Anyone whose musical themes involve science fiction, android/human love and social classes is alright in my book, so you can imagine how much I froth over Atlanta's Janelle Monae. Themes aside, Monae's musical pallet is extraordinary, able to wind her powerful voice through funk, soul, pop, and jazz with exceptional results.
Monae's cover of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" is a bonus track found only on the American Target version of
The Electric Lady, so those of you who can't access this copy are in for a treat. Monae breaths new life into the Jackson's classic, swooning over the slow, laid back beat that's the perfect mixture of neo-soul and contemporary pop. It's one of the few times I've heard another artist cover a Jackson song and actually enjoyed it, so kudos Monae, kudos.