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.

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.

Excellent album, but I would say that the obvious singles in it (Cold War and Tightrope) disrupt its flow somewhat, despite being excellent tracks in themselves.

Wow! Familiar sounds though so new too, sweeping and glorious and exciting stuff! An awesome effort that deserves all the accolades it's getting. Congratulations to everyone involved in what has to be a groundbreaking project.

This is a pretty good and fun album, if lacking mainstream appeal. It reminded me a bit of "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" by The Flaming Lips, as a concept album. There's a lot of atmosphere and variety in the songs, though some of them are a bit short and overcrowded with detail or overproduced. Fewer but longer songs prolly would've been better, to give more room for songs to build. As it is, some of them start at 100% and end up at 110% and then end shortly. There's ballads and there's upbeat pop stuff. It's never really schmaltzy. Good fun record, if a little geeky with the sci-fi, which isn't bad but it might not sell much. I enjoy this record a lot. Prog rock fans will probably like this one a lot too.… Expand

It's almost impossible to listen to any of the musics in this brilliant album and don't even shake the feet even for a little time. Wiht powerful vocals, sticky lyrics and chasing Cindi Mayweather (Platinum 9000), we go in a trip between the funk of Jaems Brown and the akwardness of Grace Jones. Besides, with great performances, we have across the best newcomer of 2010, with the best album of 2010. Incredible!… Expand

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!

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.

Def the best album of the year so far. Can't stop listening!!!

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!

Brilliant!! The album is so innovative; i've have heard songs like this before!!

This album is the best of the year thus far in my opinion.

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.

Global in scope and achievement...an amazing musical experience. Monae and Wondaland are so much fun to watch and hear and see!

Janelle Monae has brought the industry to their knees with this incredible breakthrough!

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!

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!

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.

Wow, talk about an overrated album. You got a guy like flying lotus doing something ALMOST NOBODY OR NOBODY have the courage to do now and you got this good album but not a mastepiece having a rating better than cosmogramma. If you know music, you become a musician. If you don't know, you become a music critic.

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.

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.

Way over-hyped. The record is nothing more than eclectic and pretentious. It meddles in so many genres that it's intent is confused. It comes off as gaudy and too eager to impress. Very little substance painted with glitter and gold. Don't support this meaningless artist when there are so many better musicians struggling in obscurity.

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

Flawless. Ambitious. Versatile. Album of the Year.

Really?!? the production and variation stand out a tad, but vocally she sounds just like any other top 40 pop act, no new character.

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.

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

Incredibly varied strong album. Monae feels at home on every song. The dance tracks are undeniable and the slower songs put you in a psychedelic euphoric state. This is a definite runner for album of the year. At 18 tracks it is a spectacular testament to the prowess and versatility of Monae. In one word: Stunning. Favorites: Faster, Tightrope, Wondaland, Cold War, Neon Gumbo, Sir Greendown.

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!

Astounding. This woman lives and breathes music; all music, across all genres. I hope its influence is felt far and wide.

Archandroid transcends the often stale R&B genre with a seamless blend of electonica, funk, jazz, and pop, bursting with character. The retail packaging contains a sticker with quotes of praise from Andre 3000 and Sean Combs yet ironically neither could touch Monáe's talent with a ten foot pole. Come Alive is a refreshingly insane scat-ska-rap hybrid; the highlight of the album by far. Sir Greendown and Oh, Maker have a distinctive 60's melancholy flair. Make The Bus is pleasantly robotic, Wondaland is cute, and Mushrooms & Roses is trippy. The other tracks are either too mainstream or too atonal to be that memorable. Regardless of the few duds, the overall creativity and quality of the album is simply outstanding. Monáe is one of those artists where you struggle to figure out who she reminds you of, but ultimately you have to concede there's really no one else like her.… Expand

The new hype is here! this album is just "absolutely amazing".

Hands down best album of the year so far! Superb mix of musical genres and excellent production!

Vastly over-rated. Apparently adding a few annoying wobbly vocal effects instantly translate into innovative genre hopping. I'd be foolish to say this a bad album, though. Faster, Cold War, and 57821 are all great tracks. The rest really don't cut it for me. Especially with the slower tracks. Yes, this is unique for a pop album, but I've heard far better indie albums of many different genres.… Expand

This album is the best album of the last 10 years! Janelle Monae is a legend in the making!!

One of the most enjoyable albums of 2010 that doesn't quite fall into any specific genre, which for a music lover like myself, is rather refreshing. If anything it could be funk, but there a lot of R&B elements too, which hints of hip hop and classic rock. Plus, the whole album feels like an adventure, it being so daring and ambitious. It's good to see such great talent signed onto a major label like Atlantic.… Expand

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.

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 – Monae jumps from sing-song pop to rap to singing at the top of her lungs with ease. Practically every music style makes an appearance here including rap, R&B, pop, orchestral, funk, even English-pastoral. The album sort of meanders in the second half after such a lively start, but The ArchAndroid is a fascinating listen that warrants (and rewards those who do) multiple plays. INFECTIOUS SONGS: Dance or Die, Cold War, Tightrope (with Big Boi), Wondaland… Expand

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.

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

"What's all the fuss about?" I hear you say! Don't you know??? Somebody made a reasonably ok pop record!!! The hype and the ratings only indicate the bad shape of the 2010 music industry in general.

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 many ways *-*… Expand

9.5 A near perfect masterpiece. Before even reading this review, go and buy this album. Best Album of The Year so far. Everything, from the cinematic vibes and presentation, to the dense and thoughtful lyrics, this album will have you deeply evoked through its themes of minority and discrimination. Using references from the 1927 silent film, Metropolis, this alone, makes the album a weird and absolute incredible listen from start to finish. I love good music, and so does Janelle Monae.… Expand

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 listener through a storyline told by a true musical genius. This is what pop music has needed and This is it!… Expand

An album you must listen to from start to finish to appreciate it's cleverness and flowing movement. Each song moves effortlessly into the next giving an extraordinary listening experience. Although each song moves into the next so well, each song is different in style and genre so you can listen to the entire thing without being bored by the end. A really great album which deserves the great reviews.… Expand

Janelle Monae mixes equal portions of Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Prince into a stew that's all of her own making and enormously satisfying. This woman's talent puts her in Gaga territory -- she's enormously gifted, has flawless showmanship, and endlessly innovative. ArchAndroid is Monae's first full-length release, and it contains multiple gems among its 18 kaleidoscopically different tracks. Don't just focus on the songcraft and genre-warping variety of the album, though -- listen first and foremost to how powerfully and precisely this woman can SING. The release of ArchAndroid marks the public introduction of an epic new talent -- and I'll be sure to say "I told you so" when she's on the cover of every music mag in the known world in a year or two. Oh, by the way, her live act is the most exciting thing I've seen on stage in the last twenty years. She's simply without an equal.… Expand

I think its quite good. I'm not sure I think its as good as so many others appear convinced it is, but its quite good. The only question now is when we will see the Lady Gaga-esque re-release with The Chase EP in tow. It's gotta be coming. My guess is sometime right after the Grammy's.

I really wanted to like this album and was intrigued to hear the genre-crossing styles. There are a few quirky moments here and there and the album is well produced, but the genuinely interesting bits are few and far between. The album sounds like they are trying to throw in as many styles as they can and to a certain extent it achieves this and is probably why it's getting such rave reviews. However, this feat alone does not make it a good album and I found the majority of the album rather contrived and soulless and this ultimately left me bored and expecting more. I'm sorry but it's not the masterpiece that is being touted.… Expand

this album fulfils all the needs to appreciate good music. the idea of creating a story through music comes of beautifully from the lonely song of '57821' or the upbeat and dynamic 'tightrope' fllled with funky jazz influence but also pop and rap. this album moves music forward, a feat which hasn't been done since the 80 's disco was outlawed.

This is one of the best and impressive albums. its perfect in all.This album is absolutely incredible.Brilliant!! The album is so innovative; i've have heard songs like this before!!

This record blew me away! Monáe's voice is unbelievable, and the music behind her is just as good. The concept of the album and how she carried it throughout the record was also very good, most likely the reason for the critical praise she received. If her concerts are as energetic as she is on this record, she would be a sight to behold. Great record!

I was previously a Janelle fan when i heard "Violet Star Happy Hunting", so i was generally happy when i heard of this album coming out. But i had NO idea what i was in store for, she is simply amazing, and it's Very rare that i actually listen to a whole album without skipping songs, I am officially a Janelle Monae fan from now.

Janelle Monae has superior vocals, unique style and image, and an album that has several genres incorporated into every song, it's one of the most entertaining and unique albums of the year.

After a very good year in music overall, this was THE BEST album overall for 2010. I am not a fan of most modern R&B, but this album has me listening to more. Prince, Bowie, M Jackson are all present here. Top to bottom, there are some real classic songs on this album. Definitely should be on every list for best new artist and best album.

Most R&B albums, and a majority of albums by female artists, seem to drag out with very slow tracks, which, while may be nice, never develop into much else, with one high energy track throughout the whole thing. Ms. Monáe managed to overcome this, and make one of the most high energy albums in recent years. She's a vocal powerhouse, making both fun singles and thoughtful ballads string together into one great album. The production on the album is also admirable, top-notch material. The only thing preventing this from a complete 10 is too many over lengthy tracks towards the end of the album, other than that, A+ Material.… Expand

I was extremely impressed. This is a very colourful, diverse, many-themed album. You can tell she worked very hard on this, and there's something in it for everyone. I enjoyed every piece and am very curious about what else she can pull off. She definitely deserves more recognition, but, then again, when you think about what singers are popular these days (Justin Bieber, Kesha) it's not surprising that she doesn't have a place in the mainstream world. Easily one of the best albums of the year.… Expand

Great album. Esp. songs like Dance or Die just stands-out. A true music masterpiece. Don't know how it didn't do well on the charts. People these days don't have good taste in music. Instead of buying and listening to a brilliant albums like this, they buy albums by people who can't even sing like Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, etc... if you don't have this album i highly recommend it.

This is talent at its best. Janelle has produced yet another collection of eclectic sounds. The depth of each track and the interludes gives one utmost pleasure with every listen. It is a rare showcase of artistry. Definitely one of my best albums this year.

The album is certainly a journey through Monae's epic story, set to be completed in her next EP. The cross-genre album certainly is far from austere with many orchestral movements, complemented with folk and even some alternative rock. The foundations of the album lie within the soulful voice of Janelle Monae, which are displayed in tracks such as Cold War, Tightrope, Neon Valley Street and BaBopByeYa. I believe this album is certainly of the best of 2010 and is a sure contender for the Grammy nomination. I cannot wait for the conclusion to this saga.… Expand

This album paints probably the most clear picture I've ever seen/heard for such a stylistically diverse album. Each song has bits of different generes blended together to the point that each one is present, but impossible to pick out and analyse. Instead the whole album feels like a genre of its own, Janelle Monae is the genre. A beautiful album that has moments of being fun and party inducing, moments of being grave, serious and sometimes sad, and other times its just got that cool, lazy sway that only the most confident musicians can accomplish (think WIndow Seat by Erykah Badu). The point is that it is one of the most amazing pieces of r&b, or whatever you want to call it to come out in a long, long time.… Expand

Best album of 2010 along with Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. She is so talented. I love the way on how she experimented with many genres. I can't wait until her next album.

Its good parts are something special, its bad parts are well....bad. to be fair this album is proabably the most interesting one i have heard over the past few years, it breaks the typical pop mould - something most people are crying out for and it should be applauded because of it. Its pretty track heavy and it would of been nice to have it reduced somewhat as their is a good few tracks that people will skip (especially in the later parts of the album), all round though its pretty inspiring - even if some of the tracks seem ripped out of a Disney film.… Expand