The Audition, the 2003 debut album from the then teenage Janelle Monae, is a collaboration between the eclectic artist and her musical partners The Wonderland Arts Society. The album showcases Monae's versatility and range as a recording artist as she tries her hand at conventional R&B as well as futuristic, cyber-pop. I never figured Monae could handle any traditional R&B or would attempt to, but the soul felt throughout her debut is undeniable and comes across effortlessly through slow jams like "You Are My Everything", the album's tragic closer about a failed relationship. Monae covers Debarge on the old school track "Time Will Reveal", adding a playful hook to the already infectiously melodic tune. Another standout, Cloud 9, also has a giddy hook which Monae sings a capella on the proceeding interlude. The song's harmonies, particularly her background vocals, complement the main vocals well as background vocals are suppose to, not providing an unnecessary distraction or cluttering the track. By the bridge, Monae soars, giving the song a climax one might fast forward to in later listens, singing, "Ever since you walked in my life, boy, I swear I ain't been the same. Ain't it funny how things do happen. You came in and you rearranged ... my heart." The Audition also carries early recordings of Monae's goofed up, hyperactive take on R&B, as heard on her 2007 buzz single "Violent Stars Happy Hunting" and the grammy nominated "Many Moons" from 2008. Fans of this cyber-pop approach will delight in "My Favorite Nothing", a track featuring Monae's signature sped-up tempo and theatric vocals and overrall cartoonish pattern. Party Girl, the opening track, is just as fun and animated with a glistening bridge where Monae sings, "This time I fought for love", accompanied by dramatic horns in the fashion of a James Bond theme song. There are a few acoustic jems on the CD as well. The most inviting, "It's Not Fair", works well with the limited instrumental resources Monae has as she frequently uses background vocals to fill the track, allowing the listener to assume the lone guitar backing was intentional and not a budge cut. The track Lettin' Go, Monae's first commercially available single, is bound to leave an impression on even the most skeptical listener. The song takes cues from Michael Jackson's Off the Wall title track with it's late 70s disco flare and bouncy production. It's easily digestible and purely pop bliss. The song sent shock-waves through myspace and peer-to-peer networks, giving Monae a bit of online buzz to begin her blossoming career. Although The Audition has not been released commercially and probably never will be, it'll certainly be a jem for Janelle Monae fans as the superstar readies a more proper debut.
The Audition: http://www.mediafire.com/?cltdly4odem
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