Janelle Monáe: Dirty Computer (2LP) [ATLANTIC]

Why you'll love it

This 2LP set spreads Dirty Computer over four sides at 45 RPM in a gatefold jacket. It was nominated for the Grammy for Album of the Year, debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and made the top three of seven publications' best-of-2018 lists.

This edition

• 2LP set
• Cut at 45 RPM
• Gatefold jacket

About the album

Janelle Monáe spent two albums as Cindi Mayweather, an android messiah from Metropolis. For Dirty Computer she set the android aside and spoke as herself, after putting the record on hold to act in Moonlight and Hidden Figures.

Prince worked on the album with her before he died, and his synth groove drives "Make Me Feel." "Django Jane" is a sharp, confident rap, "Pynk" is a joyous celebration, "I Like That" glows, and "Crazy, Classic, Life" and "Screwed" are pure Minneapolis-tinged funk-pop.

It arrived with a 46-minute narrative film, so it's an album you can watch as well as hear. We'd recommend listening first; the dancing is easier with your eyes closed, or at least that's our excuse.

Also at Kops: more Janelle Monáe on vinyl · browse Hip Hop / R&B

Tracklist

Listen

On Wondaland / Bad Boy / Atlantic (cat# 567348-1), the 2018 album.