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10.0
134202
10.0 |
The Arts Desk
Even a list of swimming strokes is so charged it'll make steam come out of your ears
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9.0
134365
9.0 |
Albumism
One can only hope a deluxe edition extends this bacchanalian delight to satisfy those who like a longer session. Perhaps Monáe intentionally chose to stop short because they like watching partners beg for more. It’s a tease, but I might just be into it
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8.0
134248
8.0 |
All Music
It's no coincidence that Monáe chose Pride Month and Black Music Month - ten days before Juneteenth, to be precise - to release a multicultural album of unrepressed spirit built for playing in the sunshine
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8.0
134249
8.0 |
The Observer
The feted singer and actor takes a break from dystopian allegories in favour of wild, smouldering fun
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8.0
134253
8.0 |
Rolling Stone
The album is a full statement and requires a time commitment to appreciate it. The people who are willing to give themselves (and their precious time) over to Chris’ beatification are the only ones who will begin to understand its divine mysteries. And then they’ll hit play on it again
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8.0
134292
8.0 |
The Quietus
A deeply sensual listening experience
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8.0
134172
8.0 |
The Irish Times
Like the Kama Sutra set to music
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8.0
134174
8.0 |
The Independent
For her fourth album, Monáe trades sci-fi mythologising for carnally-minded joy
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8.0
134179
8.0 |
Evening Standard
The sound of a hot and heavy summer
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8.0
134196
8.0 |
NME
With their fourth studio album, the superstar takes us along on a vibrant pleasure trip
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7.8
134336
7.8 |
Beats Per Minute
This is another major change in their musical output, but it’s clear that Monáe is more interested in having a good time, rather than a long time, and this album finishes right when it needs to
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7.6
134212
7.6 |
Pitchfork
Janelle Monáe’s fourth album exchanges science fiction for lusty romance, creating a rapturous Afrofuturistic sound collage for sunny days and sticky nights
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7.0
134213
7.0 |
musicOMH
Fourth album from R&B polymath finds her in insatiable and unconquerable mood as she engages in an all-out celebration of hedonism, sexuality and herself
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7.0
134204
7.0 |
Slant Magazine
A refreshing assuredness permeates the entirety of the singer’s fourth album
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6.9
134363
6.9 |
Spectrum Culture
True to the album’s title, this one revels in being a departure from the cerebral, a refuge in the joys of the flesh or even just an ode to how unspeakably hot women are
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6.0
134207
6.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
The Age of Pleasure is Janelle Monáe’s first album that doesn’t feel vital or year-defining
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6.0
134178
6.0 |
The Guardian
Putting aside the high-concept Afrofuturism of earlier albums, the R&B shapeshifter blends Afrobeat, reggae and laidback soul into a hazily intoxicating cocktail of sex and partying
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5.0
134240
5.0 |
Clash
Though its execution might not always work as intended, it’s undoubtedly a celebration of Monae’s sexuality, liberation and diversity of artistic prowess
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4.0
134238
4.0 |
The FT
Songs are upbeat and sunny, but come off as sketches compared to the singer’s previous work
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