on 2012-10-24 dscanland Said:

I really enjoyed this album too. It's got funk, fun, good rhythms and great cohesion. The whole album isn't perfect but there is enough meat on Archandroid to warrant buying the whole album.
Rating: 9/10

Review:

on 2010-07-21 jazcie Said:

Oddly enough, people seem to think that Janelle Monae has only recently popped onto the scene since she signed on with Bad Boy. The truth is she has several albums which came out prior to her signing on with the label and had quite a following already due to her unique sound.
I believe listeners who enjoyed No Doubts first album, will definitely enjoy the music that is being brought out by this artist. I have yet to hear anyone bring out the same type of sound that I have heard in the albums Janelle has put out. The musics futuristic sound, mixed in with some funk will definitely surprise you. I was caught off guard when first hearing her music because at first I was not sure if I was really feeling it or not, but all it took was that one song and it got me, hook line and sinker. Before you know it the CD was on repeat and I could not peel myself away from enjoying the entire album. If you are a lover of all kinds or many different kinds of music, I believe this album will definitely capture your interest.

Rating: 10/10

Review:

on 2010-07-14 jakekingston Said:

Wow. Jesus Christ, Wow! Blown away... in complete awe... speechless... umm... huh? I'm not sure precisely how to begin this review, because I did not really consider this album when it was first released a few weeks ago, but Jesus, I'm sorry I wasn't first in line to pick up a copy. I was first intrigued by the hypnotizing cover, which is an artistic choice that you surely do not see very much on record covers, but only adds to the experience of the album. However, I kept forgetting about it, letting time pass, until remembering to pick up a copy, literally only a few hours ago.

Now, I'm just beginning to learn that this is Monae's second full-length, and comparable similarities to OutKast are probably not uncalled for, but this is something that is possibly inexpressible. The degree of stylistic ingenuity with each track on this spectacularly crafted epic record is massively impressive. I'm a little saddened to learn that Ms. Monae cannot be credited with it's entire brilliance, but I'm skeptical to underestimate her input on the project. A large degree of pop records these days tend to give first and second title songwriting credits to more popular producers even if all they contributed to the track was the structure of the backing drum loop and the foregrounding synth or guitar riff. It's almost as if the producer's career is more important than the individual whose name is on the front of the record.

I feel this is the case with Janelle's masterpiece, but I will not let it detract my enjoyment of the record. She can't be Me'Shell Ndegeocello, but that's ok, she doesn't have to be. Each track is a perfect standalone track that evenly contributes to the eccentricity of the complete record. The first 4 songs blend seamlessly into the next for a non-stop roller-coaster ride of nufunk-inspired dance. From there, the album continues to twist and turn, through a variety of instrumental styles and beat changes--sometimes speeding up, sometimes slowing down, sometimes ramping up only to be dropped back down again. There is no consistency on the record except it's brilliance. If you enjoy the groove of one track, don't expect it to be repeated. If Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon takes tiny steps from one style to the next, Janelle is bouncing across the skies with all the vigour and passion of a nubile Superwoman. You may not comprehend all the complexities or necessities of this record, but you will surely be compelled to listen to it again and again and again and again and...
Rating: 10/10