A warning though. It's not an album to listen to in front of the kids. A liberal helping of the word white people aren't allowed to use is some of it, but mainly it's the language and themes that are going to lead to some awkward conversations. Listen to the first line of #WaterSlide, you'll know what I mean.

#JanelleMonae #TheAgeOfPleasure

Vocally she spends most of the album in second gear, relying on fun, catchy songwriting instead of her impressive voice. It's halfway through the album before she really exercises her vocal chords.

And it tips over into indulgence in some places, as her albums usually do, but it feels like she earns it here. The whole album flows so well, one song running seamlessly into the next, yet taking in several genres and styles.

#JanelleMonae #TheAgeOfPleasure

I've always had a grá for Janelle since her Outkast collaboration days, though IMHO her previous solo releases strayed a little too close to performance art, not music. And I had written this one off too, but I'm glad I gave it another spin lately, because this is a fantastic album.

It drips with confidence. Janelle doesn't care what you think of her, in her unapologetic pursuit of joy and pleasure, for herself and everyone at the party...

#JanelleMonae #TheAgeOfPleasure