Seeker is Cronin’s posture at being a mature songwriter.

Why not go all-in on the “coming of age” storyline instead of starting with five unrelated songs before switching midstream?

25. Janelle Monáe – “Dance Apocalyptic” [Bad Boy/Wondaland] On her stellar sophomore album, The Electric Lady, Janelle Monáe calls in the musical royalty. The likes of Prince, Miguel, Solange, Esperanza Spalding and Erykah Badu lend their talents to an album that’s a start to finish listen and a triumphant breakthrough for Monáe—nowadays it’s difficult to buy a cup of coffee …

[xrr rating=4.0/5]Mikal Cronin’s self-titled 2011 debut album was excellent and spontaneous, featuring some balls-out riffage and pounding drums, interrupted by bouncy garage surf-pop and even some jazz flute. It’s as if Cronin asked himself, “Have I covered all ‘70s pop stereotypes?” In comparison to his stunning follow-up, MCII, the songs felt unplanned. The excellent new album begins with “Weight,” quickly …