The ArchAndroid

What a breath of fresh air. Maybe I should complain about the composition of this list more often. This is the one Janelle Monae album I haven't heard. Our first album from the last decade, and from this century! A concept album based on Metropolis...and it's a debut album. Immediately, I'm struck by how eclectic this is, spanning so many different genres and transitioning between them so effortlessly. This feels monumental. I love so many songs here, and a very special shout-out to "Cold War," which Santoma unknowingly SAMPLED (via Clams Casino) on his/my first ever track "Go to Town." This is just fantastic all the way through. I'm going to retroactively add it to my Top Albums of 2010 list. [Side note: this was nominated for a Grammy but lost to Usher's Raymond v. Raymond. Yet more proof the Grammys are wet garbage.] Janelle, if you're reading this, I just watched Antebellum last night--the movie wasn't good, but you're great. I was already a big fan of you, but this seals the deal. Let's see if Bowie can top this. Favorite songs: Cold War, Dance or Die, Mushrooms & Roses, Neon Valley Street, Come Alive, Faster, Wondaland. Album art: The framing and text and everything is very much a product of the early '10s, but I love the picture of Monae and the golden metropolis as her crown. Talk about a chrome dome. 5/5

This is crazy good. I knew Janelle was talented, but this album really blew me away at how good, cohesive, and yet varied it is. Each song is amazing and there are no duds.

After the Overture, this album starts and just keeps going. Great energy, vocals, big band mixed with some synth/electronic that give a bit of a Wizard of Oz vibe. Really liked this, could see this being an excellent live performance.

Truly, the greatest tragedy here is that this album was generated for me on Friday, and for an entire weekend I was cursed with the knowledge of how amazing this album is; and yet anybody who happened across my stats page would pity me for either never having experienced it, or for not recognizing it as a masterpiece. At last, Monday has come, and my anxiety can finally be dispelled.

Wow! What was this? Is it hip-hop? Is it Enya? Is Santana playing guitar in the background? No idea, but it was awesome. Jumping from catchy dance beats to sweeping string-led anthems with Star Trek 60s vibes, I could never anticipate what was coming next. Rachmaninoff-style classical? Check. Movie soundtrack vibes (LOTR, anyone?). Check. Bass-infused jazz rifts? Check. Gap shopping trip background? Check. The illegitimate love child of Lauren Hill and The Bee Gees (Locked Inside - wow!)? Check. Going back to listen to it again, right now.

Oh my god. From the first Overture I immediately thought, "This is beautiful." I was worried to have high expectations so early; little did I know that the rest of the album would exceed any expectations I had set up. Janelle Monae has an amazingly beautiful voice, and the album is simply electric. She mixes genres as styles flawlessly intermingle with one another. The energy burns you from the inside and doesn't give you a break. Production is top notch. What is there to criticize about this album? It feels like a real work of art.

Funny coincidence - yesterday was the first time I'd ever heard of Janelle Monae. They had her singing in the street out of one of those US morning TV shows. The TV was on mute so all I could see was Janelle's Michael Jackson ripoff outfit and a bunch of never-been-kissed type girls waving signs in the crowd. I rolled my eyes, assuming she was some kind of X Factor singer or some other yank shit. Then today, THIS is the album. Buuuuuuuut.... it's really fucking good? I wasn't expecting that at all. The Michael Jackson influence is pretty clear musically, maybe a bit of Jamiroquai-ish jam in there too, and I guess it's shouldn't be a surprise that an album called "ArchAndroid" has a bunch of electric sheep references. This is what modern pop music should sound like, not the lowbrow shit filling the top 50. What a shame - this should be way better known. It has vision, ambition, variety and it's incredibly well written. I actually listened to it twice - this for an album over an hour long, in a genre I don't usually like. That's saying something. I think it even cured my hangover. Or maybe that was the codeine, not sure. Either way this is a fucking 5/5.

I was starting to get tired of this challenge, thinking I was getting burnt out, because for two weeks almost all my scores were 2s or 3s….and then this came up, and within a couple seconds I realized, no, all that was really mediocre music. Because this was INCREDIBLE. Always enjoyed Monae as an iconic figure, the look, the music videos, the acting. Shamefully never listened to this in whole, even though I’ve had 15 years to do so (Jesus Christ where does the time go). WOW. Every song is a lovely delight, I never knew exactly where it was going, and they’re all so singular. I cannot wait to listen to this over and over again!

this album earns its grand presentation for sureee— the songs are just so good and somehow they all feel connected even as they pull from such disparate influences. janelle monae’s singular presence acts as the uniting force between these separate ideas,, like genuinely i don’t think anyone else could pull this album off. and also she’s a robot which is sooo awesome

There's some interesting performances and production, but that couldn't save this album from being incredibly dull and boring to me. The kind of music that you hear in Target. Not for me.

This one was nowhere on my radar. Awesome album. Need to listen to more Janelle Monáe.

Wow. I'd definitely heard of Janelle Monáe and knew she had already made quite a mark on the music front when I started hearing about her as an actress (and I saw her in a recent movie; she is excellent on that front, too!), but I'd not listened to her music before. This album is superb. What a variety and all composed, arranged, performed, and recorded so well. Her voice is spectacular. So much thought behind these tracks. Such precision and energy yet also infused with passion. I'll be sure to listen to more of her work. Stupendous!

Top-tier, cohesive album.

Loved it

I can't believe how different each track is on this album! It's a fantastic sound, with catchy songs and a consistent musical theme. It's a very eclectic group of songs, spanning so many different genres and transitioning between them so effortlessly. 'Locked Inside' is a funky sounding track. 'Sir Greendown' is more relaxed and psychedelic whereas 'Cold War' starts off and you're wondering where it's going to go, and it ends up being a dance track. 'Tightrope' goes back to funky. These four songs all come in succession! 'Come Alive' is my favourite here. I can only describe it as a kind of rock and roll burlesque sound which really shows off vocal Janelle's vocals. She hits and holds a high note at the end of this track for a good twenty seconds before ending it with a great rock sounding "Ow!" 'Wondaland' is a sweet and sparkly pop song with a catchy chorus and the final one 'BaBopByeYa' sounds almost like a modern James Bond track. This album keeps you guessing what's coming next with everything sounding so different genre wise, yet sounding so similar and fitting together so well.

I Love all stuff like this, soul and electric THAT'S FIRE!!

ArchAndroid is an absolutely belting album with a mixture of every genre you could possibly think of: there are elements of soul, funk, jazz, hip-hop, RnB, synth pop and goodness knows what else. She also has a real ear for a melody. The long running time and slightly niche sci-fi concept could make this a bit inaccessible, but it's really not. You can easily enjoy this album simply for the catchy hooks and danceable grooves if that's your bag. Awesome!

My favourite discovery so far. I only knew them from their singles. This album as a whole is such a trip. Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, Leonard Bernstein, Pink Floyd. They’re all in there but this is a complete original too. Big 5 from me

What a talent! Imagine having a debut album this fully formed in concept and execution. Loved it!

Phineas and Ferb music if they had the budget of seven trillion golden doubloons. Holy shit. I've known of this album's existence for less than 24 hours and I can safely say that this is my favorite R&B album of all time. I didn't even know the girl from Glass Onion was a singer. Uhh five outta five!

Never heard Jonelle before. Loved this album. So many different genres covered

This album was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing, the amount of genres is incredible, the album is dramatic and well sequenced. Great listen and an easy classic to throw on repeat. 5/5

Probably the most Work Of Art album I've been assigned so far. Absolutely incredible, never boring, fuckin' cool.

“We’re all virgins to the joys of loving without fear” What an absolute delight to listen to. Melodic and rhythmic, high energy through the fast and slow songs. I feel like this hit the perfect balance of lead vocals / percussion / synth and pads / other rhythm and vocals. It was long but thoughtfully made, with great transitions and song order, awesome choice of samples, and most importantly just a bunch of groovin songs. The vocal effects were a bit distracting once or twice, but I actually liked those moments in the same way I like the non-scary moments in a horror movie. They’re necessary for the scary moments (great songs in the album) to have full effect. 10/10

I own this one!! :) I have a nostaglic attachment to this album, so I'm going to be a bit biased. I feel like the songs have a lot of variety to them, which makes it a fun album to listen through all the way.

Started off strong with an odd overture which is uncommon for a 2010 album but with futuristic sounds which fits the album. Where is suite 1? Not what I expected, I did not expect her to rap. Song 2 is a banger. Song 3 blends well with 2 at the start. This is the first album that seems like an album, not just a collection of songs. song 4 Funky jackson drums, catchy and continuation of the story. song 5 change of pace, cool mix of classical medieval style callbacks in the lyrics in a song/album about android/human lovers. song 6 - starts slow and then picks up but again a change from last song. song 7 - fits in with the album theme but also about herself/music great double/triple meaning. song 8 - big boi banger, great continuation / other side of previous track. "You gotta keep your balance Or you fall into the gap It's a challenge but I manage Cause I'm cautious with the strap" Great high and low vocals while singing about highs and lows. song 9 - what is she singing? https://genius.com/Janelle-monae-neon-gumbo-lyrics fits in with the album but bit too much for me in the middle of an album should be an outro to a song not a song in itself song 10 - yet another style. Cool how it could be about either cyborg or human to either "maker". another style on the outro of the song. song 11 - harder style. big juxtaposition to the last. Fits in with her several mentions of schizo in this song and the whole album. vocals are wild, wonder how this is live. song 12 - sex and drugs very psychedelic. A more modern sounding lucy/strawberry style beatles song as in the distorted vocals and druggy feel. song 13 - another example of how this album is meant to be listened to with the album liner / internet with you but works also on its own. song 14 - another good blend from last song. She is a good rapper regardless of her singing and songwriting which is odd. "Confusion is a walrus" song 15 - what? so out of left field. Not mad about it. song 16 - dreamy/childlike very jarring with that previous song. Could be a tomtom club with the lyrics and less android references. song 17 - 57821 odd title, apparently a android reg number. "magical" sound and another blue reference. song 18 - "Love is such a novelty A rarely painted masterpiece A place few people go or ever know" very mellow/serene song, very zen great lyrics, flows very well song 19 - very orchestral/theatrical, odd bit of spanish. lyrics call out music and movie as ways of describing their love which is very cool, very good closer. https://genius.com/Janelle-monae-cd-booklet-annotated to tell the background story Metropolis is a good film, worth a watch also.

THE FUCKIN BESSSSST. Janelle Monae does not miss on this album. A beautiful voice and wonderful, amazing songs. An honest treat to listen to.

I liked the mix if the different music genres in this album. The voice if Janelle Monae is really pleasing to hear and some if the lyrics are really cool or beautiful. Tho i must say that it didn’t really fit with my type of music taste even tho i listen to alot of hiphop and rock which are present in this album. But the instrumentals on this one is phenomenal.

Nothing to fault but nothing I like about it.

Beautiful voice and what a unique concept album. It really showcased her range as an artist, blending genres together. The production is so cinematic and takes into the world she was trying to create with this album. Especially the last song, it sounds like a score. It’s nice to get some more albums on this list from this past decade!

Finally an artist I had never listened to blew me away.

Truly Janelle's best album: conceptual, explosive, erratic, fun, and overall just an enchanting and captivating album.

Nothing sounded the same but it did feel like a cohesive piece. Really amazed by it, maybe they weren't all winners but overall 5 stars

this shit is the future

WOWWW this is so good idk how i havent heard of this album or any of the songs before. Literally fucking amazing, feels very new and fresh and unique. I think the slower songs in the second half are weaker, but theyre not bad. Just not nearly as good as the first half

This was fantastic! I feel like concept albums haven’t been in vogue for a good long while, so I really really loved how big she went with it here.

The music grabbed my attention right away! Really enjoying this album

Wow, never expected to enjoy this album so much. Didn’t know much about Janelle M - I had half listened / watched the “Dirty Computer” video, and thought it was pretty good. Excellent throughout I liked suite II a little more than III. Tightrope was the standout track, and I also really liked “Oh, Maker”. A lot of genre shifts were cool. Ilthought “Come Alive” could have been an X cover. 4.5 Stars, and rounding up.

Only knew Tightrope - this was way better than I expected. Really liked this album a lot - beautiful lush sounds throughout and some bangers. Only negative is it's a little long but I guess it's a double album?

Somehow met the dude who played keyboard on this album at a bar the same day I got it on the generator. Weirdly cosmic.

Frantic, mad in scope. I'm not sure one listen does it justice.

Should I be listening to this before I die ?......... No I shouldn't

Devoid of any originality, it sounds just so formulaic. C'mon give me something better than this. It's like they went into the studio and pulled out all the old 'faithful' gimmicks- drum machine, snappy lyrics and guest rapper. Yawn, boring.

As far as I’m concerned, Janelle Monáe can do whatever the hell she wants.

Truly wasn’t expecting that. So many styles mashed together but everything fits, impeccable vocals and everything

This was so good really nice vibes, strength and softness. Varied and keeps you guessing

An epic science-fiction romance album, that I didn't know I needed! So many ideas here, and they're all flawlessly executed. I went in with zero expectations, and this thing kinda blew my socks off. It's nice when that happens.

This was fucking brilliant. There’s so much going on Sgt. Pepper’s, Prince, James Brown, and Ziggy Stardust vibes all over it. The whole album feels not far from Frank Zappa's Joe’s Garage, a wild mash-up of genres, dystopian future setting, use of characters and story to deliver it's metaphors and messages Favourite track: Come Alive (War of the Roses).

Im emotional over this one. This is so good. I really can’t express how much I enjoyed this album, especially going into it expecting to dislike it. I listened to dirty computer before this and didn’t love it, but this is just simply a masterpiece. There’s not a dull moment on this thing. Every song is amazing, everything sounds so good, lyrically phenomenal, this is so so good and I’ve been so wrong for ignoring it for the past 15 years. The interpolations are so tight, her vocals are unbelievable, it’s so jazzy and rock and rnb and electronic and it’s all good. Definitely a solid listen all the way through album. 5/5/5/5

One of my all-time faves, and seriously underregarded, imo. What can’t Monáe do? She moves seamlessly between genres and makes them her own. The album is both eccentric and poppy, full of weird intervals and luscious hooks. I just love it.

One of my all time favorites. This hits so many elements of what makes a great album for me; a high-concept, a century of cultural references, the timeless social themes, and the beautiful music clearly informed by Monae’s broadway background. It still feels like this came out of nowhere, and it’s perfect.

How have I never heard of this before? Discovering great albums that are off my radar is the reason I’m here. Big score. Zero complaints. Beautiful music.

Wow this was exciting! Definitely felt very artistic and grand, with amazing dynamics and soulful vocals. 5/5

This is a really well made, really enjoyable album. It feels like Janelle has put so much thought into every track, getting stuck in in the studio. It's one of the few 1001 albums that I have instantly wanted to reply

Although I'm not sure it entirely works for me, I really enjoyed getting this new-to-me and hugely eclectic concept album. I didn't recognize Janelle Monae's name, but now realize that her picture on the album cover looked vaguely familiar from her television and film career (most notably in "Hidden Figures" and "Glass Onion"). I like it that she fused a Metropolis-style android theme with retro and modern music styles, and while I didn't realyl follow the storyline, a few tracks really stood out, especially "Dance or die", "Tightrope" (whose video is fantastic, although I was really surprised she pulled in Big Boi for the collaboration, as Andre 3000 is *way* more aligned with this album), and "Come alive (War of the Roses)". I'm not sure what exactly made me think of the film version of "Moulin Rouge" as I listened to this album, but they both have this kind of carnival/variety-show aspect to them. It probably didn't need to be quite so long, but at least it kept me wondering what might come next throughout, and usually entertained.

This is still a fantastic record. A wonderful mix of afro-futuristic themes, funk and soul that just hasn't aged a day. Probably still my favourite of Monáe's records.

Fuldstændig vanvittig popdebut, glad for at se den på listen!

I only knew Tightrope prior to listening but this was really, really great. Not every track hits for me, but what a diverse, surprising and genre defying debut.

Muy loable el empeño de Janelle por darnos algo original y de calidad. Por no subirse al carro del mainstream ya tiene mi apoyo. Es un disco ecléctico, conceptual, místico y próximo a la vez. Quizás esas son sus armas y sus debilidades, ya que puede parecer falto de cohesión. Para mí, muy agradable de escuchar. Si te gusta salirte del camino de baldosas amarillas, este es tu disco.

There's a lot of pop diversity in this record. Classical fusion, traditional pop, and soul can be heard in different tracks throughout its run. Spectacular. Favourite Track(s): Tightrope, Oh, Maker, Say You'll Go Least Favourite Track(s): Make the Bus

Good listen, I enjoyed this one! Interesting take on modern Soul and R&B. Suite 2 was much better than Suite 3, but overall album slapped.

Very interesting, as it’s not really like any other album instrumentally or sound wise, which is quite refreshing, and probably would have especially been so in the relatively stale R&B climate of the time it was released. Such a mix of stuff on here, from rap-adjacent to even some rock stuff. It also uses a real range of instruments, like string sections and stuff, the string interludes are really great and break up the EPs which were compiled into this, especially the suite 3 overture. Even if it is technically pop music, it’s still really interesting stuff and breaks into what music nerds would probably call sophisti-pop or something. Some songs are a bit nothing though, but there’s loads of good ones. Favourite songs: suite II overture, faster, Sir Greendown, tightrope, mushrooms and roses, suite III overture, BaBopByeYa. Overall around 7/10

The kind of high concept theatrical thing I just love, not only is it ambitious, it manages to land hard on its two feet by the end because of how much care is put on its concept. I think Janelle manages to make the the aesthetics and the grandiosity of basically a musical adaptation of Metropolis feel just as grand which I don't think many people can get right, but even more have so many styles of music come together so tightly and again, come out like a fully formed package instead of an overlylong mess, I guess it helps I love the way everything sounds. So yeah this is an absolute win, I need some more listens to truly get into the details of the lyrics but I'm loving it

I'd never heard this before and will now be looking up all of her work.

This album is wild. I'm all in for the high concept sci-fi part of it. Musically it's all over the place. Hip hop, pop, funk, rock, samba, circus, punk. Seriously not what I expected. It's very theatrical. I dig it.

I recently gave a review, allocating this a three. Upon further reflection, this is a work of genius, even if it's not my thing.

Very listenable and rly fun. I feel like I’ll have to do an in depth analysis to truly appreciate it tho

The future was once an exciting place, a vision where anything that can be thought of as possible to achieve, looking backwards to understand how to move forward. As the ArchAndroid, Janelle Monae found a stellar way to fuse past, present and future together into a package that bursts with consistent energy and cohesion. The second and third part of a five part suite, heading into just this without digesting the first part feels like cheating yet this is a pretty good introduction to someone who may still very well turn culture on its head. Nearly fifteen years on, it's still electric. Favorites: Dance or Die, Faster, Locked Inside, Sir Greendown, Cold War, Tightrope, Oh, Maker, Come Alive (War of the Roses), Mushrooms & Roses, Make the Bus, Wondaland, Say You'll Go.

This was really great. I’d never heard of Janelle monáe and decided not to look her up when I heard anything. The first track made me wonder if it would be a classical album before the second track had her showing her skills as a rapper however she is not just a rapper and she’s a a singer too, with some songs like sir greendown sounding like lana del rey. There was also a lot of prince and outkast influence in there. This could have been shite and it absolutely wasn’t so will actually listen to more of Janelle’s releases after hearing this

Orchestra!?! I like the transition into a more modern rap/club song. Oh hey I know Tightrope. Come Alive is like an alt rock song. Oooh Clair de Lune appearance in Say You'll Go!

Favorite Track[s]: Sir Greendown Cold War Oh, Maker Make The Bus Wondaland 57821 Say You'll Go BaBopByeYa

I like: Locked Inside Tightrope Come Alive (War of the Roses) Suite III Overture Neon Valley Street

I knew who Janelle Monet was, but never listened to her before. Pleasantly surprised by the album, not to R and B, not to funky, just fun to listen to.

Do I need a jam-packed and nearly exhausting space robot musical crammed with Bowie and Prince impersonations, Fairport Convention lilt, future-R&B, and *so* many ideas? Turns out I don't really, but I do respect the ever living hell out of Monae's creativity and ambition.

I had no idea that Janelle was a music artist, I just knew of her from knives out. This album was enjoyable. Some of the songs were vibey and fun but a lot of it is pretty unremarkable. I don’t remember a single song after having listened to the album in full and none of them did anything for me emotionally. The album also just seemed to drone on and on and I was looking forward to it being over. It’s middle of the road but I’d give it a 3.5 if I could

This has some great tracks and I appreciate the artistry AND the collaborations. But I don't see this drawing me back into its orbit.

It’s really good for what it is; I just don’t understand what it is.

Very solid album but admittedly the second half felt not as exciting as the beginning. I think it is an album that I probably wouldn't listen to again but if it came on I would enjoy it. Very cool use of percussion on a lot of tracks. Definitely did feel a little pushed with it's message at times but waaaay better than some artists. Overall id give it on around the same mark at about a 7.6

Eclectic, epic, sprawling. Too long? Too much symphony and overtures? Overall pretty good. Lots of good ideas. Could have used some editing.

Another cool post-punk pre-alternative album. I thought this one was interesting. There are times when it sounds like Bruce Springsteen, albeit with much different subject matter. It's easy to see the seeds of a lot of the music I grew up with in the 90s in this album. It goes by really fast, but every song is solid 4/5

Started as a very spooky ride to work, ended confused. Thought for sure this would be my jam. It was mostly not. Sorry Janelle/obama.

Another one of these alleged experimental albums... I just found it bonkers eclectic random swings in style and sound that was all very much sounding computer generated with absolutely nothing memorable. There were some good parts to some of the tracks, but you shouldn't have to study a track to enjoy it. I've read a lot of rave reviews about this album, with lengthy disection of each track and what it means... ya de ya de ya... but I just don't get it what they're on about, I found the whole thing massively boring, never gonna listen to it again.

Just too much going on here - too many songs, too many style changes, too much in general. Some great songs - Cold War is fantastic, Say You'll go Good but it sorely needs an editor. Just lost me too many times.

Eclectic. If I dig around a bit I find lots of little bits I like. 2.75/5

Lots of ideas, many of them good, but neither the tunes or her voice have the strength the carry all the dicking around.

Ikke min type musikk. Men e det bra eller dårlig? Vet ikke!

This was a very mediocre album to me and there were no songs that really stood out. it’s not really for me and I will probably not return to this album. 5/10

2 of 5 (10/30/20) Well, this was unexpected. This is very much not my genre. It's dancy and poppy with smooth vocals and slick production values. I have been known to call this kind of stuff musical exlax. There's something about this album that keeps it from tripping over into the diharrea zone, though. Maybe it's the conceptual nature of the thing that keeps it on course. It does feel like every track leads into the next in a cinematic storyarch. Perhaps that's what makes this work. Somewhere around track 6, it picks up and findsome funk and that was a lot more enjoyable. That said, it never really got anywhere interesting for me.

genre defying

There is a reason this album launched her career as a force. She truly is a master of her craft. I appreciated the different genres and feel of each song, I do understand how people comment negatively on the extreme differences in song style from one to the next, but I loved it. Made for a great listen and I will be adding it to my rotation for sure.

An amazing mix of r&b, funk, rap, and rock. A cool concept. An amazingly confident first full length. Love it.

This is damn near a perfect album. I know shes popular, but how is she not more so?

iconic and perfect album.

An album I adore but that I also recognize the whole is better than the individual parts. Relatively few songs, by themselves, are ones k want to listen to. But as an album I can’t stop listening. 5/5

Never heard of this before today and was pleasantly surprised. Locked Inside borrows a chord change from Stevie Wonder's 'Golden Lady' and it's driving me crazy but the rest of this is quite enjoyable. I will definitely be checking out more of her music.

The little I know of Janelle Monáe has always intrigued me and this album did not disappoint. Sometimes it works (Tightrope) and sometimes it falls a little short (Wondaland) but she stays true to her vision and the whole is a lot of fun. Great debut album.

Et af mine yndlingsalbums fra det her årtusind

Blown away. Such talent.

I was originally generated this album on day 3 before I joined a group and it set the tone for the entire project by forcing me to challenge my biases. Janelle Monae is an artist I wouldn’t have even considered listening to in the past. I fully expected a generic pop / R&B artist and I don’t generally enjoy that music. However, I ended up listening to this album a few times that day because I couldn’t understand what was happening. This is definitely not generic in any way! I came out realizing that this is a damn fine album and it’s still in my regular listening rotation today. I still absolutely love the middle section with Oh Maker, Come Alive, and Mushrooms & Roses, as well as the final track, BabopbyeYa, but I’ve also come around to Make the Bus and Wondaland, which I originally found kind of annoying. Overall, this has been my best discovery so far

perfeito.