Eclectic artist Janelle Monáe thinks bigger on the socially-charged, incredibly relevant “PYNK,” the third advance single from her third full-length album, ‘Dirty Computer.’

Dull and Janelle Monáe don’t belong in the same sentence. Since the beginning of her career, Monaé has always been a captivating and truly compelling artist.  Her eclecticism seems to know no bounds, which is awesome. On “PYNK,” her third single from her highly-anticipated third full-length album, Dirty Computer, she enlists Grimesfor the assist.  This is easily the boldest song of Monáe’s career.

From the start, it’s clear that “PYNK” is going to be a unique listening experience.  Shouldn’t the title of the song suggest that? On both of the verses, Janelle Monáe likens PYNK to a number of things.  What exactly is PYNK? Clearly, vagina, but beyond the private part itself, women and ultimately, feminism.

“Pynk, like the inside of your… baby

Pynk behind all of the doors… crazy

Pynk, like the tongue that goes down… maybe

Pynk, like the paradise found.”

The pre-chorus gets away from exactly what “pynk” is but finds Monáe basking in the sexual experience. In the bigger scheme of things, Monáe is basking in being a woman in itself.  On the chorus, she’s proud that women “got the pynk,” as opposed to the boys who “got blue.”

The theme of “PYNK” – feminism and same-sex female attraction/love – earns more attention than the production. That said, the production is excellent throughout, noticeably how cool and light the backdrop is during the verses. Monáe never has to push her voice to cut through.  For the most part, her vocals are beautiful and sweet. She does bring more electricity towards the end, a further testament to her talent.

Final Thoughts

Janelle Monáe continues to show her bold side on “PYNK.”  If you’re a Janelle Monáe fan, you wouldn’t have it any other way.  Furthermore, what she’s singing about is relevant, particularly in 2018.  Based upon the singles issued in advance of Dirty Computer, it’s clear that Monáe will truly be ‘all over the map on her third album.

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

Photo Credit: Bad Boy