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The ArchAndroid Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 568 Ratings

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  • Summary: The second full-length album for the singer born in Kansas City is a continuation of the story of Cindi Mayweather, the android introduced in the 2007 EP, "Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase."

Top Track

Tightrope
Monae and Leftfoot Whoaaa Another day I take your pain away Some people talk about ya Like they know all about ya When you get down they doubt... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. 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.
  2. 100
    Either allow this the dignity of being played through a quality sound system or go invest in a pair of Beats by Dres. This is far less an album than a cinematic experience.
  3. Monae's inexhaustible swagger and singular style sell both the high-concept theatrics and the schizophrenic sonics.
  4. At times, the fumes of ambition are so thick off "The ArchAndroid," it's hard to absorb in one sitting. All the same, it's a star-making debut.
  5. Manipulating her voice as much as she does her sound, Monáe widens the cast of characters and pushes along the self-explorative narrative. The ArchAndroid could be the stuff of stage or screen, 3-D without the annoying glasses.
  6. Understanding all this stuff enhances the enjoyment of the album, but it is not required. A few tracks merely push the album along, and a gaudy Of Montreal collaboration is disruptive, but there are numerous highlights that are vastly dissimilar from one another.
  7. Her full-length debut--about a robot-populated utopia based on Fritz Lang's classic 1927 film Metropolis--is so ambitious, so freighted with sounds and ideas and allusions, it threatens at times to sink under its own weight.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 90
  2. Negative: 2 out of 90
  1. 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 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! Expand
  2. 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 ofThis 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
  3. Lauren
    May 21, 2010
    10
    Brilliant!! The album is so innovative; i've have heard songs like this before!!
  4. Mar 9, 2013
    10
    Her songs brings the soul of the soul music back, I listened to the full album several times, I can't stop listening to this, if you like R&BHer songs brings the soul of the soul music back, I listened to the full album several times, I can't stop listening to this, if you like R&B or soul music, your life is made. Expand
  5. Jun 10, 2022
    10
    Brilliant. The mix of genres is great and I love the themes and musical style.
  6. May 16, 2011
    9
    This record blew me away! Monáe's voice is unbelievable, and the music behind her is just as good. The concept of the albumThis 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! Expand
  7. TimQ
    May 20, 2010
    2
    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 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. Expand

See all 90 User Reviews

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