Reviews (page 10 of 15)
generic pop. inoffensive but I would not say this is a must listen album.
An absolute journey from start to finish. So many styles well executed, great vocal performance and never really lost steam.
too weird
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!
Probably a decent listen for those that like dance music. Tons of production. Not a lot to remember.
I saw Janelle Monáe in a relatively small venue around the time this album came out, she is on another level in terms of showmanship and musical talent. Happy to be reminded of her and will go and explore the albums I missed in the meantime!
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
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
Afrofuturistic science fiction... mmmh.
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
What the hells did I just listen to? But in a good way? Eclectic, never boring. I was prepared to hate it, but failed successfully. 4.5 stars for the welcome surprise
Glad to see some Janelle Monae on this list. At first glance you wouldn’t expect this to be so good. This has it all. Packed with talent and musicianship! Deserves more listens to give it a faithful review. For now 4ish stars
I liked this much, much more than I expected to. I had heard of Janelle Monáe before, but had really listened to anything she made. This is an album of wildly different tracks that still somehow seem connected. Not really a huge fan of every single tracks, but certainly worth a listen.
Interesting.
Didn't know much of this album but really enjoyed it. Pretty diverse and unexpected. Love her voice.
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.
Cyberfunk epic 🤖 genre-blending delight 🫧
Nope, not for me. Too over produced and top entwined with itself.
hullu modernismi.. konsepti.. post moderni influenssa... alkaa viulun näpelöimisellä. sitten kaahaa hauskuus!! all the girls say go! go! go! onpas versatiili ja lahjakas artisti... ei vedä kuitenkaan vertoja oululaisen nu-metal yhtyeen blind channelin joel hokalle joka laulu + kitara... unftahombale.. elokuussa 2021 julkaistu "Balboa", joka kertoo yhtyeen sanoin heidän "altavastaajuudesta" ja siitä kuinka "he ovat niin monia kertoja ryömineet pohjamudassa, mutta sieltä aina nousseet". SANKARIIIIT!! SANKARIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!! SANKARIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!! hyvä balumi faster
Good stuff, needs some listening time
I was honestly shocked by how much I liked this. An absolutely stunning album and probably one of the best concept albums I’ve ever heard. I tend to not like much music from the 2010s and beyond, so I’m glad I gave this a real listen. “Faster,” “Cold War,” and “Come Alive (War of the Roses)” were some of my favorite tracks, but everything here is great and contributes to the whole of the album. It just seamlessly flows, and the production is top notch. Janelle Monae is so talented. Wow.
I think this is the most surprised I have been by an album so far in this project. The variety of styles is impressive as is the vocal range and hooks. Really good, closer to 4.5 than 3.5 for me
Yea i dunno im pretty neutral on this
This album is fantastic!! Never heard of Janelle before, but this is really solid! Genre is listed as prog soul or psychadelic pop. Seems accurate. Hard genre to nail down, but it works, whatever if is. Suite II was better than Suite III. This is a super strong debut album! Favourite songs: Cold War, Come Alive (War of the Roses), Tightrope, Dance or Die, Locked Inside, Faster, Mushrooms & Roses Least favourite songs: BaBopByeYa 4/5
I could own this on vinyl
Not feeling it.
Boo
Some nice music
Four songs I'd like to hear again - 57821, Dance of Die, Say You'll Go, and BeBopByeYa. Did not like the male vocalist on some tracks. The female vocalist was very talented and had good range and good pronunciation. This was worth listening to.
Pretty awesome album
Pretty hit or miss, not memorable Fav: oh, maker
YESSSSSSS!!!!!! One of my fave artists ever I’m so glad this showed up
3.5
Can't believe I hadn't heard this record, very good debut album.
Excellent. Eclectic yet well done across the board. The deluxe version is a lot to consume in volume, but it's always interesting.
Non mi è piaciuta molto
Pretty solid for a pop album!
Special!
Should have been the album with Make Me Feel on it
She was better in Glass Onion
Surprisingly excellent. There's something reminiscent of Beyonce in her vocals, but once I looked past that, I really enjoyed it.
Never heard of her. Will be an interesting listen
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
One of the few hour-long albums I’ve listened to so far that didn’t feel way too long. Great, catchy songs that all feel connected, yet sound quite different.
Wow. This was so much better than I was expecting. I had heard of Janelle before but had unfairly written her off as just another pop tart, without listening to her. A concept album with a wide variety of styles and influences with great production, sign me up.
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)
If I could give this 4.5, I would. I had never heard of janelle monae before, and am glad to have fixed that. The album has something for everyone with each song having its own unique feel, and that is a testament to her versatility. It didn’t hit me quite right to be a 5, but this was still very, very good
Not my kind of music over, all but I liked some songs.
I'm struggling to get over how diverse this album is. Hearing the first song I think I know what I'm getting myself into, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. It's all kinds of things and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The music is great, the production is great. I've listened to it 3 times already and can't really get enough. Great stuff.
meh
Gratíssima Surpresa. Não conhecia, porém, adorei o som. Totalmente diversificada a biblioteca do álbum! Muitas músicas agradáveis. Dá pra ouvir do começo ao fim sem pular. Muita música animada, outras melodiosas e bem bonitas, outras até puxadas pra música clássica e outras parecem saídas de um musical da broadway. Gostei bastante.
4 stars
9/18, 50%
Fantastic.
Very good!
Overbloated with interludes, but the up tempo pop numbers are a good time!
This was a good album. I hadn’t heard her before.
nah fam
não ouvi todo, mas achei bueno até onde fui
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.
This is just a wonderfully super weird album, and I absolutely enjoyed it. I had zero expectations going in.
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.
I’m glad this isn’t an album based off of the first track (suite II overture) , I thought “no f’n way am I going to get through this”. Then again, the rest of the album isn’t for me either. I can’t put my finger on the style of this album either. You have classical, you have disco, you have soul, you have pop and you have a song that sounds like a James Bond theme song…. That’ll be my choice cut I think. This really isn’t me more than it’s not a listenable album. Choice cut: Sir Greendown
Great vocals but not my thing
Too much concept and not enough funk.
What a cool album! I thought the overtures really elevated the whole project. Mushrooms & Roses followed by Suite III Overture was absolutely AMAZING. Just a gorgeous transition between the two tracks and the continuing motif between the two was god tier.
Notable Tracks: Dance or Die, Faster, Tightrope, Oh Maker, Neon Valley Street, Wondaland, Say You’ll Go, BaBopByeYa
Very Cool. 5
Fun, creative, and sexy in only the way Janelle Monae can make it.
Never heard of this lady and probably because looking at the charts she has made little impression in the UK. Reading about the album in Wiki I was interested in the albums concept. I am usually receptive to crossover albums but normally this is orchestrated rock. On listening everything is thrown into the mix here to the point that anyone favouring a specific genre could find something to like. I admire this but the old adage jack of all trades, master of none, springs to mind. All in all not an album I would return to but an admirable attempt at coming up with something new. 2.5/5 7/6/24
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.
Gym pop
Started interesting, then dropped like a stone into some pretty generic hip-hop
Eclectic but awesome!
This album is already getting my attention with the groove and feel. I’m digging this. Janelle really had a great voice. I’m surprised I had not heard of her sooner. “Come alive” is hands down my favorite track.
I hadn't heard this one before. I was drumming the steering wheel and nodding my head all the way through. Great sound, variety and creativity. Janelle has a solid voice, too. All of that equals five stars for me.
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"?
First half hype, back half chill. Solid album.
first listen. Not my cup of tea.
What a wild album, in a good way! Felt like I was on a mad genre discovery trip, but one I’d happily go on again.
Janelle Monae somehow seems like she's doing what naturally comes next after all that has come before and also like she's doing something completely novel... which is one way to describe the avant garde, I suppose. LOVE.
Well everyone has their opinion, I reviewed a few for this recording. The individuals that rated this anything over 2, I wonder what they think of Dark side of the moon? This was another me 2 hip hop piece of turd, with very little originality. The only saving moment was the string arrangement
Love everything Janelle does
While I’m not a fan generally of R&B, there’s obviously a ton of musical talent and creativity that went into this album. It’s feels almost experimental or avant garde. So I’m going 4 even though I’ll likely not listen again.
this record is really good. The second half in particular was awesome. such style and i really dig the feminist themes.
I miss mushrooms.
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
Mostly found this tedious. On a whole, I found it hard to engage with the narrative/concept and did not take much away from that. Individually, I found a few songs fun but mostly they ranged from boring to cloying.
my lord ... i haven't heard this since it came out and really enjoyed it at the time ... i found it to be incredibly grating and irritating music. I had hoped that Tightrope was a misnomer on this album as far as annoying tracks go but the whole thing is annoying as absolute hell ... theatre kid with a budget.
Highlights: Cold War, Tightrope, Wondaland
4.5 stars. Really liked this, will be coming back to it. Felt like an album and not just an amalgamation of tracks. Enjoyed the hints of classical/orchestral music. Standout is "Cold War".
I like the vibes, very theatrical. Has some really really good songs on there but it does get a bit much at points, it's also longer than it needs to be I think. Quite enjoyed this though and I could easily see this score rising on a relisten. Biggest highlights were Tightrope and Come Alive.
Just fantastic, will be listening multiple times
This is out there. Ambitious. Not totally disconnected to itself but a span of things, like a soundtrack for a movie at times. Grand. Vibrant. I'm not smart enough to provide a sufficient review, but I like it.
This might be some of the first modern pop Ive been exposed to that I don't hate. Wildly all over the map sound-wise, like someone setting out to touch every genre imaginable on a single (albeit 70 minute) album. Usually that's a turn-off for me, but this works. I love when she raps. I love when she screams. I love when she sings. The music also maintains a level of good interest, never turning into just background. It's ever-changing style actually works to its advantage here. All in all, another nice surprise for something I did not recognize at all going in.
Hieman tiivistetympi kokonaisuus olisi viiden tähden timantti.
"The ArchAndroid" is the debut studio album from Janelle Monáe. From classical to electronica, funk to rock, big-band jazz to pop, this album transcends musical genres and flows seamlessly. The lyrical themes and storyline is said to be influenced by "Metropolis," futuristic and unique. While this album did not have the greatest impact on popular culture, it did make great waves and received overwhelming critical acclaim.
Wow wow wow I've never heard this before and I loved it so much! Thanks for reminding me why I am still doing this project 3 years later. I'm so tempted to listen through the whole thing again today, but I'm a day behind and gotta go on.
A fabulous album!! It has been missing from my life.
Following Pink Floyd's The Wall yesterday, this is another epic. There's such a wide variety of styles, different eras and influences evoked, that there have been times when I had to check to see that it was still the same album. It's by turn serious and silly ("I think I lost my underpants." What?!) Monáe's the real deal.
I saw the video “Tightrope” sometime in 2010 and loved it, so I sought out this album. What a creative, interesting, and wonderful thing it was! That it is packed with banging dance songs was not a big surprise. It’s sweeping, epic nature was. The symphonic pieces throughout, psychedelia, songs that sound like they stepped out of a classic movie… all on a wild journey into the future. I don’t think 2010 got any better than this. Every time I listen to this I’m just in awe. Fantastic!
Pas trop mon style a priori. En revanche, j'aime bien les derniers titres : en particulier 57821 et BaBopBye Ya
i vaguely remember my mom introducing me to this album in middle school and while i've kept a few tracks on heavy rotation, it's been a long time since i revisited the whole thing...what a huge mistake on my part cause this is soooo good. beautiful arthurian fairytale all mixed up with cyberfunk excellence. and the STRINGS!! faves: sir greendown, come alive, wondaland
Really very good! I only knew Tightrope but the whole first half is full of great stuff. Something is stopping me from making this a full 5 stars but it's a 4.5 for me. We love you Janelle Monae!
Suite II Overture 3.2 Dance or Die 1.8 Faster 2.3 Locked Inside 2.6 Sir Greendown 2 Cold War 3 Tightrope 2.8 Neon Gumbo 2 Oh, Maker 2.4 Come Alive (The War of the Roses) 3.3 Mushrooms & Roses 2.3 Suite III Overture 2 Neon Valley Street 1.9 Make the Bus 2.1 Wondaland 2 57821 2 Say You'll Go 2 Babopbyeya 2.2 Score: 2.327777778
not my favourite but it was ok, nothing noteworthy
Ambitious, but meh
They say never judge a book by its cover. Well I judged this album by its cover. And within a minute was doubting myself. I had to check I hadn't accidentally turned on The Wizard of Oz soundtrack. And as track two started..phew. Shouldn't have doubted myself. Mainly disposable pop but, you know, as it goes on it gets madder and more varied. Probably needs another listen when not working and having it in the background.
New discovery for me. Not terrible, but doubtful to revisit
not gonna listen to this
A great concept album! Love the combination of sci-fi theme and funky beats and even occasional rock like tones.
Pretty voice
Low key funky vibe
I loved this album when I came out and listened to it over and over, but it's been about a decade since my last listen. Undeniably ambitious but unsatisfying, somehow feels like it runs longer than its hour duration. I wanted this relisten to be more enjoyable than it was.
Very impressive album with so many different styles and genres all done so well. Monae’s voice is perfection. My Only gripe is that it is too long and a bit self-indulgent. Had she removed 3 songs or so it would have been even better.
I’ve been meaning to listen, but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. I didn’t know what to expect, but I completely fell in love. Excellent fusion of style, technique, and genre with seamless transitions. Do I get extra credit for immediately listening to Metropolis first, then delving into ArchAndroid? I just couldn’t start with part 2.
This was fantastic, great energy it, she can really sing, the guests are on it just long enough without overpowering the song. It's super varied with some electronic/synth stuff going on. One or two duff tracks but hits more than is missed
I’ve been a big fan of “Cold War” since this album first dropped. It’s been on multiple playlists of mine. But I hadn’t given the full album a good listen. What I discovered is that Janelle Monae is a freaking vocal virtuoso with the range and ability to pretty much do anything she wants. There’s a lot of stylistic borrowing here, at multiple points it seems like obvious tributes to an obvious tracks by obvious artists who came before. It’s a highly dynamic album with several mood and tempo shifts peppered throughout.
Amazing album. Great to listen as a whole straight thru. Each song blends into another. I just loved it. I’m going to listen to everything she has ever done.
Love the themes and songcraft - her voice is always impressive. Really shows the artist in her form.
It might be stylistically unfocused and maybe the themes are a little bit light but the songs and performances are top notch.
starts exciting & settles in, was nice to discover
01) Suite II Overture - / 02) Dance or Die - 7,5 03) Faster - 7,5 04) Locked Inside - 7,5 05) Sir Greendown - 7,5 06) Cold War - 8,5 07) Tightrope - 8,0 08) Neon Gumbo - / 09) Oh, Maker - 8,5 10) Come Alive (The War of the Roses) - 8,0 11) Mushrooms & Roses - 7,5 12) Suite III Overture - / 13) Neon Valley Street - 8,0 14) Make the Bus - 7,0 15) Wondaland - 8,0 16) 57821 - 8,0 17) Say You'll Go - 8,5 18) BabopbyeYa - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,83 (78/100) Current ranking: 79/182 I think the strongest point of this album, apart from Janelle's voice, are the different genres that are mixed in such a masterful way that every song sounds fresh, different and never boring. I didn't rate the interludes because they would lower the album's rating and this album doesn't deserve that.
As a 2010 release, this has to be one of the newest songs on the list. Should be interesting. Looking at the Wikipedia entry is interesting. There are at least 3 writers for each song, and as many as 5. (With the exception of “Make The Bus”, a collaboration with that song’s writer). So it is very collaborative. That carries over to behind the scenes, with over 1/2 dozen folk in mixing, mastering, production, and 4 credited arrangers. And, oddly, 2 wardrobe people and a costume designer. But again, a very collaborative effort. So how is it? Within the context of “current” pop, it is really good. It is very polished, smooth and shiny. Solid beats throughout. Janelle the more rap sections aren’t my favorites, but that works as a stand alone statement for me. Mona’s gives a solid vocal performance, without much excessive auto tuning. There’s a variety of moods and directions, which is refreshing. The wiki article is full of themes like playful, fun, lively. And that’s fine, especially for “pop”. I kind of liked this, it has some nice moments, and some really nice ones. Only a couple I didn’t care for. I may have to listen again, even though I’ll never love the 2010s soundscape. Very solid 3, not enough to round up.
It’s so good. Janelle Monae is so good. Been a while since I’d listened to this one in full. I’ve been going for Age of Pleasure for my Janelle fix recently because I’m a sexy little boy by the pool, so I’m very happy to be made to go back to this again. I’d forgotten how good it is (it’s so good).
sehr vielseitiges Progressive-Soul-Album der Schauspielerin 3,5
75/100
Voice of an angel
Probably the most Work Of Art album I've been assigned so far. Absolutely incredible, never boring, fuckin' cool.
"The ArchAndroid" by Janelle Monáe is a groundbreaking concept album that seamlessly blends genres such as R&B, funk, soul, and electronic music while telling a captivating science fiction narrative. Released in 2010, the album serves as the second installment of Monáe's Metropolis concept series, exploring themes of identity, freedom, love, and revolution within a dystopian future society. Here's an in-depth review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with the album's pros and cons. **Lyrics:** The lyrics on "The ArchAndroid" are rich with symbolism and imagery, drawing from science fiction tropes to explore deeper social and political themes. Monáe's storytelling prowess shines through each track, as she weaves together a narrative about an android named Cindi Mayweather who becomes a messianic figure in a futuristic society. Songs like "Cold War" and "Tightrope" feature empowering and introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners, while tracks like "Dance or Die" and "Wondaland" showcase Monáe's playful and imaginative lyricism. **Music:** The musicality of "The ArchAndroid" is nothing short of breathtaking. Monáe effortlessly blends elements of funk, soul, pop, and even classical music to create a sound that is uniquely her own. The album's orchestral arrangements, intricate melodies, and infectious rhythms keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Monáe's dynamic vocal range and impeccable delivery further elevate the music, making each song a memorable experience. **Production:** The production on "The ArchAndroid" is top-notch, thanks in part to collaborators like Nate "Rocket" Wonder and Chuck Lightning. The album features lush instrumentation, layered vocals, and expertly crafted soundscapes that transport listeners to the futuristic world of Metropolis. From the funky grooves of "Tightrope" to the haunting melodies of "Mushrooms & Roses," every aspect of the production is meticulously crafted to perfection. **Themes:** Thematically, "The ArchAndroid" explores a wide range of topics, including identity, freedom, oppression, and rebellion. Through the character of Cindi Mayweather, Monáe tackles issues of race, gender, and class, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the human experience. The album's futuristic setting allows Monáe to address these themes in a way that feels both relevant and timeless, resonating with listeners on a deeper level. **Influence:** "The ArchAndroid" has had a significant influence on the music industry, paving the way for artists to experiment with genre-blending and storytelling in their own work. Monáe's bold vision and uncompromising creativity have inspired a new generation of musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible in music. Additionally, the album's themes of empowerment and social justice continue to resonate with listeners around the world, cementing its status as a modern classic. **Pros:** 1. **Innovative Concept:** "The ArchAndroid" stands out for its ambitious concept and imaginative storytelling, setting it apart from other albums in the genre. 2. **Diverse Musicality:** The album's eclectic mix of genres and styles keeps listeners engaged and showcases Monáe's versatility as an artist. 3. **Thought-Provoking Themes:** Through its exploration of identity, freedom, and rebellion, "The ArchAndroid" prompts listeners to think critically about the world around them. 4. **Impeccable Production:** The album's stellar production quality ensures that every track sounds polished and cohesive, adding to the overall listening experience. **Cons:** 1. **Complexity:** Some listeners may find the album's dense concept and intricate storytelling difficult to follow on first listen. 2. **Length:** At 18 tracks, "The ArchAndroid" can feel overwhelming at times, especially for listeners who prefer shorter, more concise albums. In conclusion, "The ArchAndroid" is a masterful work of art that continues to captivate and inspire audiences nearly a decade after its release. With its innovative concept, diverse musicality, and thought-provoking themes, the album solidifies Janelle Monáe's place as one of the most visionary artists of her generation. Despite its complexity and length, "The ArchAndroid" remains a must-listen for anyone interested in experiencing music at its most creative and boundary-pushing.
i know im not the biggest pop fan but fuck man this is so boring. it sounds cool and all but that doesnt make me enjoy it much. gets a low 5/10 because its produced so well and the ideas are interesting.
up beat, up tempo, not usually what I'm into, but this is not bad, maybe even good.
You see, it’s not bad pop music. Just not my cup of tea.
Kinda long but pretty interesting listen. Wide range of sounds and vibes, which could be good or bad. Liked the album cover and how it connected to the music.
I’ve been meaning to listen to Janelle Monaes music. Saw her on a Instagram reel ab good met gala looks n feel like ik of her more from her acting but im glad i listened to this. The album was a bit long but i feel like it did a good job of having a cohesive variety in its sound and it sounded good. 8/10
“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
8.5/10 - This album covered so many genres of music from classicalish through dnb. They also did most of these genres quite well. I loved a bunch of the pieces but with an album of this length some are going to miss like mushrooms and roses. Tightrope is the most popular song from the album and it was alright but the second most popular song Cold War was fantastic.
Had never really given any of Janelle Monae’s music a chance, but this was really good. 8/10
This album is already a 5 in my book. ArchAndroid was the first Janelle Monae album to fall on my radar, but I was an instant fan. I love just how much you can hear the influences of George Clinton, Prince and other Atlanta hip-hop artists on this record. It's not perfect, and I think as a whole Dirty Computer might be a better album, but ArchAndroid has my favorite songs of Janelle's and they're good enough to carry the whole album to a 5 for me.
Fun album. I did find it a bit long though. 3.5/5
Janelle Monáe is one of those artists I wish I could like more than I do. She has such a unique sound, a real past-present-future scenario, and is a literal protégé of Prince, but I only admire her work instead of truly loving it. So I admire this but don’t especially vibe. C+
An eclectic album I can’t believe is already 14 Years Old, with still such a contemporary sound to today’s music style. Bowie (Make the Bus) and Kate Bush (Wondaland) can be heard as inspiration throughout this album. I love the Science Fiction concept, with an almost Old-Hollywood sound throughout (Sir Greendown). After prematurely judging this album due to recongising Janelle from her filmography, I enjoyed the album over all. The entire record flows well, but the second half was the best for my taste. BeBopByeYa at the end of the album feels almost full circle for the cinematic end from 1920’s music. Favourite tracks: Cold War, Tightrope, Come Alive.
crap
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!
Pefections
Wow. What the hell is this? And I mean that in the best possible way.
Falling for Janelle!
Super artistic, lots of range
Finally an artist I had never listened to blew me away.
liked more than i expected. the production quality is refined.
Truly Janelle's best album: conceptual, explosive, erratic, fun, and overall just an enchanting and captivating album.
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
no. just no. like a bad mix of 70s and 80s R&B
Good singing by Janae and intriguing production, but I just could not get into this album for some reason.
What a vibe, boppin all the way through - 4/5
Overstuffed. It just never breathes. Monáe is self confident and talented enough to take a stab at several genres and styles and succeed. But in the end it feels like a relentless collection of pretty good pastiches. It feels too much like a showcase rather than a genuine piece of art (which is perhaps unfair when considering the obvious time and talent put into this). But I’ve given it a lot of chances and it just doesn’t open up to me.
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
A far more modern album than most that I've had to rate thus far in my journey on this list, and it manages to impress. It's ambitious, trying many different sounds and styles which come together to form a thoroughly enjoyable album that justifies its runtime.
probably their best album
Really good discovery. This album has everything : soulful chorus, r'n'b like singing, electronic ambient synths, really good compositions. 9/10
I really loved this album overall. Soul in general is not a genre i'm used to so this was a nice change of pace from what I usually listen to. The album kinda goes everywhere tho and walks a fine line between really original and artsy songs with rich instumentals and songs that you would find in a bad summer romcom movie featuring Adam Sandler. Would have rated 5/5 but the very few songs that sounded like really bad pop ruined it for me.
Some parts of it were really something, especially the first few songs at the start melding with each other and the final two. I didn't enjoy some of the songs in the second half but still worth 5/5 because it's legitimately awesome.
Loved this. So original and fresh, and what a project! I am now listening my way through the rest of her catalog.
Did not expect these sounds - very creative… listened in background so no songs stood out
Surprisingly good. High 3.
this shit is the future
Good album.
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!
The backing tracks are great. She has a gorgeous voice when singing softly. Not sure she/the producers are doing her any favors trying to make her a power singer. She ends up sounding reedy. The lyrics are cringe-inducing; both when she's going universal-political and when she keeps it personal. That said, it's pretty easy to ignore cringe-inducing personal lyrics because pop music is somehow geared for personal statements. When an artist goes for the political, they better work really hard to nail the lyrics. Abbie Lincoln, Marvin Gaye and Chuck D. managed it. Janelle hasn't. The backing tracks are great though. I wish I could listen to the album without the vocal buses.
This is music as art, but super accessible. Big fan!
would rather fist myself with a glove made of barbed wire than listen to this again
Eclectic album, for sure. All over the place genre wise. Had pop, jazz, spoken word, drum and bass, etc. Great melodies. Not sure if it will be a regular returner but worth a listen through for sure.
TIL that Janelle Monáe is also a singer thinking she was just an actress The album is not my cup of tea. 2/5
It started slow and theatrical, I was dubious. Then it got very good! Well produced, cohesive like an album should be. Varied sounds, similar styles, energetic. "Afrofuturism"....guess I'm a fan. Liked it a lot.
Love this album.
Interesting. 4/5
I was only familiar with the song Tightrope before listening to the whole album. It’s fantastic, I love it.
Wow, this was really unexpected. I’ve heard about the record but to understand how good it is you need to listen to it. I loved it!
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!
Another unknown album to me. I've never heard of Janelle before. "ArchAndroid" is good but not great. It just sounds like other albums from that period. I like its style most of time. I'll give it 3 stars.
Might be the weed I smoked, but this record transported me from reality and took me on an eccentric journey I was not expecting. The sequence of songs and beautiful melodies throughout were mesmerizing. This is another one of those records I’m very happy to have found from this project. Bravo, Janelle. 👏🏻
was not expecting this much awesome-ness
Never heard of them before but I really like the sound and the difference between songs.
Étonnement intéressant.
Super interesting, fun, and varied (yet still cohesive) pop album. This is one I’ll listen to again - a really pleasant surprise!
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
Janelle Monae is amazing. So many bops on this album. Her ability to switch genres, vocal quality, and style is top notch. Best songs on the album are "Locked Inside," "Cold War," and "Oh, Maker."
who needs that? I certainly don't. I've at least listened to all the songs. Her voice doesn't appeal to me. the only one I liked a little bit is "Sir Greendown" what a pity
Different
Very dynamic pop, I liked it.
Immense.
Some kind of Futuristic jazz/rap, pretty cool, great singer
Her voice is very good and she has a lot of range. Enjoyed the variety of music types on this album. The video for tightrope showed she can flat out dance as well.
I see why she acts and sings. She kept the album flowing together throughout making it simpler and easier to comprehend
Look, usually with concept albums I can kinda take it or leave it. This I'm kinda in the middle with it. I didn't really love it, but that's not really through any fault of its own. She's got a great voice and the songs are really well made. It's just the whole dystopian cyborg thing that just doesn't really do it for me. I dunno, it sounds good but really didn't do anything for me, and the lyrics are kinda weird on some of the songs (which didn't really surprise me). Again, just kinda middle of the road for me.
had no idea what to expect with this & was surprised at how much I enjoyed listening. Wide variety on styles, enjoyed the flow from one track to the next, great use of different instruments/genres. some tracks were better than others & the jazzy ones showcased her voice the best.
This was a unique combination of genres and an interesting listen.
Huh. This was a pleasant surprise. I came into this only knowing that Janelle Monae is a straight up unabashed weirdo. I don't typically go for techno or R&B, so I'd never heard more than a song or two from her. Gotta say: this was pretty good. It started to drag a bit at the end, but other than that it was an enjoyable listen.
Masterpiece from start to finish.
Gorgeous. Loved most of the songs and the android concept comes through in a way that doesn't default to a robotic sound.
A musical masterpiece!
I do love an orchestral opening, super crafty stuff, lots of different genres. All sorts going on
An interesting and ambitious debut album, it bounces around different genres like an unruly toddler with ADHD. 70's theatricality with modern production, a great listen and an album I will revisit.
idk... disappointing. Not sure how this made it to the list. boring and pretty mediocre
Target store music
I liked this more than I thought I would.
1 zuite overture - 0 2. dance or die - 0 3. fazter - 0 4. locked inzide - 1 5. greendouun - 1 6. cold uuar - 0 7. tightrope - 0 8. neon gumbo - 0 9. oh maker - 0 10. come alive - 0 11. rozez - 0 12. overture - 0 13. neon valley - 0 14. make the buz - 0 15. uuondaland - 0 16. 57821 - 1.5 17. youll go - 1 18. babop - 1
Well - a lot better than I was expecting - gave this a few listens and there is a lot to like. Plenty of variety and very polished. A bit too safe but she's clearly a talent.
This is a very technical album beyond my musical comprehension. For sure an album a listener like myself needs to listen to a few times to really take it in. I loved all of the stylistic variety. The jazzy songs were my favorite
Not bad
Interesting. 1/5
OK WHOA im loving this so far, what an opening few tracks! it goes into like a folky singing style even shes so awesome then Come Alive shes sooo versatile OK soooo cool so many great songs on here and no skips for me
ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVOURITES. ‘In Rainbows’ yesterday and this today! Interestingly, this was the first CD I ever ordered online. This album is what got me to explore beyond rock and pop into genres like funk and soul… I had heard of the album before signing up to this project and found it an interesting concept but never listened. When I realised it was on this list, as soon as I got home I switched it on and I was bewitched from the start of ‘Suite II Overture’ (being a classical music fan). But I was entranced by the entirety of what followed… I think I listened to Suite II three or four times consecutively because I couldn’t get enough. Then I listened to suite III. Still amazing, but probably because it was the second suite I heard, it didn’t quite match the first one. Everyone should listen to this absolutely fabulous album which can be read as an exploration of how the contemporary Western world treats minorities, including women and people who aren’t white, straight and cisgender. Given that Janelle falls into all of these categories (although they no longer identify as a woman), it is fascinating to hear their story. A first-person perspective on the timeless tale of falling in love with somebody that you shouldn’t, but with the twist of an extended android metaphor. Cindy Mayweather and Sir Anthony Greendown fall in love clandestinely, yet only Cindy gets threatened with execution. A familiar narrative? One of the greatest albums ever conceived, in my (contrastingly) humble opinion. 10/10.
2024-03-29...
This is really an incredible album. It caught me by surprise. It has a little bit of everything on here for every music taste. I’m impressed. I’m going to keep listening. Potential 5 but a 4 for now.
Janelle Monae is just a different species from the rest of us, we're just here living our humdrum lives and she's out there absolutely LIVING. Nothing is beyond her level and this album, this DEBUT album, just gives and gives...
This is why i'm doing this challenge. Albums i didn't know existed, and that i would have walked past 1000 times. Absolutely fantastic listen. All over the map and in a very good way.
Very fun thanks
A very versatile r'n'b, soul, psychedelic album by Janelle Monáe. I appreciate the different styles on the album but it is also the weakness of it because all these songs don't flow together that well. It is more like a compilaction of songs rather than a complete album (perhaps it doesn't help that it's very long, almost 70 minutes). It's difficult to rate something like this. Individually many of the songs would be a 4, but as a whole, the album is more like a 3.5/3 for me.
9/10 I’ve listened to Dirty Computer much more than this, so after a while this was a bit of a revelation. Superb. It clicked this time that the album is basically a 70s rock concept album but with soul vibes and modern production & delivery Both halves excellent, the more uptempo/futurist first half has more of the bangers but I think the more downtempo rock/R&B second half plays better to me Some of the guitar stuff is wonderful Not a no skip album - the Of Montreal track would be straight-up bad if not for the excellent production. Best: Tightrope
I love Janelle’s voice, this album was just okay to me though! Sometimes it felt like a target commercial
OK so I can definitely see how this is a great album. I can see the potential and maybe later I will be able to fully appreciate it. Until then it is a strong 3. Fav songs: - Cold War - Mushrooms and Roses - Tightrope - Tightrope
Pleasant album with such a wide variety of musical notes, classical, few rap like songs, instrumental.
Liked it, hints of Matalan but also good for cleaning to. 7/10
One of my favorites
She's amazing.
This album is where we see the beginnings of the genius that is Janelle Monae. It's difficult to put into words the affect she has (and will have) on music and the energetic vibrations of Earth. Listen, it's worth your time.
There is the odd song here and there that feels like it didn't need to be here, but when this album goes hard, it goes fucking HARD. The production is fantastic, and this album blends genres that really shouldn't work on paper, but it still sounds incredible. Pile that on top of passionate and diverse vocals, and you have a truly amazing album.
Different. Got Disney movie soundtrack vibes…
Just ok.
Really good album with each song flowing into the next.
Possible 5 on a relisten
Good album not as great as people say it is though
After the first couple of tracks, I was ready to write this off as another generic R&B/rap album, then it started doing some interesting things and turned into quite an ambitious and impressive sounding album. It goes into some unexpected territory. Mushrooms & Roses sounds like an homage to Crimson & Clover. 57821 sounds sort of Simon and Garfunkel-ish. Lounge singing. It's got it all. I didn't like everything she tried here, but A for effort. Favorite tracks: Tightrope (except the Big Boi part), Oh, Maker, and one other I can't remember the title of.
Wonderful
I don't know anything about this album, but it sounds like one with high production effort. It's very theatrical, there are operas in the background, just a lot of bells and whistles. Maybe it's all above my head, but it doesn't seem musically special to me, and I'm not compelled to listen again. Maybe there's some takeaway here on modern music production, that it's overly commercialized, but I'll leave that to someone who has more insight.
Excellent! Fun, original, easy to get into.
4.41/10 Top 3 Songs 1. Neon Valley Street 2. Cold War 3. Dance or Die (feat. Saul Williams)
it's a really cool and refreshing sound. however after listening two times it didn't hook me enough to ever want to hear again (although I'm sure my Spotify algorithm won't respect this wish), so I guess I can't rate it higher than 3.5 stars. still, it's a great album
There's a reason she was loved by Prince. A true heir. Original, funky, moving, it's everything you could want, plus perfectly chosen collaborators in Big Boi and Of Montreal.
Love tightrope of course. But this whole album is lovely.
An amazing talent. Great range in her voice, and creative use of multiple musical styles.
This was an enjoyable listen. She's got a great voice and the music's varied, well produced and played.
"ArchAndroid" by Janelle Monáe earns a sleek, five-star salute for its genre-defying grandeur. Imagine a musical rocket ride, captained by the fearless Monáe, through a constellation of soul, funk, and future-pop. This album isn't just a collection of tracks; it's a manifesto of musical liberation, where every note pulses with creativity and every song stretches the boundaries of imagination. Monáe proves herself not just a singer, but a storyteller, an innovator, and a visionary, effortlessly guiding us from the dance euphoria of "Tightrope" to the lush, introspective landscapes of "Neon Valley Street." With "ArchAndroid," Monáe doesn't walk the line between genres; she dances over it, inviting us to leap along with her into a world where music knows no limits.
A little too artsy fartsy for me. Talented though.
Very electric blend, I like that several tracks are continuous.
Non il mio genere
Sounded like Beyonce but the music was better.
Lots of genres here - some jams for sure - not sure if I’d reach for this album but I def enjoyed it - would probably give a 3.5 if possible - not adding to my iPod but maybe I would on a second listen
2- Stars (4/15)
What an album, really diverse music, singing styles, emotions, beats, moods and the voice is also really good loved all of the variety in one single album
Iets van beyonces net niet zo leuke zusje, beetje boring
The album was neat. I'm gonna check out more
4.5 stars, sucker for an overture. Vibes constantly fluctuated from in my feels to hype. really enjoyed
There are some real bangers on this album like Cold War and Tightrope. I like the various styles on the album and the ambition Janelle has with the album I think the album is too long at times and the back half of the middle kind of drags on. I can see myself listening to some songs again but probably not the whole album. I do appreciate albums like this though since I wouldn't have known about it without this generator.
I think with some fine tuning you could make this album great. Removing some of the tracks and tightening up the runtime could make this much more re-listenable. I thought parts of the album were amazing and would be super happy to see her in person.
This tasted like a Neon Gumbo of Mushrooms & Roses.
it's cool but her voice isn't my favorite
I have never even heard of Janelle. When I saw this record pop up, I admit I had a preconception of what this would sound like. I was wrong. Taking in all manner of influences and a pretty cool concept, I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I will definitely listen to this again, and check out her other stuff as well.
Lots of range but it also felt like Fantasia at times.
Bara nokkuð geggjuð, ekki viss um að það séu mörg lög sem færu á bestast en klárlega þess virði að hlusta aftur
I've loved this album so much since it first came out when I was 13! Easy 5/5 and started my love affair with Janelle Monae. Such a beautiful, ambitious, eclectic concept album that manages to do so much and feel so timeless in the process.
One of my favorites so far. Production is clean and her voice is amazing. The psychedelic voice effects on some songs are awesome
Over all enjoyed. Not quite a 4 but very close… 3.8.
It’s fun but I won’t seek it out again
Really interesting album. It runs the gambit of musical styles and influences. That being said, I didn't think she did anything that was particularly memorable. I kept fluctuating between thinking she had a really good and sub par voice. Overall, not a bad listen, wasn't a drag to get through, but likely won't be returning to this one.
This is the first album of someone I already loved. Metropolis was a favorite album of mine, and I was surprised that both albums are over 10 years old. Anyway, I love when she’s telling a story. But Tightrope, which has OutKast’s Big Boi talking about MacBooks and NASDAQ, it takes me out of a future dystopia. Anyway, I liked the suite parts.
eh
it was all persona music, i hate persona
come alive was pretty decent, kind of persona ish
Not for me
Ok
My wife raved about this album, so I was really hoping for something special. I was seriously disappointed. Afterwards I read the Wiki page and it was comparing this to David Bowie for concepts, and I just laughed.
Gear: Moondrop Variations Mix: spaßig, modern und hochwertig Musik: fantastisches Konzept von einer sympathischen Künstlerin (mit belanglosem Pop-Anteil) Wertung: 🤖🤖(🤖)/5 (inkl. +1 für "Wondaland")
I was wary when I saw this was a "concept album," but I was pleasantly surprised. Still not my thing, but not bad.
Banger best so far would give it 4.5 probably, for sure will listen again
couldn't really get into this one for some reason.
Really liked this. She has an an amazing, powerful voice and I enjoyed the R&B and funk influences. Thoroughly enjoyed this album.
4.5
Lovely album with beautiful flow - not normally my choice but I am pleasantly surprised. This is a very joyful album with great ups and downs. Feels like a much larger story is being told. operatic and cinematic references.
A truly stunning debut. Clear signs of Brillance to come.
Great album from an amazing talent. So glad to see so many positive reviews from people who didn’t think they would like this album, maybe because they had misjudged Janelle Monáe and what her music would be like. Janelle is multitalented, intelligent and a real professional. And it all shows on this and their subsequent albums.
I know it’s supposed to be amazing but I find it uninteresting
Tightrope is a you-need-to-move-with-it song! Love the cinematic elements and world building in this album.
Njoo 2/5
Now I know what Janelle Monae sings. 2.5
more is more
It was finnneeee
I enjoyed this lots more than I was expecting. It's a diverse album, with lots of musical ideas and approaches and there are some real high points, but I don't find it works enough as an album to get four stars from me. Very much enjoyed getting to know it though!
This is one of the hidden gems I was hoping for. I was not familiar with her work, but I really enjoyed this. I liked the fusion of the classical and the smooth flow of R & B. I’ve listened multiple times. Thank you, Mrs. Monáe!
Great album. Lots of cool stuff hear
That was spectacular. So ahead of its time … even , 14 years after its release.
New artist for me. Really enjoyed this one. Very varied, will listen again.