Album review: Janelle Monae's 'The ArchAndroid'

On Janelle Monae’s major-label debut, the 24-year-old, ragingly talented singer and dancer from Atlanta by way of Kansas City synthesizes a wealth of influences — Afro-futurism, glam rock reminiscent of David Bowie’s Spiders From Mars, ’50s easy listening, MGM-style orchestrations, bebop jazz and slickster-hip hop. If that’s an exhaustive list — and it’s not complete — imagine what it sounds like all marbled together on Monae’s concept fantasia, “The ArchAndroid.”

Loosely telling the story of Cindi Mayweather, an android fulfilling her destiny on planet Metropolis, Monae channels every mood, from the contemplative splendor of “Oh Maker” to the freak-out of “Come Alive (The War of Roses),” which finds our femme-bot veering between hysterical belting and near-whispers. On one of the album’s singles, “Tightrope,” with its addictive video and Big Boi contribution, Monae turns in a stylish performance that’s all strutting but mellifluous flow.

With 18 tracks, “The ArchAndroid” is parts two and three of a four-part series that Monae has envisioned; she released the first part as an EP in 2007, in the process snagging a 2009 Grammy nomination for her performance of “Many Moons.” At times, the fumes of ambition are so thick off “The ArchAndroid,” it’s hard to absorb in one sitting.

All the same, it’s a star-making debut. Monae has the same high-wattage potential as Lady Gaga, her spiritual sister in costume and outlandish concept, though the complexity of her vision is ultimately more rewarding. Expect to see Monae soon, with her customary hair pouf and in some glamorous black and white getup, playing to $10K seats at the next art museum benefit near you.

— Margaret Wappler

Janelle Monae
“The ArchAndroid”
Bad Boy Entertainment/Wondaland
Three and a half stars (Out of four stars)

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Comments

[AMR]

I surely hope Janelle gets the credit that she deserves. I heard snippets of the album and it is definitely a force to be reckoned with! Truly Grammy worthy! It is a musical masterpeice and I look forward to purchasing The ArchAndroid tomorrow.

[Seanzie]

I pre-ordered this from iTune, and was able to download it recently. This entire Album is absolutely AMAZING, from start to finish.

A welcomed musical roller-coaster.

Don't think about getting this young lady's latest musical efforts--JUST GET IT! :)

[Paul]

"Monae has the same high-wattage potential as Lady Gaga, her spiritual sister in costume and outlandish concept, though the complexity of her vision is ultimately more rewarding."

Having seen only two of Monae's music videos, I don't think it would be too much of an exaggeration to suggest that she has more talent in her pinky finger than Gaga has in her entire body--or should I say wardrobe?

I don't think Monae will need to rely on the media to construct an image for her. I too am sick of "mimics," as M.I.A. would say. I'm really looking forward to someone who will undoubtedly change the face of music . . . someone whose not just another fame-hungry dipstick who pretends to be Andy Warhol.

[Roxie]

Janelle actually came out with an EP years before Lady Gaga stepped onto the scene.

[Camille]

I absolutely love Janelle Monae. She's incredibly talented and such a visionary. She's a true artist.

[bella]

Janelle is incredible! I bought her album this morning and i can't stop listening to it! She is a hard worker and it shows in her music. the production is jammin! She masters all that she sets out to do from soul, to funk, to hip hop, to pop. She has killer pipes : )

I am so proud for this artist. She has it all!

[The International Nomad]

"I don't think Monae will need to rely on the media to construct an image for her. I too am sick of "mimics," as M.I.A. would say. I'm really looking forward to someone who will undoubtedly change the face of music . . . someone whose not just another fame-hungry dipstick who pretends to be Andy Warhol."

Co-sign with this statement. The biggest difference between Gaga and Janelle is that Janelle's music actually backs up her image and talent. She's not all style and little substance. Gaga on the other hand just makes a lot of dumb show, nothing more. I will concede that she is talented, but until she uses that talent to make music that is as interesting and groundbreaking as everyone pretends it to be, I'm not buying. Talent means nothing if you can't showcase it properly. The media has been sucking up to Gaga incessantly for long enough now, time to devote some attention to bigger and better talent that is vastly underrated. Of course, I won't be surprised if Janelle continues to be unfairly ignored by the mainstream press, but this girl is probably truly the closest thing we have to Michael Jackson today. Prince is a big fan of hers, and that itself says a lot.

[Khay Copeland]

THIS ALBUM is ****ing KRAZY...I cant stop listening too tracks 1 thru 18. My opinion /its really that good - I was on the verge of saying she's a mix of Santigold, some Estelle, James Brown, early Mike, that chick from Groove Theory ( sorry chick from Groove Theory - I forgot your name, Amil somthing & of course 3000-but to compare her to anyone would be a discredit just simply due to the fact that she's so ****ing refreshing & DOPE! Then when to think I couldn't like her anymore...I caught her performance on Letterman( one word GEESCH)I cant wait to see her live with BADU in Philly come next month because IMA BE (In my BLACK EYES PEAS voice ) dancing in the freaking aisle! ****ING GREAT ALBUM

[Nicole]

please don't ever in your life compare the genius work of janelle monae to the work of lady gaga. they aren't even in the same universe.

[Jayce]

First of all, the ArchAndroid is a brilliant album! I've been listening to it since I bought it last Tuesday--truly a great album!

I must co-sign the other posters who say that we should NEVER compare the brilliance of Janelle Monae to the mediocrity of Lady Gaga. Monae is in a completely different realm than Lady Gaga.

Like The International Nomad suggests, I appreciate Lady Gaga's talent but her talent has been buried behind the fear of the exposure of her true talent. It is sad to know that Lady Gaga is actually way more interesting than her current music suggests, which is horrendous. However, I am waiting for her to produce the album that I know that she can make, which will (thankfully) cause her to lose fans (sheep) but gain a true fan base.

Anyway, love The ArchAndroid!!!!! Go get it already!

[Juan Cafe]

Her 'overly hysterical theatrics' belong on a Broadway stage or a cruise ship.

[Tommie Carter]

One must buy this album. Listen to its story completely and you will be amazed by it's beauty and splendor. Ms. Monae has produced an offering that requires one to invent new adjectives.

One might say that she signals the fact that great music is back. The album feels like an instant classic. Extraordinary talent and loving care has gone into the creation of this work.

She done good.