American singer Janelle Monáe has created some of the most memorable music videos over the past nine years.
With three critically-acclaimed studio albums under her belt, Janelle Monáe is an unstoppable music force. Ahead of her Summer Series gig at Trinity College in July, here are just five of her best music videos which show how she has become the global icon that she is today.
5 - 'Tightrope'
Our introduction to Janelle Monáe back in 2010 is up there with Britney Spears and her classroom scene from '...Baby One More Time'. Why, you ask? Because she was a woman not afraid to wear a three-piece suit - and dance in it too. Add to that an appearance from OutKast's Big Boi and Monáe's signature quiff and you've got a recipe for success. She also released a remixed version of the song featuring B.o.B. and Lupe Fiasco a year later (which you can watch here).
4 - 'PYNK'
Monáe's latest album 'Dirty Computer' garnered both critical and fan acclaim since it was released in 2018 and celebrates all things female. It also received two Grammy nominations at this year's awards, including Album of the Year. The release of her music video for 'PYNK' was also a major moment and you can dissect it as much as you want but it's pretty clear that the song, and the music video, are all about female anatomy. 'Thor Ragnarok' and 'Creed' actress Tessa Thompson makes an appearance too, with everyone wearing different shades of pink.
3 - 'PrimeTime'
When you collaborate with Miguel, you just know it's going to be hot and steamy. The 'Adorn' and 'Coffee' hitmaker teamed up with Janelle Monáe for their sexy single 'PrimeTime', playing a waitress and her love interest in a futuristic dancing bar. The music video was shot by Hollywood director Alan Ferguson, who has been responsible for shooting music videos for Fall Out Boy, Jay-Z, Katy Perry, and his wife Solange in the past.
2 - 'Q.U.E.E.N.'
A brand new album meant a brand new hairstyle for Monàe, and that's exactly what we got with the first single from her sophomore release, 'The Electric Lady'. Taking her black and white look and firing off on all cylinders, the music video for 'Q.U.E.E.N.' is a blend of horizontal and vertical stripes, not forgetting a pop of royalty with gold and red for extra effect.
1 - 'Make Me Feel'
It's just Janelle Monáe and Tessa Thompson hanging in a nightclub, no biggie. Not only is 'Make Me Feel' deeply inspired by the late Prince with a music video featuring lots of killer costume changes, the song goes much deeper than that. The lyrics of the track contain references to Monáe's bisexuality, and the music video highlights that fact to no end - with her literally running between a man and a woman. It's a powerful message, showing fans to be true to themselves and to embrace what makes them feel good.
Janelle Monáe will play Dublin's Trinity College on Wednesday, July 3rd as part of their Summer Series. Tickets can still be purchased from Ticketmaster.ie.
