The ArchAndroid
by Janelle Monáe
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 18, 2010
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 574 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 516 out of 574
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 574
  3. Negative: 36 out of 574

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  1. KennedyJ.
    May 20, 2010
    10
    This album is absolutely incredible. Words and emotions are a stretch to even appropriately review/describe this. It's a blessing to the world. Thank God.
  2. RoboN.
    May 19, 2010
    10
    The ArchAndroid truly is an eMotion picture like Janelle Monae stated. The album continues Cindi Mayweather's journey and it must be heard from beginning to end. It will not disappoint you!
  3. JoshF.
    May 19, 2010
    10
    It took all of one listen to know this was instantly near the top of my Desert Island discs list. And it should be high on yours, too.
  4. BradleyC
    May 20, 2010
    10
    I am IN LOVE with this album! She took a interesting concept and made it her own....it's like going on a fantastic journey...along the way, meeting different people and having different experiences. I love it so much!
  5. Lauren
    May 21, 2010
    10
    Brilliant!! The album is so innovative; i've have heard songs like this before!!
  6. UsmanK
    May 20, 2010
    10
    One of the greatest debut albums I have ever heard. The only debut album that comes close this century is probably the misseducation of lauryn hill, but even that didn't have the epic scope that this album has. If this is only a debut album, this girl has what it takes to be a legend.
  7. SoluL.
    May 22, 2010
    10
    Global in scope and achievement...an amazing musical experience. Monae and Wondaland are so much fun to watch and hear and see!
  8. AdamR.
    May 20, 2010
    10
    Janelle Monae has brought the industry to their knees with this incredible breakthrough!
  9. Brent
    May 23, 2010
    10
    This album is pure bliss. I've been waiting to hear this since 2007 and it doesn't miss a beat. A perfect blend of a large selection of styles of music. Brilliant!
  10. DavidW.
    May 20, 2010
    10
    This is a brilliant work. Most of the songs sound like classics that have been waiting to be written for a while. So fresh and so clean, superbly executed. Finally, a more commercial release that has substance, vision, ambition, and awesomeness!
  11. JohnA.
    May 19, 2010
    10
    What.... in the.... How is this so good? I can't even believe they made music like this anymore. Just when you think you've figured out her deal, then comes a song like Sir Greendown or Wondaland. I've never heard anything like this since the first time I heard a Stevie Wonder album.
  12. TylerR.
    May 21, 2010
    10
    Wow! I wasn't expecting to like this album at all, but checked it out anyways because of the high ratings. And wow! Is all I can say. Give it a listen, even if this is something you would never listen to.
  13. JonM.
    May 21, 2010
    10
    one of the most sonically stunning works of the new millineum. suite one was but a sweet glimpse into the mythos of metropolis as she continues to elaborately paint this picture. she is a visionary without question and I'm on board.
  14. BrendanM
    May 20, 2010
    10
    This is hands down the best pop album I have heard in years. It's incredibly exciting start to finish and shows Janelle has a LOT more than just vocal talent, but an incredibly wide scope of talent from many angles (psychadelic, hip-hop, soul, Dance, R&B, the list goes on). In my opinion she blows Lady Gaga out of the water in terms of just purely catchy melody, scope, smarts (and a This is hands down the best pop album I have heard in years. It's incredibly exciting start to finish and shows Janelle has a LOT more than just vocal talent, but an incredibly wide scope of talent from many angles (psychadelic, hip-hop, soul, Dance, R&B, the list goes on). In my opinion she blows Lady Gaga out of the water in terms of just purely catchy melody, scope, smarts (and a similar penchant for weird fashion).… Expand
  15. JamesP.
    May 23, 2010
    10
    Flawless. Ambitious. Versatile. Album of the Year.
  16. ChetanP
    May 23, 2010
    10
    Every labored-over song in this intentional masterpiece stands out as a shining example of its kind. As with all of the best concept albums, you're better off ignoring the concept entirely. Forget about this Metropolis android nonsense; the songs and orchestral interludes here revolve only around the human heart, soul, and spirit.
  17. DW.
    May 18, 2010
    10
    I didn't even know Janelle until two days ago when I came across her single "Tightrope"... I knew instantly that I needed to get this CD... All I can say is that I am blown way... (I know it sounds cheesy but ) This CD has changed my life.
  18. ThisRocks
    May 19, 2010
    10
    Album of the year? If not, then 2010 must be one of the all-time great years for absolutely stunning new albums. Fully realized through and through. I've seen her live twice and was blown away each time. I had trouble believing her first full LP could live up to her stage performance, but she brought it. This is it. The album you'd imagine the world was capable of one day Album of the year? If not, then 2010 must be one of the all-time great years for absolutely stunning new albums. Fully realized through and through. I've seen her live twice and was blown away each time. I had trouble believing her first full LP could live up to her stage performance, but she brought it. This is it. The album you'd imagine the world was capable of one day producing when you first heard Thriller 25 years ago ... and then waited 25 years in vain. Until now.… Expand
  19. MárioO.
    May 19, 2010
    10
    Absolutely outstanding record! Undoubtely the best of this year so far. Monáe has such an unique vision and a huge talent. She acomplished what few artists have done: she did not only made a compilation of good songs, she made a record with a trully original and fresh concept and reached the greatness only true legends have. And this is just her second album!
  20. Kurt
    May 21, 2010
    10
    Astounding. This woman lives and breathes music; all music, across all genres. I hope its influence is felt far and wide.
  21. narathipk.
    May 21, 2010
    10
    The new hype is here! this album is just "absolutely amazing".
  22. DieterN
    May 22, 2010
    10
    Hands down best album of the year so far! Superb mix of musical genres and excellent production!
  23. SareeshaM.
    May 23, 2010
    10
    This album is the best album of the last 10 years! Janelle Monae is a legend in the making!!
  24. dijavantewow
    Oct 16, 2010
    10
    Great concept album. Her voice is great, the songs are great, everything about it is great. I figured she was something special when Big Boi used her on his Purple Ribbon All Stars album, and now she's out making great music. One of the best things about it is that it isn't your usual R&B albums.
  25. Joe-Cool
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    One of the most original albums released this year. Janelle Monae isn't afraid to do, well, basically anything on this CD. Rap about zombies and terminators? Check! Make a CD about a time traveling android? Why not? The concept seems strange, but Monae makes it work because she has the guts to do so. And what an impressive voice â
  26. Phantasmal
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Listened to this quite a bit on my 22 hour road trip to Orlando. What can I say? I've fallen in love with her voice. Fantastic album from start to finish. Be sure to check out the Tightrope Wondamix; fun song.
  27. GabroMuzik
    Sep 27, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the most incredible and perfect album of this year, this a mix of neo-soul, funk, pop and various genres.... with the amazing voice of Janelle, this job is so original, eccentric, passionate, dramatic and funny! when i hear this album i feel like i'm stay in a classic movie! this sound is so power-full and creative!!! Cold War is so brilliant and perfect!!! like the rest of this excellent album!!! this is really a masterpiece!!!… Expand
  28. nowthatsmint
    Aug 17, 2010
    10
    So I am in love with this album so much I hunted down her other album "The Chase Suit" - the music she makes is completely unique, melody and lyrics-wise. I can listen to "Locked Inside" and "Tightrope" any day, any time. Janelle's voice is refreshing, and what I love most about it (as a design student) is her passion for this 20s Art Deco Metropolis theme. This album just works in so manySo I am in love with this album so much I hunted down her other album "The Chase Suit" - the music she makes is completely unique, melody and lyrics-wise. I can listen to "Locked Inside" and "Tightrope" any day, any time. Janelle's voice is refreshing, and what I love most about it (as a design student) is her passion for this 20s Art Deco Metropolis theme. This album just works in so many ways *-*… Expand
  29. Ixarix
    Aug 22, 2010
    10
    This is one of most impressive albums I've come across in a long time. This album is so large and there are some many different genres of music at play that it is difficult to get a proper handle on it with only one listen. It is only after listening to it a few times through myself that I have been able to fully appreciate it. I like that Janelle Monae had the courage to think big withThis is one of most impressive albums I've come across in a long time. This album is so large and there are some many different genres of music at play that it is difficult to get a proper handle on it with only one listen. It is only after listening to it a few times through myself that I have been able to fully appreciate it. I like that Janelle Monae had the courage to think big with this album and that there were enough people around her to support her vision and make it a reality. I… Expand
  30. orcabitte
    Aug 28, 2010
    10
    I at first felt completely overwhelmed when I listened to this album. I had never heard of Janelle Monae and was overly shocked after discovering how perfect each song worked on its own. Although Monae skips through a huge variety of genres this collection of songs never feels like a mixed bag of tossed together songs but more like a perfectly constructed album that guides the listenerI at first felt completely overwhelmed when I listened to this album. I had never heard of Janelle Monae and was overly shocked after discovering how perfect each song worked on its own. Although Monae skips through a huge variety of genres this collection of songs never feels like a mixed bag of tossed together songs but more like a perfectly constructed album that guides the listener through a storyline told by a true musical genius. This is what pop music has needed and This is it!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2010
14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2010
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. BBC Music
    90
    The result is a dizzying fusion, marked by its lofty ambition and stunning central performance.
    Read full review
  2. No Ripcord
    90
    For a first album, The ArchAndroid is astoundingly accomplished. It would be a lie to say there aren't a few lulls in the back end of the record as Monae begins to take fewer risks, but only the truly seminal albums can keep the quality level so high for over an hour.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    100
    To say it's ambitious feels like damning with faint praise; its sheer musical scope--from the James Brown funk of Tightrope to the English pastoral folk of Oh, Maker--is spellbinding.
    Read full review
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