If you’ve read my most recent “Cut Through the Noise” column, you know how I feel about music in 2018 so far. But after sifting through countless amelodic and uninspired new releases, I’ve struck two nuggets of gold from the genius of Janelle Monáe herself, and letting them slip through our fingers would (and probably will) be heartbreaking.

Eclipsed by far too many of pop culture’s primarily undeserving music royalty, Janelle Monáe’s name is fairly unknown to casual radio listeners. But her critical acclaim is well warranted, and her newly released double-feature singles promoting her upcoming album, “Dirty Computer,” are hard proof.

For those unfamiliar with her work, Monáe’s artistry lies at the intersection of R&B, neo-soul, psychedelia and funk, and she overlays her technicolor sonic ecosystem with science fiction and futuristic lyrics and sounds, often embodying her android alter-ego, “Cindi Mayweather.” Her various influences include Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Outkast and Funkadelic.

During the five-year hiatus since her previous second studio album, “Electric Lady” – whose titular track is and remains phenomenal – Monáe pursued political activism and acting, starring in blockbuster hits “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures.”

But on Feb. 22, following a year of escalating anticipation for her forthcoming third studio album, Monáe unleashed two new singles, exploring new worlds of sound while maintaining her signature style.

Monáe goes hard on “Django Jane,” rapping about Black empowerment and feminism. Her lyrics are intensely personal and strikingly effective. Further bolstering the song, “Django Jane’s” music video exhibits a Rihanna-level swagger, tinted with the hue of Beyonce’s powerful “Lemonade” visual-album as Monáe sits upon the golden throne surrounded by backup dancers. Simply put, Monáe sounds and looks like a bonafide star.

But just when I thought “Django Jane” was going to be my bossed-up spring anthem, “Make Me Feel” came next on the auto-play, and I was floored. Drawing major Prince influences, Monáe, with the help of songwriting maestros Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter, crafted a funky ’80s-throwback bop that is undoubtedly the best song of 2018 so far. “Make Me Feel” oozes fun, with its supremely-catchy chorus and funky guitar riffs. And the video is even more awe-inducing – the colors, the outfits, the choreography – it’s a bursting spectacle that perfectly compliments the song, with Monáe proudly embracing her bisexuality. “Make Me Feel” is a hit if I’ve ever heard one.

I hope these songs, especially “Make Me Feel,” receive the commercial success they deserve, because Janelle Monáe is an artist like no other, and her work speaks for itself. Take the time to check out her newest songs – you won’t regret it.

For those compelled by her irreplicable musical magic, Monáe’s previous albums are available on all streaming platforms, and the pre-order for “Dirty Computer” is now available on iTunes.