Monica Unveils Fierce New Look to Support Upcoming Album, Code Red

A pending release date for Monica's forthcoming eighth studio album, Code Red, looks to be around the corner.

The veteran R&B singer-songwriter kicks off the buzz around the opus by unveiling her new look via People.

In the new colorful first look image, which sees her rocking a Versace jacket, Hervé Léger bathing suit and Guiseppe Zanotti caged heels, Monica ditches her signature black hair for a fiery, red, low-crop style.

"The cut symbolizes me getting back to the fearlessness and courageous part of myself that I shared with the world in the '90s when I released my first album 'Miss Thang,'" Monica told PEOPLE. "It's easy to over-think things and not trust your natural instincts. I let go and let the music be created in my truth."

Monica adds that the new fierce look also represents where she's currently at in life. "I love that the cover speaks to how I feel as a woman, artist, mother and wife," she explains. "I feel strong, encouraged and grateful. I also love that it’s fashion forward."

We're extremely excited to hear Monica's new music!

Special thank u to @touchedbyjuels she colored my hair about three months ago (it's been hell hiding it LOL) but it was necessary to make sure we achieved the perfect red.. We have toned it down a bit now but this was the very first time she lifted my natural hair for me… I didn't decide to cut it until the shoot LOL #CodeRedHairChronicles

A photo posted by Monica Brown (@monicabrown) on Apr 15, 2015 at 4:54pm PDT