Monica 'The Makings of Me' Album Preview
Here’s a preview of eight tracks off Monica’s upcoming The Makings of Me, in stores October 3rd.
“A Dozen Roses”Â
Assisted by Missy Elliott on this slow jam, Monica compares her man to a pair of Gucci shoes (“because whenever you walk past, all the girls be looking at you”Â), among other household objects. She notes that the song’s idea has been borrowed from “Ignition (Remix)”Â: “You remind of these things; something like R. Kelly singing ’bout a Jeep.”Â
“Doin’ Me Right”Â
The second Missy production of the album, this song features Monica strolling the aisles, looking for a fresh man to bag up and take home. “A good looka/ I gotta hook ya/ Tell the girls to get back/ Cause I already took ya.” Her voice later reaches the heavens in a gospel-like breakdown a la the vocal stylings of Destiny’s Child.
“Gotta Move On”Â
Strings taken from a Japanese garden scene are plucked gently – along synth samples – throughout this Missy Elliot joint. Monica gets her “Knock, Knock” on, and speaks her mind – literally – in an almost-rapping fashion.
“Sideline Ho”Â
“Did you meet his mom?/ Did you meet his kids? (No-o-o-o.)…Get your shit together…” Though she may be as laid back as ever on this track, Monica really digs her nails into girls’ weaves.
“Get Away”Â
A closing ballad, Monica finally lets go and allows herself to really explore her voice. Pushing back from the moment, the R&B diva flails her arms and announces that though she may not be in her strongest moment, she’s certainly no weakling. “I really don’t wanna sound/Like I can’t hold my ground/But everybody needs some time/That they can get away.”Â
“Why Her?”Â
Monica plays the part of the betrayed in this post-break-up lamentation. With this self-explanatory title, girls should come prepared with a fresh box of Kleenex.
“Hell No”Â
A sitar laces the track with relaxed runs while Monica walks – chin held high, shoulders back – over the beat. She coos, “I cried so many times, but never did it cross my mind to think of letting go.”Â
“Everytime Tha Beat Drop”Â
Monica rides along a Jermaine Dupri produced bass line last heard in Nelly’s “Grillz” for the lead single. The songstress jumps aboard the Snap Movement, trading verses with Dem Franchize Boyz.
Reported by Jeff Rosenthal