Janelle Monáe Announces Long-Awaited Album “The Age of Pleasure”

Renowned singer and actress Janelle Monáe has delighted fans with the announcement of her highly anticipated album, “The Age of Pleasure,” marking her first release in five years. The 37-year-old artist unveiled her new single, “Lipstick Lover,” alongside the album reveal, creating a buzz among her supporters. Monáe teased the single’s release with a captivating short clip on Wednesday, featuring her emerging from a shallow pool as the track played in the background.

In a statement released on Thursday, Monáe shared her excitement about the upcoming album, scheduled to be released on June 9. She expressed, “As we enter into The Age Of Pleasure, ‘Lipstick Lover’ is our frea**motha**** anthem inspired by f.a.m. for f.a.m.” Monáe referred to the single as an “audio oasis made with love and signed with cherry red kisses from me to you.”

The viral promo clip showcased Monáe donning a soaked see-through t-shirt with the word “Pleasure” boldly emblazoned across it. The imagery released in conjunction with her statement, featuring Monáe strategically covering her bare chest with her hands holding two red flowers, appears to pay homage to a famous 1972 Jamaica tourism poster featuring Trinidadian model Sintra Bronte.

During her Met Gala after-party at the Boom Boom Room in New York, Monáe offered a preview of “Lipstick Lover” with a live performance. She alluded to the song’s title by declaring, “Tonight, this year, we are in the age of motherf****** pleasure. We’re actively doing the things that make us feel good, unapologetically.”

Describing the single, Rolling Stone commented, “Fittingly, ‘Lipstick Lover’ is her take on romantic reggae, an ode to a moment of queer intimacy dotted with sugary harmonies and an earworm hook.” The song includes provocative lyrics such as “I seen it from the back and I’m excited, tell me whatchu do when we walk up in the room – I hope it’s something nasty, we can try it. I really got a thing for my lipstick lover, lover, lover, lover.”

In addition to “Lipstick Lover,” “The Age of Pleasure” features another captivating track titled “Float,” which includes collaborations with ‘Seun Kuti and Egypt 80’.

While “The Age of Pleasure” serves as Monáe’s first album since 2018’s “Dirty Computer,” the multi-talented artist has remained busy with prominent roles in various films, including last year’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” alongside Daniel Craig, as well as appearances in “Antebellum,” “Harriet,” and “The Glorias.”

Fans around the world eagerly anticipate Janelle Monáe’s triumphant return to the music scene with “The Age of Pleasure,” eager to immerse themselves in her distinctive style and soulful sounds once again.