Reviews (page 10 of 13)
норм альбомыч, забавный. Но концовка слита
Loads of variety. Sometimes urgent and compelling, sometimes gentle and twee. Didn't even mind the rap too much.
Not my thing but she is obviously very talented and creative. It has its moments though!
I really enjoy Janelle Monae as an artist. She is incredibly unique, and I'm so happy to see her included on this list. She's very talented. This album has a bit of everything, touching on multiple genres and some songs which are a unique genre all on their own. Yet, somehow, it's a cohesive product. It's not really the type of music I go for, but I thought it was a fun modern album to listen through.
This Album felt like it was out if a movie. Cool music and all, but not somethjng tjat I would listen to again.
I remember loving the singles from this when it came out. Wonder what the whole thing is like. Orchestral prelude. Interesting. It does slip into a loungey soul bit briefly. The album starts proper with a broken beat/salsa/rap kind of thing. The brukt rhythm track morphs into a quickstep for Faster. I stopped the album to watch lindy hoppers for a while after that. Locked On continues to borrow from british soul 4Hero/Gilles Peterson type stuff. Beat kind of lacks groove though. It kind of starts to get pretty psychedelic at this point, Sir Greendown could have been a Doors song. Cold War is a bit meh, a bit Disney? The single Tightrope recovers the groove. I paused again after Suite III Overture to go through Simon Reynolds' review of Love Island grime tracks. Make the Bus is fun for sounding like a really ADHD Prince track. The album kind of continues along on this trajectory, there's neo-rockabilly and neo-rnb and neo-soul and neo-funk, psych-funk, afrofuturism etc. ect. all very pop-centred. Its a testament to an amazing songwriting talent to have so much material. Unfortunately it suffers the same fate as a lot of prog albums that its kind of over-long and virtuosic. It would have been much more powerful with more focus. Like the Kate Bush album it does the spoken word samples littered throughout, the smoking gun of prog. This really should be my thing but its just hard to stay engaged for the full hour.
I often lament the death of music, rock n roll in particular. Part of the complaint is that most popular music doesn't have a lot "real" instruments. Just a keyboard and a drum machine with some young diva yowling or some rapping. No bridges, no time changes. Blech! Oh, and a conversation from just a day or two ago about what concept albums are. Tricky to pull off, but when good, they can be great! (Operation Mindcrime, The Wall, Pink World and more.) Then along comes this pop diva that I had written off as the same old (new) thing because I'd only ever heard Tightrope and it falls into that blech territory. But this is actually quite interesting. All kids of musical instruments, all sort of genre hopping, and it's a concept album! Serious credit to this young lady for taking these chances. I don't know that she got as much credit for all of that. I certainly never heard anything about it. (I read a lot of music news and am always seeking new, good music.) While I do give her all that credit, it's still a bit out of my wheelhouse. I don't imagine I'd listen to it more than once or twice again. But for folks that are younger that have been raised on simple beats and cicada drums, this might get them to explore a bit. I want to give it 4 stars to attract attention to it and show respect for the gumption it took to do this in the modern music environment, I have to score it based on how much I liked it and would I listen again.
Nice variety
2,6/5
Bah
Had no idea what to expect from this one. A few of the songs I really liked, and the others were “meh” for me. She does have a lovely singing voice when she chooses to use it. Anyway, it is three stars for me.
If R&B, funk and dance sat down and watched Disney Fantasia and decided to make music together.
The story behind this album sounded cool, but some of the songs were trying to be more.. futuristic and it didn't seem to compliment the rest of the songs
Cold wars = 5* Tightrope = 4* There were some other good son but I felt the album was too experimental and had too much filler, so it really dragged and there were a lot of "songs" that just shouldn't have been there. I think this artist has the potential for a 5* album though
Another angle on the idea of a concept album. Not bad and quite well executed. It's a bit too long for my taste. You can hear all the different influences she had incorporated deliberately in a way that one can spot them. But that's about it. There is nothing that triggers me to revisit this.
Quite liked it, went on a bit too long though
very high concept but not that listenable in terms of how good the music is. its ok but definetly overrated. 6/10 Favourite: Locked Inside Least Favourite: Wondaland
This album had all of the Janelle Monáe songs I know on it
I can appreciate the feat of making this album. It just doesn’t hook me.
I listened to this years ago and it really didn't click for me then. But, I listened to it in full today and I was really impressed. There are so many styles that she has done so very well. This album is dense, there's a lot to unpack here. Will definitely listen again.
Futuristic sounds fusing Afro beats, Hip hop, jazz, classical, big band, dance and R&b in a Theatrical/futuristic style. An audiophile’s treasure trove of sounds. The lyrics bring love, feminism, self identity and expression. Sounds like Barry Manilow , Beyoncé, OutKast, prince, Michael Jackson. Songs are good for workouts!
Like her voice. I enjoyed this album
Kivannäkönen tyttö kannessa. Lauloikin ihan kivasti
Kivaa taustamusiikkia.
Ok
This album falls into the category of I appreciate the artistry, I'm glad I listened to it, and I probably won't again.
I felt like this album couldn’t decide what it wanted to be and suffered dearly for it.
Not a bad album, cool blend of classical music but a lot of the songs lack structure, but Janelle Monae is still a great artist.
Come Alive(war of the roses) is quite good. I am quite impressed at the range of genres shown here.
Me gusto mucho. Descubri una artista nueva en la que investigar mas. Grandisima voz y fuerza en un disco con muchisimas mezclas y fusiones de jazz, rock y ritmanblues, por tratar de definirlo de alguna manera. Disco con mucha fuerza 💪🏼
OK
Super
Good stuff talented
Rätt coolt!
Enjoyable and offbeat
This album could easily have been 2 complete albums, and I think it might have been better for it. Suite II Overture -> Mushrooms & Roses was really good. Suite III Overture -> BaBopByeYa was not as solid, but that could have just been listening fatigue. That said I really like the concept of the concept album. Cyberpunk r&b/hiphop is definitely not what I was expecting.
I felt like this album dragged on a bit. There were some cool songs and sections but the length of it was a bit much. Although the album as a whole seemed a bit scattered to me, there did seem to be a bit of a theme throughout which I appreciated. It was an interesting listening experience but I don’t think I’ll ever return to any of these songs.
3,5
It’s well written and well produced, and there are actually a selection of pretty good songs on here. It’s much more interesting and fun compared to other artists in the same category
It can be a lot at times but when it all comes together it’s something to behold.
Album 835 of 1089 Janelle Monáe -The ArchAndroid (2010) Rating : 3 / 5 This one really caught me off guard—in the best way. I went in expecting some straightforward hip-hop, but what I got was a genre-hopping journey with touches of soul, funk, pop, even orchestral flourishes. The production is wild (in a good way), and the variety keeps things moving without feeling all over the place. Hard to pin this one into a single category, and that’s part of the charm. Always nice to stumble onto an album that completely surprises you.
Variadito i qualitat però no és massa es meu rollo. Te algun tema xulo. Referències funk, groove, clàssica, hip hop i fins i tot dnb.
I do appreciate how stylish, imaginative and well produced it is. Yet, I can't name a song on Archaandroid that grabbed my attention, or made me feel anything beyond intellectual approval. Another album that would be great as soundtrack or background music on a venue, but not as charged and encompassing as I prefer it to be.
some good songs but too poppy
Never been a fan, but this album is iconic
I really wanted to love this album, but I don't fully connect with it. The songs are interesting and I like the transitions but some of these songs are almost painfully of their time. I think I'd be more into this if I discovered it in '10/11. 3.5/5
I appreciate the eclectic nature of this album—something for everyone. I probably wouldn't listen again, though, as the tunes weren't necessarily memorable to me.
I'm not sure what I listened to, twice. Absolutely ambitious, sometimes interesting ,sometimes beautiful. A little too poppy for me overall, but respect.
Will rate later… for now, will give it 3* as it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be...
Ambious and skillfully executed and of course Monae is a really good singer. Still, I didn't feel connected to the music. Maybe the songs aren't good enough or maybe it's the overproduction that is killing the spirit of the performances. I really liked the orcestral pieces, though. I appreciate the talent, but I don't think that I'm going to listen to this album another time.
Decent variety between songs. Not my thing, but I appreciate the talent.
Talented but not for me.
groovy so far
First time I've listened to the whole album, although I obviously recognise some of the standout tracks. I agree, it is a bit long and there are some unnecessary fillers in there, but she does have amazing voice. Worth another listen at some point.
Let’s get weird
Not really what I'm into, but it is well done.
I felt like she was through stuff at a wall to see what stuck. More stuff stuck than didn't, but as an album it felt a tad bit disjointed.
Pretty interesting soul stuff, cool orchestration, liked half the songs
Surprised by this, don't think I'd ever heard anything by Janelle monae before, enjoyed quite a few songs, probably would not listen to the full album again but would revisit some songs
Great album. Nice to be reminded of it, I remember listening to it a fair bit when it came out. Although I’m not sure I would ever quite get to the end - I still think it’s a bit too long.
Great collection of hip-hop, r&b, soul and show tunes on this album didn't know what to expect but it was an interesting listen.
Would be a great EP
The album starts strong and ends strong but in the middle I lost interest in a lot of the songs. I'd give it a 3.5 if half points were possible.
I appreciate the ambition… but the album kinda exhausted me.
Quirky...interesting
I liked it, but it suffers a bit by the length of the album
Well, it’s fine, but I don’t remember it at all. And I’m not sure it needed well over an hour of my time.
Locked Inside - I love it! Wondaland - Catchy! 3.5 stars
Very pleasantly surprised. This straddled the hip-hop/pop line pretty well for me. Was close to a 4 but some of the lyrics were tough and it’s just too damn long
I enjoyed looking at the Spotify profile picture
Out of left field, I enjoyed this modern opera. I don't know that many songs stood out in particular, but the flow through different genres was well done and I think I'll come to appreciate this album more when I come back to it
79% Best: Dance or Die; Locked Inside; Tightrope; Come Alive (War of the Roses); Neon Valley Street Must-Hear? Almost
Another very eclectic album. Quality is a little inconsistent, for example, “Oh, Maker” and “Neon Valley Street” are really great tracks from a songwriting, production and vocal perspective, but songs like “Cold War” and “Come Alive” were just exhausting listens and felt a little “commercialized” and uninspired if that makes sense. She is undeniably talented and has a great voice. Worth a listen but not my cup of tea.
Definitely lots of respect for this artist, in all the aspects of her art - acting, fashion, and her music. This sure is all over the place stylistically, but in a good way.
Janelle's eclectism was really a start as you mean to go on thing since this was her first album! The songs weren't always a vibe, but you can't deny the creativity of it.
Its a sophisticated album and worthy of this list, just not my thang
some songs better than others, but overall kinda disappointing tbh
3.5 While it really showcases Monae's powerful voice, the "hits" ring out as post-Outkast Funk/Soul today. If it is remembered for anything, it should be that Pop artists can be ambitious in their vision and place themselves in tracks that use features, not necessarily for star power, but to expand their potential.
3.5 stars I really enjoyed the first half or so. Tightrope is a great hit single but I also really enjoyed the flow from Dance or Die into Faster into Locked Inside into Sir Greendown. The transitions between songs are seamless - it sounded like one epic multi-part song blended together (in a good way). I like the ambition and the mix of genres and styles. The fact that the blend works and doesn’t sound like a total mess is a testament to Janelle Monae’s vision. But she starts to lose me at Mushrooms & Roses and the album never really regained momentum for me after that. But I did like the closing track BaBopByeYa. Also the sci-fi concept did not do a lot for me, but I also didn’t have a lot of time to dive into the narrative.
She’s always interesting if nothing else
This was more diverse than I expected. Lots of variety on here but doesn’t seem like she really went anywhere mainstream. R and b, rap, funk, soul, pop nice voice but kinda average for my taste.
Something used to bug me about her. Like she always wore a tuxedo for years. Her vibe felt really manufactured in these early years. A few tracks felt like that too. Good, but trying hard to be something different. A few gems in there though. Definitely unique, creative
Party classical and catchy tunes. Very special.
Really appreciate the originality of this album. It was quite the refreshing listen after a streak of punk... This album was a strange mix of pop, funk, classical which was pretty cool. I definitely like this album more than most I've heard so far on this list. Although unfortunately I don't quite think I can give it 4 stars.
Not my usual sound, but good album
I really enjoyed the funky percussion driven songs. So many artsy throwaway tracks drag down what could have been a decent album.
A beautiful voice, strong personality and bold vision. Unfortunately, the theatrics of the album concept often get in the way of making good music here. I would love to hear her approach songwriting with a little less bombast so that her voice can take the spotlight.
I first heard this album shortly after it was released. Listening to it again now, my opinion hasn't changed much. Monae is a very talented musician. I like the concept of the album. It constantly feels so close to a great album, but the production seems to strangle the life out of every song. I'd love to hear some more raw demos or a rougher overall mix. So close, but it just ends up bland in the long run.
Meh.
I love Janelle Monae so it's gonna be a 3.
This album has a ton of heart put into it, but I feel as if sometimes that is the issue. While there are some incredible songs and some incredible ideas, the theatrical element falls flat sometimes. Especially towards the end. Overall, songs such like Locked Inside, Oh Maker, and Neon Valley Street make this album worth the listen, even with the theatrical duds in between.
I worked really hard on this one. I gave it three playthroughs - which I feel was quite generous given its unnecessary length and my initial, confused impression of it. The final verdict? Mixed. I think there are some really great ideas here, but it feels like a manic brain dump with zero focus. Her voice, the instrumentation, the production - all great - no complaints. But damn, pick a lane. There are, like, four different stories trying to be told here, and I'd love to hear each one of them, but just as she's making progress in one direction, she then goes hurling off into another. Look. Editing is a thing. An important thing. Making cuts shows maturity as an artist. I get it - this was her debut album and it's hard making something and then not using it. But if it's not up to snuff (and there are definitely tracks on here that aren't), you need to be able to recognize that and respectfully not burden your audience with 30+minutes of your B game. On the other hand, if it IS up to snuff, but it doesn't fit the current motif, you need to save that for a later, more appropriately themed album. Bottom line: I like many of the pieces here, but I hate the composition. I enjoy chocolate, mustard, apple cider, and broccoli, but that doesn't mean they should all go into the same bowl. Since this was more-or-less the same gripe I had with Moby last week, I'll give her a 3, too.
I couldn’t get into this. Which is not necessarily the albums fault. I’m been in a shitty mood all day. The album is to blame though for not getting me out of my mood. So I will remain neutral on this for now.
This is one of those albums that despite my lower rating, deserves to be on this list. I can see how this may be a lot of people’s cups of tea. Come Alive was my favorite track I listened to. Janelle Monae is very versatile and blends many different genres. Overall a fun listen, but a little too eclectic for my taste. She does have a good voice though
Didn’t hate it
Listened to the tour version which was too long
Need to listen again, not sure whether I dislike it as pretentious swaddle, or like it as a bit different!
This album has some Bowie/Prince experiment vibes to it. Some songs are just amazing and others are there.... It's a trip that's for sure. It has made me want to listen to more of her though. This album. Is going in the rotation and I'm saving her stuff to find out how she evolves over time.
A few solid hits in here, but a bit too samey and lacking the full funk rock edge of some of her other work.
strange
Very good IMO
This sounds familiar somehow?
Not my vibe
Heerlijke muziek. Lekker poppie / rnb met wat multi-culturele invloeden. Het album opent zelfs met een beetje Efteling-achtige muziek. ***
Some decent tracks. I'm a fan of "cold war" as it has a good beat and vocals. Os dancey. There's also some jazz type stuff on here (come alive)?
Dachte es kämen banger
has really really great moments, love the eclecticism, the soul. but it also has incredibly boring or cheesy moments. and overstays its welcome.
Energetic fun -- definitely foundational towards her evolution to the artist she is today. Not for me personally.
Was hesitant about this but ended up really enjoying it. Monae reminds me of a mix of James Brown, David Bowie and Lena Horne. A classic R&B sound mix with funk with a touch of rap. The highlights for me were "Tightrope" and "Neon Valley Street". I also love the overture breaks. There is a sense of style very reminiscent of Bowie who is one of my all time favorites. Now that she is on my radar I will have to listen to the other albums I hear are in her "Metropolis" series.
Good voice and had some moments that caught my attention, but this is otherwise just another album that came and went. I feel like a lot of the artists in this time/genre had albums that are a little too long.
point6.
Interesting multi genre album. She's got some good ones, but I'm not feeling it tonight.
A very hype start but I didn’t stay very engaged the full hour. Maybe if I listened a few more times it would grow on me but I also don’t want to listen again. Album cover is pretty sick.
Great album but a bit too stretched out
High highs, okay lows.
Very unique
interessant, irgendwie mal was anderes; hörbar
Well produced, well executed, interesting conceptually, but after one listening, it's not sticking with me. Sadly cannot give it a 3.5.
I missed this album entirely when it came out. I tend to skip contemporary pop releases because I don’t often enjoy them. I don’t expect many repeat listens to this album; it’s far from what I’d typically listen to. However, I can see the appeal of this one. I was expecting a straightforward R&B pop album, but this is full of stylistic surprises. From the champer-pop-esque Sir Greendown to straight the straightforward pop of Cold War and the ambient Neon Gumbo. This is a pop album, but it borrows a lot of sounds from other genres especially those of the 1960s; psychedelic rock, garage rock, blues etc. At 68 minutes, this suffers issues, I’ve had with other albums, it becomes repetitive quickly and would be more enjoyable if some of the weaker songs were cut. It’s hard to divorce sound quality from my enjoyment of albums and the compression of this album makes it sound as if a thick piece of cloth is put over my speakers. Janelle Monae seems to have great vocal range, but it’s put on a leash with this albums dynamic compression. The only thing allowed to be loud on this album is the sub-bass which gets grating for long listens. Overall I’m rating this a 3/5 – you don’t need to hear this before you die.
Wierd in parts but quite liked it, shades of bond music in places
Interesting album, lots of styles going on here. The first half is solid with quite a few good songs but I feel drops a lot in the back half. 5.5/10
Unexpected big like
Closer to a 4 than an 3
3/5 - Nice and funky
Not a fan of the rap so much but the rest is great, it gets better as it goes on
ok
3.5 stars. A couple of great songs - Come Alive and Tightrope - carry the album but some interesting other stuff in there too.
Like the smooth transitions. Great instrumentals, love the upbeat vibes Some nice collaborations, really feels like a project. Not generally my style of music but loved listening
Good, but not my jam.
Liked the mix of styles. Fun just not blown away
It's no Dirty Computer and it's too long, but nice to have some fun pop to break up the RELENTLESS 60s albums.
Underwhelming and sounds distinctly 2010. Just okay.
May need to listen to it more, but this album kind of has the scope and creativity of an amazing album, just without the memorable songs to make it actually be one. It's still a fun listen though and 'Cold War' is an absolute rager.
Highlights: Tightrope, Oh Maker, Come Alive. In a nutshell: "whether you're high or low..." Mind altering. Imaginative. Peppy. Theatrical. Dark. Stylish. Bold. And you can dance to it. Monáe reaches far into the genre galaxy (psychedelia, soul, jazz and pop to name a few) then back again. Don't let the running time deter you. Take breaks during the interludes or between suites if it gets a bit much. Overall: 6/10
Not that impressed. Too long. Some good songs here though. Might have to give it a listen later.
I had never heard of this before, but it turned out to be a surprisingly good album. Nice find!
Random thoughts: * I tried listening to this one on 3 separate occasions and never made it 100% of the way through. I guess that probably says a lot about this album. * I want to really like this album and there are some definite standouts. I was already hip to Tightrope and had that one in my rotation. But the flow was a bit too artistic and couldn't hold my attention through normal life. * I also am pretty sure I ripped this album back when I would get CDs from the public library back around 2012 or so. So it should be on my old friend iPod Classic. :) * I also remember critics loving this album and I already like some other Janelle Monae tracks like Q.U.E.E.N. so I felt like I should love this album but alas it is not meant to be love for me this time.
Alright, Cold War sucked tho
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.
Nice album cover considering the concept. I can hear like an André 3000 inspired vibe here. A few of the songs remind me of other songs and it feels on purpose. There is some cool stuff going on, but almost too much. The production is so glossy ceramic tile. Doesn't feel cohesive. There might be a better album in here. I like that this music exists. I like what it is doing. I don't think I would look for this again.
Not something I'd actually listen to unprompted, but wasn't eagerly waiting for it to be over. Way more interesting version of soul than that Marvin Gaye album I had to sit through earlier this week.
This was an interesting listen, moments of shimmer and brilliance, but it lost me along the way. I enjoyed the cinematic and multi genre incorporation elements which at times felt honest and at times felt forced and deliberate. In keeping with the best parts or this record the artist had potential to have turned out a real true masterpiece if not for trying so hard to be different.
Enjoyed this more than I expected but the rap parts weren't really for me.
I hadn't heard of Janelle Monáe and this album before. And so I was looking forward to a previously unknown gem from the soul and RnB genre. Well, the album wasn't bad, but it didn't excite me. I found it a bit boring. 3/5
Густая мещанина из разных стилей. Как будто так, чтобы понравилось всем. Соул, поп, психоделия, рок, рэп. Впечатления остались такие же смешанные.
I only know of Janelles album ‘Dirty Computer’ so this was an interesting introduction to more of her discography. I liked some songs more than others, my favourites were probably the opener Tightrope and Say you’ll go (did love the Claire de lune reference)
a weird and eclectic album, but i didn’t hate it.
This was pleasant enough.
Definitely not my style, but cool at times
It definitely felt long. Some of the songs were bops and felt like they were meant to be included, others were kinda just more of the same stuff. While I don’t think it was bad, it really isn’t my taste in music.
Quite long and not that interesting. It was listenable though.
un misto fritto che più o meno funziona
Really enjoyable. A lot of ideas exploding out of the speakers. Though musical like in it's storytelling and concept unfortunately this proved to be it's undoing for me. Fantastic songwriting but missed making a lasting impact for me. The last track is special
Hippehotellobbymuziek. COLD WAR beste nummer. Verder forgettable.
Never heard Ms Monae except for a 30-min stretch at Osheaga Festival but I wasn't exactly of sound mind at the time, so I don't remember much other than thinking it was very tight and fun. I liked Sir Greendown and Tightrope off this album but skipped a lot of the rest.
I will say it was... interesting.
Ms. Janelle Monaé! Come on out here and give a bow! - Barack Obama
Great arrangements and vocals. The concept is completely lost on me, though. Maybe it's just because I'm not robosexual.
An enjoyable listen. Cohesive but nothing jumps out.
#507. I've never been the target audience for this type of music, and I can only bring myself to enjoy it but so much, but I can't say I really found any flaws with this one. 3/5: solid
What was this album? A veritable mish mash of multiple influences and styles which kind of interested and intrigued me yet left me less than fully engaged during some tracks. It’s well made, well produced, interesting, yet the album didn’t really grip me in the way it might have and, of course, at 68 minutes is way to long. Trim the fat down and give me 45-50 minutes of more solid work and I’d be landing on 4 stars but the inconsistency and overt popness of a few tracks leaves me reluctant to score or that high. It’s a 3.5! Maybe just too far from what I enjoy?
It was ok…not my style
Enjoyed this. Interesting departure from the norm.
Not the best Monáe album, though enjoyable enough.
It’s quite interesting, clearly of a similar lineage to Parliament / Funkadelic. The concept brought to mind Mother Gongs Robot Woman trilogy, although musically very different. Indeed, quite broad range of styles on show. I quite enjoyed it and it was worth a listen
I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. It's not exactly groundbreaking, and there's probably stuff released in 2010 that got cut that I would've preferred. But it's a fun CD. There's a fair number of nice things you can say about Monae, but near the top of the list in my book is she's got really good taste. For someone in the postmodern phase of pop music, that's pretty much all you need. The quote of Stevie Wonder on "Locked Inside" is really elegantly done. So is the quote of Claire De Lune on "Say You'll Go". That + 90s hip-hop is some serious diversity. It would've been better if she had, you know, composed this music, but this is worth some partial credit. She's also just a very strong singer and makes some really nice pop songs. "Cold War" is really good pop. So is "Wondaland", although all the best moments there come from the backup singers.
Some standout songs. Overall very early 2010s in a way that I can’t really put my finger on. It exists in the same space inhabited by a lot of the albums on best-of lists at the time, with maximalist album artworks and songs that were super agreeable but just didn’t have staying power to me. Like The Black Keys or some Lumineers-esque indie rock band that was big at the time, even though obv I wouldn’t say that they’re the same genre. Maybe I’m just not that big on the 2010-2012 music-publication-core aesthetic. Just makes me feel like I’m in a too-expensive burger place or a store with concrete floors.
Sehr respektables Ding Die letzten paar alle Alben waren ziemlich toll
not my favorite janelle album but wow did it feel good to hear a woman finally <3 <3 <3
Not my thing but I can appreciate the technical goodness about it. Really smooth vocals, catchy enough beats. somewhat the same but I can't say it's anything special.
I couldn't really get into this too far removed from what I like and too eclectic to get settled
Starts off decent but it’s just too long. I assume the concept is great but didn’t hold me and the singles I was very indifferent too. The songs I liked I did enjoy though 3/5 could of been so much better
This isn't my style of music, but I didn't hate it.
I hadn't heard any of it before. Some good songs in there
It has a wide range and i really enjoyed it a lot! Songs went smooth and I enjoyed the first listen a lot! (3.5/5.0)
This is not my genre of music but I can really appreciate the breadth in what Janelle has done an amazing job at creating many unique and distinct sounding songs in this album. Do I like the songs? Eh, not so much, but I do appreciate them. I did like Come Alive (War of the Roses) a decent amount. 3/5 stars.
Listened to about 4 songs. Pretty good.
So much diversity on this album that it’s hard to find a throughline. It opens with a great rap piece (Dance or Die) and migrates through some really smart R&B (Locked Inside), though it’s hidden under a too standard pop melody and production. Then we’re on to what might be a Bond theme (Sir Greendown) + some very proper-sounding British torch songs (Oh, maker). Symphonic pieces are mixed in with tunes that give Pharrel (Tightrope) & Outkast a run for the money. Definitely hear some of Bowie’s influence, which is well applied. It’s a lot. But, Monáe is so talented, her delivery is so energetic, and the production is generally so interesting, that it makes me want to stick with it and understand what she’s up to. It’s a high 3, verging on a 4 — but I might come back to this and raise the score.
Great Production and Concept
Very interesting concept. Wasn’t expecting the intro to lead into such an energetic trip. Enjoyed it. Didn’t resonate with it as well as some people appear to have, I guess it’s slightly out of my usual style. It’s fun to spot all the different and eclectic styles/genres throughout. Make The Bus was like an R&B, psychedelic Bowie track. I liked Neon Valley Street. Can’t imagine listening to it by choice, but if it was on I could listen happily.
It was extremely pleasant, I loved the production on it but there isn’t a moment that I can point to where I said that it really enjoying this. Overall, I would say that this album is a tad unfocused and didn’t really major in anything.
Fun album, started stronger then fizzled
Couple interesting ones but a lot of missed opportunities. Feel like cold war was so close to being a great song
The ArchAndroid is a case of good ideas with mixed execution. There was mostly the idea of combining a couple of music genres with a pop touch like R&B, Opera, and even somewhat of a metal influence in Come Alive. Most of the time, these ideas worked pretty well with the songs being catchy and Monae generally having a similar energy to a lot of the R&B artists from the 60s and 70s. But other times, the songs could either be boring, annoying or (in a rare case) both. I guess this is somewhat expected of an album that is over an hour long but it still remains an issue for me. All in all, The thing i can say about this album is that there is good and there is bad. Best Song: Tightrope Worst Song: Mushrooms & Roses
Odd and a hard listen. "Dance Or Die" and "Wondaland" were likeable. I was looking for the Metropolis and futuristic buzz...sort of there. This effort could have benefited from editing. A sauna with gummies listen? Snuff out!
Random mix of genres and random features but quite unique and flows well in some parts, others not as much but overall was a solid 6/10
I've listened to enough Afro/Soul-Funk to know that I can only really enjoy about 25 minutes of it. But I can see both the inspiration and the novelty of this album. But Suite II Overture was my favorite part and it was obviously the only non-pop-funk song on the album lol
Bra album, kräver vidare lyssning men många bra låtar
Interesting concept for an album. I got tired of her voice after a while, though. Still, it was a cool experience but, I don’t think I’ll be listening to this again.
This was not some Beyoncé sound a like crap album. Janelle is a really talented singer. The music has some cool jazz / R&B elements to it. Thought I would hate it. It wasn’t bad at all 1001 album worthy: Yes - 29/49
A fresh take on RnB. I like she is trying new things, even if it doesen't always quite work.
I've always kinda liked Janelle Monae, I've never listened to this album though, pretty excited to check it out. This is pretty cool, reminds me of Lauryn Hall quite a bit. There haven't been a ton of tracks that have stood out in a big way to me, but overall it's been pretty good. I'm pretty impressed with how varied the songs are, quite a few different vibes going on.
Creative style and weave. Mellow enough but this didn’t really knock my socks off…
It’s really hard to cross pollinate genres without sounding forced. And to do it across a single album is even more difficult. That is the biggest strength here. Janelle does a great job interweaving genres that most likely don’t belong together by injecting some modern production and themes as connecting tie-ins throughout. The Fritz Lang Metropolis nod is cool, but outside of a few really good songs, this one is overall just too long and did not rise to the level I expected. Still, very impressive for someone in their mid 20s.
Nice vocals. Interesting variety of songs and styles. I appreciated the guitar solos. Come alive was prob most memorable for me. Make the bus was annoying. A couple songs brought that bass and I liked that. Where the fuck did 57821 come from? Felt so random. That’s a review…BaBopByeYa.
I’m a fan of Janelle Monáe and expected to like this more than I did. Some solid tracks and cool mixing of genre but ultimately didn’t make it to great status IMO. I suspect we may see more from her on this assuming Dirty Computers shows up. Also shout out to what has to be the best artist page on Apple Music. If you know you know… 3.5/5
Interesting and varied music, even though the lyrics aren't really my thing.
The new age synth electro genre is not my thing. It’s not terrible I’m just not into it.
Few catchy remarks but probably needs to be heard a few times to get into the swing of it.
She's a massive talent, incredible voice and vocal range and a great songwriter..The production is just a bit too slick for me. Not my cup of tea.
An interesting album with so many influences. A couple of standout tracks but the majority of tracks couldn't stick in my memory.
Impressive and varied debut album. Ends up a bit of a mixed bag but still a nice listen
Uno de los mejores trabajos de R&B contemporáneo. Janelle Monáe nos lleva a través de un recorrido sonoro hipnotizante, mostrando todas sus capacidades creativas con pistas de diferentes tintes, un poco Rock n' Roll, un poco electrónica y un poco de ambos. Recomendado, pero no sé si imprescindible.
Interesting ! Idk what to think… I can’t see the Metrópolis influence. But i really liked the third part more than the other two. 3 stars for me, good album, not essential
A real mixed bag for me. Some absolute bops and then some songs that just... I guess that just aren't for me? Wouldn't listen to the whole thing again.
“Refreshing” not a cookie cutter album, but infuses sounds to make something new.
Some good tracks on this, but a long album
i am pleasantly surprised by this album! it definitely helped to listen to it knowing it was a concept album and had a movie/story to it. janelle’s voice is absolutely incredible! “come alive (war of roses)” is def an example of that. great song. 3.8/5
Enjoyable album, but not particularly remarkable IMO.
3.5
Not my thing, but major props for having a unique vision and trying something different. Too long by half.
I had high hopes for this one but it was just ok? No stand out tracks that I would revisit and I’m not sure I would want to listen to this in its entirety again. Very talented though and I do like how ambitious of a debut album this is. It just isn’t for me.
Es ist ein Album, das zweifellos viele beeindruckende Momente bietet mit einer Mischung aus verschiedenen Genres und Stilen ist, die manchmal überwältigend sein kann. Die Highlights des Albums sind sicherlich die kraftvollen Tracks wie “Tightrope” und “Cold War”, die Monáe’s außergewöhnliches Talent und ihre kreative Vision zeigen. Diese Songs sind energiegeladen und fesselnd, und sie heben sich deutlich hervor. Jedoch gibt es auch Schwächen. Die Vielfalt der Stile und die komplexe Struktur des Albums können dazu führen, dass es sich manchmal chaotisch und überladen anfühlt. Die Übergänge zwischen den Songs sind nicht immer nahtlos, was den Hörfluss stört.
eh ok
Cold war och Tightrope är bra men övriga albumet känns inte lika bra som annat jag har hört av henne.
First time listen. Big production, quite high concept. Bit better than expected. Faint praise.
There are moments on this album that I enjoy, but I felt like it was too chaotic
Gewoon goed album maar wel groot contrast tussen eerste 6 a 7 nummers en de rest van het album. Het album begint heel sterk maar verliest gaandeweg steeds meer zijn charme tbh. Niks ten nadele van de artiest verder, misschien ligt het gewoon niet in mijn straatje. Of net niet in de juiste mood om ernaar te luisteren. Een lage ***1/2 afgerond naar beneden.
A lot of this was pretty good, a pretty interesting take on pop music. Janelle Monae felt like the sort of artist you get on Jools Holland a lot, somebody doing a quirky take on a well established genre, and the sort of thing I like well enough at the time but would never seek out. The album was bloated full of nonsense, could have been about half the run time. The shorter, snappier songs were the better ones in general. Not too sure how I feel about it, I think it might warrant another listen as long as I skip the dull bits. Probably a 3.5., closer to a 3 at the moment.
Parts of this were very good and avante garde - very much an 'artist', and other parts were rather tame (Say You'll Go is as bland an R&B-based love song as you can get). Cold War was great, and I knew Tightrope from various adverts. Really clear voice. Production not over-done. Feels like a really strong 3, let down by the inclusion of a few too many boring songs.
I had heard Tightrope on the radio or whatever. Quite pop-ish to me but there was some good moments in the album.
Really fun album. I first heard the song Tightrope on a K-Mart commercial which lead me to finding out who Janelle Monae was.
It didn’t really resonate with me, but it’s definitely a quality album. It has a lot to offer and every track sounds unique and different.
Very differant, was hit or miss and felt very disconnected, but the originality and unique songs made some of them a banger. Overall I think its strengths in the songs outweighs the negatives, and I adore some of the songs, low 7 high 6,
Quite an eclectic, soulful and unique record. Oh, Maker and Come Alive were my favourites.
Sounds a lot like ambient store music, or restaurant music, or music that would go in a big box office movie that I don’t want to see. Vocals are beautiful, tonally, some fun guitar riffs in the background but I have no idea of the structure of any of these songs are and I find that I just want to skip to the next song/turn it off. There are a lot of different styles blended in and I think that to me, is very overwhelming.
I expected to really dislike this album, but I didn't. However, the best and worst thing I can say is that it just sounds like a lost Outkast album that Monae found and recorded her own way... but I don't think it is as good as "The Love Below," and I'd rather listen to that every time. I might give this a 3.5 stars, because she is trying for something, but it just doesn't hit enough for me or impress me enough to really say I'd add this to my library or listen to again.
Meh. Not for me.
Totally new artist for me so I had no expectations going in. It is certainly not my usual style, but it’s not bad, I really liked Dance or Die & Tightrope. I’m not going to run out and buy the album but I could see those songs ending up on a playlist or something like that.
Before listening: I have definitely heard some Janelle Monae but don't really have an opinion beyond that I vaguely optimistic abut the listen. Four songs in: I liked the classical intro and the idea behind the album, the music is sometimes just vaguely poppy soul but with more interesting lyrics. Nine songs in: Yeah still feel pretty good about the album as a whole but really haven't heard a song yet that I think really stands out
It's decent. I'm not mad at this. I can see the influence it has on music I listen to.
A fun and varied album. It’s no Death in Vegas but has some of that feel.
I’m not sure how I feel about this, but I do know that I am tired of popular music, especially hip hop and other stuff along those lines, starting an album with something orchestral or such. Like they’re trying to portray a certain cultured-ness. And then popping them back in later. All while littering the rest of the album with profanity and ugliness. It was interesting once or twice, but I’ve now come across it far too many times for it to be original. Granted, the rest of this album stays away from the gutter, but the played out trope is there. As for the rest of the album, she obviously has a good voice, especially on the songs that didn’t over-auto-tune her, whether intentionally or otherwise. But a lot of it I just got tired of halfway through. I wouldn’t intentionally listen to this again, but might not rush to shut it off either. Still, I feel the only reason it’s on this list of essential listens is to sprinkle something more contemporary, regardless of deserving a spot, because it doesn’t.
Klassikko, jolla kovia kappaleita, mutta myös liian taiteellista tavaraa.
A bit like yesterday, this probably should be a 3.5. Have seen her a few times and she’s been incredible to watch, but I rarely choose to listen to the records, as good as this one undoubtedly is. Best track - Tightrope
Interesting album, definitely unique. None or the songs in particular really stood out to me, but if I could retroactively lower my rankings to put this one above the other ones we've listened to so far, I would.
Pretty chill and catchy tunes, pleasant listen.
Enjoyable if unremarkable. No big swings and misses, which I feared. But no real hits, although "Cold War" gets close.
Pretty indifferent. If I heard this album again, I probably wouldn’t recognize any songs.
3.5☆/5 10.11.2024
Ok
как обычно не большой фанат рнб и сложновато когда начинают кричать, но в целом (наверно потому что разнообразно) не так скучно
Not for me personally but like the transition between songs
Good just not me
Qobuz 44/16. Really good recording, electro funk not my thing but enjoyed this.
Good album.
It was ok. I liked some of what I listened to but I don’t think I’d buy it.
Her voice is great and fits the varied song styles. Production was great. I just don’t feel the need to listen again.
Liked her in glass onion, not so much in this album
This was different and fun. Would revisit
It is funny to me that I don’t really think that I’ve ever listened to that much Janelle Monae music. I associate her so much more with acting so music from her has been a blind spot. However, after listening, I don’t think that my thoughts behind that weren’t true. This album had some fun spots but otherwise was an uneventful listen
There was some songs I could really jam to and was very excited where the album was heading. Then, I thought the album was over and Spotify changed albums, yet to my surprise, it was the same.
The song Tightrope is very good, the rest is just kind of mid and something I wouldn't purposely listen to again
Surprisingly decent. Never ever listened to her stuff. Kind of gave me a lady gaga vibe
Pretty good. Nice.
***a wide variety of sounds and songs, some pleasant, some not. An ok album
Listened Before? N Well, this is the best album of the week so far.... which isn't saying much. I did kind of enjoy it but it's just more modern hip hop. She does have a great voice and a somewhat unique take but it's not anything I'll listen to again. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Cold War
Not sure if I like this Some heavy borrowing
Funky background music but not particularly my genre, 6/10
Quite an intriguing album. Each track different in musical tone and tempo and style. At times I could detect strains of Sparks, The Scissor sisters and even flashes of Bowie here and there. One track the guitar sounds were very reminiscent of The Isley Brothers distinctive sound. Overall thought it was quite good.
6/10
Feel this one needs repeated listens to truly appreciate…. Liked the concept and will revisit….
Some tracks were great others not so good but overall it was an easy entertaining listen so 3*
怪叫
Never heard any of it, but wasn't bad.
Great voice. She’ll always be the chick who sang on that Fun. song.
Ikkje dumt
First of all this album was way too long. I do like Janelle's voice though Some of the songs just don't mesh together well. Seemed like she got caught up in trying to mesh different genres and it went off the tracks.
Different, but good!!
This album might lack synchronicity at times but the concept and and attempt for instrumental variation is there with some really deep cuts! Her voice shines! I would have thought this was a 80’s album with how conceptual it is. More of 3.5 for me
Meh. was not as good as my group hyped
Genre hopping always risks incoherence, but this album has enough of a narrative through-line concept (always a risk in and of itself) and a clearly consistent voice & overall aesthetic that it ties together the eclectic pallette it's drawing from. It dabbles in hip hop, neo-soul, prog, punk, synth pop, psychadelia, smooth jazz, monastic folk, and intergalactic funk, but it's produced and sequenced in a way that these are smooth and emergent segues rather than disjunctive leaps. JM is comfortable and confident as a performer across all of this. There aren't any big standout catchy songs and despite the genre variety it is a bit samey tonally for 70 minutes - you're meant to absorb it one go for the story I guess, but the rock opera thing is always a chore.
generic pop. inoffensive but I would not say this is a must listen album.
Pretty good, love the rnb aspect of it, the pop not so much. Still good for the most part tho, and love the big boi feature 3.25
Halfway through
pretty cool
Not normally my type of music but I really did enjoy this.
interesting...
The ArchAndroid is a huge album in the vein of Bowie and Prince. Based in R&B but so much more. Side A is really good, Side B veers into the conceptual. A valiant effort but the double album is too long. Tighten it up, the concept could still come through 6.0/10
Interesting.
Better than I expected, sometimes mildly interesting.
I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time, but have never really listened to any albums. This one makes me think that Beyoncé ripped half of lemonade from this album.
Some nice music
3.5
Pretty solid for a pop album!
Special!
Should have been the album with Make Me Feel on it
She was better in Glass Onion
Interesting. Not amazing, but interesting and good. 3/5
An enjoyable album, but probably not something I would listen too again. I was kind of surprised that this album had some very good guitar solos. 3.5 (rounding down because the last 1/3 drops the ball)
Overbloated with interludes, but the up tempo pop numbers are a good time!
This was a good album. I hadn’t heard her before.
I had high hopes based on other reviews but for me, it’s no better than ok. Can definitely see why someone might like it but it’s not for me.
I absolutely love the seamless way that the songs on this album transition between each other. I wasn't initially impressed with this album after listening to the first couple of songs, but it has definitely grown on me as I've continued.
Too much concept and not enough funk.
Very light hearted pop album with african rythmn, rap, and r&b genre crossovers. Was a fun listen for sure. Not much for me to fixate on, but it was good.
I remember finding Monae's sound fresh when this album came out, but have struggled with her failure to evolve in the decade+ since. Some of her worst instincts on this record - that make it less consistent and way less fun than it should be - are now most of her output. Ideas are everywhere all at once, underdeveloped and pounded into hooklessness by overstuffed and cringey production. Imagine if everyone song on this album was as tight as "Cold War"?
This album was kinda all over the place for me. It felt a little long, too many experiments into different genres and and at one point I felt like she tried too hard. But then at the same time I felt like she was arranging for cinema, telling a story which maybe just didn’t get. Overall I was impressed with her voice and musicality. I think I need to listen to it more and the album will grow in me. Wonderland was a delightful song if I had to choose one off the 18 track album.
Not much to say.. a bit too long, I like the concept but didn’t do much for me. Not my fav Janelle Monae
Highlights: Cold War, Tightrope, Wondaland