Vanity was set to be Prince’s ultimate ‘it girl,’ the one to capture his mystique and mirror his edge—until their paths diverged, Apollonia replaced her in his semi-autobiographical film Purple Rain, and she was banished from the Minneapolis Sound kingdom. By then, the original Nasty Girl had already built her following, drawing fans with her exotic allure and unapologetic sensuality. Sure, she may not be a powerhouse vocalist, but it’s not just about hitting the high notes in pop music. It’s about the attitude, charisma, and unforgettable presence— Vanity had that in spades.
Wild Animal is Vanity unleashed—an album that takes listeners deep into her nocturnal jungle, where beats pulse like heartbeats, and every note feels like an invitation to cross the line. Vanity, with her undeniable magnetism, invites you to embrace your most unrestrained, impulsive self.
Advertisement
Opening with “Flippin’ Out,” Vanity kicks things off with a hypnotic track that’s equal parts playful and intense. She vamps and preens though the track as her vocals dance between playful teasing and impassioned cooing, drawing you in deeper with each line. The song is a perfect storm of seduction and rhythm, capturing the thrill of letting go and losing yourself. With her breathy vocals and pulsing synth beats, “Flippin’ Out” is Vanity daring you to give in, lose control, and revel in the chaos.
Then there’s “Pretty Mess”—perhaps the album’s most unforgettable anthem of playful allure. Vanity turns confession into art, laying bare a sensual, cheeky self-portrait. Her voice drips with vulnerability and confidence, wrapped in a coy, irresistible rhythm. It’s full of alluring and playful double entendres, using the imagery of heat, boiling, and messiness to create a seductive scene most of us can identify with (hint: a combination of baking soda and club soda can rid you of those nasty stains) while maintaining a veneer of ambiguity. This track is Vanity at her boldest, rawest, and most unforgettable, giving listeners a front-row seat to her seductive, unapologetic charm.
Advertisement
The rest of the album continues to provoke and excite. With tracks like “Samuelle,” Vanity switches gears, showing a more introspective side while still holding onto her raw edge. Then there’s the sizzling “Strap On Robbie Baby,'” a song that leaves nothing to the imagination, with a theme that landed it on the Parents Music Resource Center‘s list of the “Filthy Fifteen” due to its sexual overtones. This makes it a throwback classic as she blends funk, pop, and sultry R&B in a way that feels like a forbidden fruit—both thrilling and impossible to resist.
Vanity’s Wild Animal is a daring expression of lust, freedom, and wild femininity. Each track beckons, teases, and ultimately conquers, reminding us that Vanity wasn’t just Prince’s muse but a force of nature. This album is a guilty pleasure that leaves you feeling deliciously unhinged. If you’re ready to let go and dance with danger, Wild Animal is your perfect partner.
