Janelle Monáe: The ArchAndroid

Janelle Monáe
The ArchAndroid
Bad Boy/Atlantic Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Instant surprise with epic long player debut!

Album Review:
The ArchAndroid is one killer epic of a debut long player from hip youngster Janelle Monáe that features 18 tracks of genre jumping fun. It is a big record in every sense, as it is on Sean Combs Bad Boy Entertainment label, based on a full fledged sci-fi concept and has big names appearing on tracks, like poet Saul Williams, hip-hop star Big Boi from OutKast, and indie darling Of Montreal. It shows spunk and spirit in riot tracks like "Cold War" or "Come Alive (War Of Roses)", sway and swagger in single "Tightrope" and pure soul on "Oh, Maker". Monáe sells this record with her carefree attitude, that never comes off smug nor does it ever seem out of control. This big record approach could swallow even the most veteran artist but it never even comes close to happening with Janelle. It also doesn't matter what type of genre she is tackling be it blues, British rock, R&B, trip-hop or punk, Monáe gives 100% and the songs come off solid. All the way down to the over the top album cover, The ArchAndoroid could have been one giant blown up mess but instead you get a spectacular record that breaks down the genre wall, much like an Outkast, Gnarls Barkley or M.I.A. and simply will "wow you" with its fun and catchy sophistication!

Key Tracks: "Tightrope (feat. Big Boi)", "Come Alive (War Of Roses)", "Cold War"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Outkast
Santigold
Dizzee Rascal

Official Janelle Monáe Website
Janelle Monáe MySpace
Janelle Monáe Facebook
Atlantic Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony