6 mins
The Verdict
Having begun his pop songwriting career at just 14 years-old, MNEK has gone on to be a prolific producer, songwriter and artist in his own right. Now at 23, he’s written for Beyonce, Madonna, Kylie and Little Mix.
On his debut album, Language, MNEK creates a piece that manages to feel both nostalgic and forward facing. The album’s sounds mix cutting edge pop and R&B production with vocal harmonies and hooks that reference the best of ‘90s and ‘00s R&B: there’s a little Brandy here and a touch of Janet Jackson there. But ultimately, it’s MNEK’s own vision that shines through on an album unafraid to centre the experience of a young queer black man in a pop music landscape.
Tracks like ‘Correct’ and ‘Tongue’ are immediate but intricate floor fillers with plenty to say. ‘Colour’ is as bubbly a pop song as you’ll hear this year, while ‘Girlfriend’ is a hook-driven and gleefully shady look at being with a closeted partner.
Softer moments like ‘Free’ and ‘Paradise’ feel emotional and beautifully delivered, while the album uses interludes between tracks to create a mood and deliver an experience sometimes missing from the work of MNEK’s peers.
In a year dotted with big name pop comebacks and emerging artists, MNEK has delivered a vital piece of queer pop that suggests this young artist will be with us for many years to come.