The art of the concept album has been tainted by the “Sasha Fierce” phenomenon. Nowadays, it’s enough to make up an alter-ego, throw together songs in a hasty fashion and call yourself an artist. These are the projects that get all the attention, while a beautifully crafted release like Janelle Monáe‘s The ArchAndroid will inevitably be overlooked by the masses.
Then again, it’s not exactly easy to market an epic, four-part musical drama about a fictional robot society. And yet Monáe’s devoted the past couple of years crafting such a project. In theory, it may sound like a pretentious piece of crap. But she overcomes this designation by creating a cinematic soundscape that you can’t help getting lost in. By the end of the first or second song, you’ll forget you’re listening to a concept album about androids.
Despite highly anticipated cameos by Big Boi of Outkast, Of Montreal and Saul Williams, the best songs emerge when Monáe is allowed to fly solo. She sets the bar for futuristic soul with “Oh, Maker” and “Neon Valley Street”. Meanwhile, tracks like “Cold War” and “Faster” find her bringing down the house with an upbeat, funkier sound. On the latter track, she sings, “Am I a freak or just a little weirdo?” The answer to that question is still up in the air, but we’re going to keep listening no matter what.
– Dewitt
To listen to select songs from this album, follow the JUMP:
i love janelle. her metropolis cd is great, and is apparently of the same theme as this one. worth a listen.
loooove that first song – as well as the video…..have to check the album out, thanks
Not only is Janelle one of the freshest music stars in recent years, but so is this CD. I highly recommend this album to anyone with ears.
I listened to/ watched “Tightrope” a few months ago, and did not like it at all. Her sound is annoying…at least to me…bleh!
Wow…that’s some seriously good stuff! She’s very individual and unique without going over the top…even if she was, she’s got the talent to back it up.
This album is so friggin AMAZBALLS. Although I agree with Marc, I wasn’t impressed with Tightrope as a single, but within the context of the album it works. This album is by far the best that’s been put out in the last 12 months, and yet it won’t get anything when it comes to awards.