When Victoria began the Jaguar II era with the preview of the Lucky Daye featured single Smoke, fans alike were celebrating a long-awaited moment. The album serves as a follow-up to 2020’s Jaguar and is something that fans have been waiting for. Due to Covid and other life plans, which included motherhood for Victoria, the project was delayed. However, like most fans of Monet, they sat ready, knowing what would come and that their patience would be greatly rewarded.

Such was the case with the single rollout of Jaguar II, which included three singles, each offering a different flavour of Victoria, who continues to show audiences that she is that girl. Not to mention an already sold-out headline tour and three visuals showing you that Victoria is not here to play.

Jaguar was an album that introduced Victoria to fans, tapping into a 70s funk-tinged R&B-inspired vibe that proved her to be somebody worth paying attention to. That moment put her in a different lane from what may previously be known of her as a songwriter for some of pop music’s finest. However, those following her journey will know that Victoria has produced quality music since her first EP, Nightmares & Lullabies – Act 1, in 2014.

As she sings in her 2020 Jaguar single Moment, “This your motherfuckin’ moment,” this current time feels like hers for the taking, and she is embracing it in all her strides. Jaguar II feels like an extension of its predecessor yet also offers something fresh and different, which Victoria has done well continuously throughout her catalogue.

The album allows you to tap into Victoria’s various talents, which come across through storytelling ability and lyrical pen game that has always been on point. Not to mention, the sharp production laced across the project. The latter has been consistent throughout this album and Jaguar, which comes mainly from frequent collaborator D-Mile, who is so in sync with Victoria and is an example of what it is like to be in tune with someone who understands you well.

One thing that has always stood out as a listener of Victoria is the use of instrumentation in her music. Whilst there are various sonic sounds, you can always count on Victoria for a good string section, a bold brass section, a stunning horn section and the use of trumpets. These moments are prominent in various moments on the album, like Smoke, Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem), How Does It Make You Feel, I’m The One and Goodbye, to highlight a few moments.

Of course, sonics aside, Victoria is also sharp with her songwriting abilities. She knows how to craft a song or two—throwing in double entendres and moments that people may miss if you aren’t aware of what’s happening. ‘I’m so deep in my bag’ ‘Like a grandma with a peppermint,’ as sung in On My Mama, a moment that could slip you if you didn’t get it. She can match her lyrics and music so well to create a vibe that fits so true in the song’s vibe. Alright the Kaytranada produced the song, which is a dance-charged jaguar-esqe song about embracing your sexuality. Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem) serves as a women’s empowerment moment and plays like something you could hear in a 70s pimp droptop car. Not to mention Hollywood, which features iconic group Earth, Wind and Fire as well as Monet’s own Hazel Monet at the end and again speaks on dreaming and experiencing Hollywood and, of course, brings in that instrumentation.

Jaguar II is the perfect display of Victoria’s artistry and how she is the true embodiment of an artist doing things 110% and should be getting her flowers and then some. The release of an album that is simply stunning from top to bottom is evidence of what can happen when timing, preparation and alignment work for you. As such has happened with everything that has led Victoria to this moment.

Jaguar II is out now, follow Victoria via @victoriamonet

Words by Seneo Mwamba