2014 is going to be a drag, hunties! With the highly anticipated season six premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race finally upon us, the true Supermodel of the World is also readying the release of her sixth studio album, Born Naked, in one smart, tuck-tastic promotional move.
Following the 2011 release of the insanely catchy Glamazon, an effort which highlighted RuPaul's talents as a solo artist, her new album, with hip-hop flavored "Geronimo" serving as lead single, features many unique collaborations within its unfortunately short ten-song tracklist. From the legendary Martha Wash to underrated crooner Frankmusik, from her longtime producer Lucian Paine to her good squirrel friend Michelle Visage, everyone is accounted for.
The party kicks off with "Freaky Money" featuring previous twerk-loving collaborator Big Freedia. With a eerily similar structure to their last pairing "Peanut Butter", the opening track does a good job at balancing the humor, hip-hop and dance aspects that are noticeably present on every RuPaul release. It may not be genius in terms of songwriting, but it will surely make you get and shake what your mama gave you.
"Sissy That Walk" brings attitude, "unless they paying your bills, pay them bitches no mind", inspired by one of the queen's trademark pieces of advice to all of her girls. The finished product is a tongue-in-cheek, inspirational, runway anthem that would have fit in perfectly with the material found of RuPaul's last studio release. It is fun, has a great amount of sass, features ever-improving vocals and would sound great in the nearest dance club. What more do you need?
For a song serving as an official lead single, "Geronimo" is somewhat of a disappointment. That could be because I prefer my RuPaul with a large dose of dance, not her passion for hip-hop and rap. The energy is high, the verses are clever, but it seems as if something is missing. This is no "Champion" or "The Beginning". With a pop culture referencing rap breakdown and appearance by Lucian, however, this is not a complete misstep.
If one track is to be featured on numerous episodes of RuPaul's ever-entertaining reality competition show, it would be the glorious and heartfelt "Dance With U", a pop music moment that should be accompanied by a montage of crying queens. "If I ever said goodbye, I would lose my mind to you again," the legendary diva sings before an infectious, repetitive chorus bursts through and instantly makes the song a classic.
After refuting dubbing allegations against Britney Spears, backup singer Myah Marie gives her best pop princess impersonation alongside RuPaul for the uptempo "Adrenaline", which sounds as if was left on the cutting room floor of Spears' recent album release. The electro-dance creation will be a DJs delight in the coming months as both artists give commendable vocal performances in front of a loud, thumping beat.
Bow down! Legendary former Weather Girls member, Martha Wash, teams up with our panther on the runway for the acoustic-sounding, mid-tempo "Can I Get An Amen", a track originally showcased on an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race. Instead of an over-the-top EDM moment, listeners are treated to an uplifting and honest song of love. Hints of gospel are heard on the ballad that stands out from what the performance artist has released in the past.
In one of the most shockingly unexpected of collaborations, RuPaul calls on the underrated talents of UK singer/songwriter Frankmusik for a magical duet entitled "Fly Tonight". Their vocal abilities should not show any chemistry, but they absolutely do. "Daydream's not enough for us, we can't hide behind this feeling," the host and mentor sings before the chorus takes the tracks to new heights Ru has never reached before.
Another dance floor gem comes in the form of "Modern Love", a song borrowing elements from the current EDM craze. Pulsating beats and commanding vocals take the listeners through the euphoric experience that could be one of the artist's most mainstream successes. RuPaul includes a personal story and words of wisdom in a spoken word interlude and all my worries immediately washed away. Thanks mama!
Good friend and fellow Drag Race judge Michelle Visage makes her way back into the recording studio with a featured spot of "Let the Music Play". While I was expecting another hard-hitting dance creation, the two queens surprise with a laid back, soaring performance where they showcase their years of companionship. Turn this on high when you're heading out with friends, you got yourself a weekend anthem.
"We're all born naked and the rest is drag", RuPaul sings on the closing title track, "Born Naked". While the piece is energetic and catchy, it does not seem to have the same attention-grabbing potential as his previous album title tracks. Carrying more of an old school rock and roll vibe, the track is certainly unique when compared to the rest of the artist's catalog. Indie Melbourne rocker Clairy Browne assists and definitely stands out.
Born Naked may have started off a bit rocky, but in the end, it becomes yet another strong and eclectic dance album from the glitter-filled mind of RuPaul. Some may question the artist's songwriting abilities, or the fact that every one of the drag performer's catchphrases is the premise for a song, however, listeners will feel inspired and smile when every track comes to an end. Isn't that what pop music is supposed to do? RuPaul has called on numerous collaborators for assistance and not once do they disappoint. The new album showcases the artist's growth and leaves the mind wandering of what is to come. It receives an 87%.
Tracks to Hear: "Sissy That Walk", "Dance With U", "Fly Tonight feat. Frankmusik" and "Let the Music Play" feat. Michelle Visage
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