Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter Julia Michaels is a co-writer. Notably, the influence of Prince is evident, particularly the yelps that occur on the bridge section.  Monáe delivers sexy-sounding vocals.  Interestingly, she’s never sounded quite so sensual and risqué.

A solid, memorable pre-chorus precedes the chorus:

“It’s like I’m powerful with a little bit of tender / An emotional, sexual bender / Mess me up, yeah but no one does it better / There’s nothin’ better.”

The pre-chorus is followed by an equally fantastic, catchy, and infectious hook:

“That’s just the way you make me feel / That’s just the way you make me feel / So real, so good, so f*ckin’ real / That’s just the way you make me feel / That’s just the way you make me feel.”

Final Thoughts

Sex is written all over “Make Me Feel.”  That’s a good thing – the sexier the better, right? Overall, “Make Me Feel” is a nice change of pace for Janelle Monaé.  Even though she switches things up, she’s still an eclectic, throwback artist who sounds incredibly hip in the present.

Janelle Monáe • Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • Release: 4.27.18

Photo Credit: Bad Boy