Victoria Monét's JAGUAR is an Ode to Sexual Liberation
By Katherine Stallard
(PC: Erica Hernandez, for Wonderland Magazine)
Victoria Monét’s time is now, and she wants everyone to know it.
Post the success of Monét’s collaboration with Ariana Grande in 2019 on "MONOPOLY" and writing credits on anthems like "thank u, next" and more, Monét decided to channel her energy toward creating music exclusively for herself, for the first time—and thank God she did.
Funky, delicious, sleek, and altogether sexy as hell, Victoria Monét’s debut project, JAGUAR, demands nothing less than a class of its own. In a collection of electric and silky R&B tracks that explore feelings of love, lust, and control, Monét unlocks the power behind what it means to be a woman and what it takes to claim one’s womanhood. Working behind the scenes, Victoria Monet has always been a superstar—but now, on JAGUAR—she proves it.
On the opening song, "Moment," Monét’s sugar-coated vocals yearn for sexual gratification over a pounding funk beat and triumphant strings. Plush, layered harmonies create a dream-like state that sweeps over the track, painting a picture of sexual decadence and intimacy. The sound of vinyl crackles underneath the track as she beckons her lover to take a chance, singing, “Fuck a fantasy, this your motherfucking moment.”
The album’s title track, "Jaguar," glitters with liquid gold vocals and shimmering disco beats. The song slowly builds, reaching a synthy crescendo as Monét personifies her feminine energy as a jaguar, using her sexual feline alter-ego to purr, “You’ve got nine times to come hit that.”
"Experience," and its hypnotic groove, glow with both glamor and optimism as Monét wishes the best of her ex, post-breakup, singing, “I’m hoping that experience will get you to change.” On the track, S.G Lewis’ effortlessly danceable disco beats feed off of a victorious brass trumpet section, while Khalid’s feature syncs into an effortless harmony with Monét.
In songs like "Dive," which details receiving oral sex over melodic moans, and "Ass Like That," where she sensually congratulates herself on her well-earned body, Monét refuses the musical double standard where women’s sexuality should be veiled in euphemisms and subtle hints. JAGUAR’s unashamed sexual bluntness shatters those expectations and, instead, expresses female sexuality by detailing exactly what women want, when they want it, and how they want it. Through taking the power women can feel in the bedroom and putting it to music, Monét takes a step toward not only empowering women everywhere, but a step toward demonstrating the key role music can have in helping women recognize and access their potential.
JAGUAR ultimately takes what it means to express femininity and flips it on its head. Its combination of well-produced funk beats, sleek and buttery vocals, and vivid lyricism solidify Monét as one to watch. Although the double standard regarding female sexuality in music runs deep—and there’s hardly a shortage of harsh criticism surrounding the lyrical content of songs like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B’s sexual anthem, “WAP”—artists like Monét continue to create. With JAGUAR, Monét boldly skyrockets herself into the mainstream, using her feminine power in its purest and rawest form to resist the idea that women are anything less than 100% in control.
Listen to JAGUAR on any of your favorite streaming platforms and keep up with Victoria Monét via her socials, listed below!
Additionally, watch the JAGUAR short film below: