User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 574 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 516 out of 574
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Mixed: 22 out of 574
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Negative: 36 out of 574
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Aug 22, 2010
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ChetanPMay 23, 2010Every 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.
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KennedyJ.May 20, 2010This 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.
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BillMay 21, 2010Excellent 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.
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Sep 9, 2010
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LeinadSMay 21, 2010Wow! 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.
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Oct 8, 2011
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ThisRocksMay 19, 2010
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Aug 28, 2010
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Nov 17, 2010I 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.
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Apr 26, 2011
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Dec 26, 2010
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Feb 19, 2011
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Jul 30, 2012To put it short: For the evolution of art form called music - this is the most important album made since Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run in 1975. I'm completely amazed by the way Janelle Monáe ventures to different genres and everytime, hits a home-run.
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Jan 4, 2013
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Apr 24, 2018
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Aug 28, 2020very original. incredible concept and lyric content. janelle never ever misses.
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Nov 22, 2010After 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.
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Aug 16, 2010"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. -
TimQMay 20, 2010Way 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.
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MukumbaA.May 20, 2010Wow, 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.
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carablef.May 23, 2010Really?!? the production and variation stand out a tad, but vocally she sounds just like any other top 40 pop act, no new character.
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JonAMay 22, 2010
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Sep 30, 2010I 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.
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Nov 1, 2010
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RoboN.May 19, 2010The 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!
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JoshF.May 19, 2010It 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.
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JohnnyD.May 21, 2010Def the best album of the year so far. Can't stop listening!!!
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BradleyCMay 20, 2010I 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!
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LaurenMay 21, 2010Brilliant!! The album is so innovative; i've have heard songs like this before!!
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JasonMay 20, 2010This album is the best of the year thus far in my opinion.
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UsmanKMay 20, 2010One 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.
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SoluL.May 22, 2010Global in scope and achievement...an amazing musical experience. Monae and Wondaland are so much fun to watch and hear and see!
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AdamR.May 20, 2010Janelle Monae has brought the industry to their knees with this incredible breakthrough!
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BrentMay 23, 2010This 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!
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DavidW.May 20, 2010This 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!
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JohnA.May 19, 2010What.... 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.
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TylerR.May 21, 2010Wow! 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.
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JonM.May 21, 2010one 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.
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BrendanMMay 20, 2010
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JamesP.May 23, 2010Flawless. Ambitious. Versatile. Album of the Year.
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DW.May 18, 2010I 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.
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TimothyA.May 19, 2010Incredibly 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.
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MárioO.May 19, 2010Absolutely 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!
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KurtMay 21, 2010Astounding. This woman lives and breathes music; all music, across all genres. I hope its influence is felt far and wide.
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AdamB.May 21, 2010
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narathipk.May 21, 2010The new hype is here! this album is just "absolutely amazing".
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DieterNMay 22, 2010Hands down best album of the year so far! Superb mix of musical genres and excellent production!
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SareeshaM.May 23, 2010This album is the best album of the last 10 years! Janelle Monae is a legend in the making!!
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Sep 12, 2010
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Oct 16, 2010Great 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.
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Aug 13, 2010One 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
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Aug 13, 2010Listened 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.
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Sep 27, 2010This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
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Aug 17, 2010
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Aug 24, 2010
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Sep 2, 2010
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Sep 27, 2010
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Nov 4, 2010this 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.
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Nov 5, 2010This 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!!
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May 16, 2011This 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!
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Nov 22, 2010Janelle 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.
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Sep 12, 2013
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Nov 26, 2010
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Dec 14, 2010Great 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.
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Dec 16, 2010This 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.
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Oct 27, 2011Best 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.
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Aug 31, 2011
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Aug 27, 2011Monae is this generation's Lauryn Hill. She has the same strength and brilliance, she as as creative and as talented. The album is a living proof of her sheer talent. It's the album of 2010, period.
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Jun 4, 2012
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Mar 9, 2013Her 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.
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Feb 13, 2014This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
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Aug 25, 2013A masterpiece. A incredible and challenging album, her style is ecletic and the music is the same. This album is like a movie or some. It's simply the best of this year 2010. Now i'm waiting for the sequel and i expect that it will be a second masterpiece of this talented woman.
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Sep 14, 2013I love this album! Janelle has so many different styles and genres of music on "The ArchAndroid". The best songs on the album are "Faster", "Tightrope" and "Come Alive (The War Of The Roses)".
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Sep 4, 2013This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
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Apr 11, 2018It's hard to fault anything released by Janelle Monáe as is proved by her first full length album. The combination of jazz, folk, electronic and funk is well extremely well balanced, but works better on Suite II rather than Suite III. Download: Cold War, Tight Rope (duh), Dance or Die.
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Dec 19, 2013perfect...this record is pure magic you will get moved in a total different magical place when you hear this..( and this actually happens in every janelle monae's project)she creates her own world in her records..such a great artist
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Aug 11, 2014this is a truly fabulous album literally bursting in styles and creativity and ambition. See this, people, is what pop music is all about. Ambition and creativity, that's what modern pop needs, and any artist to do an album this fulfilling should most definitely consider themselves the ring leader of pop as we know it.
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May 9, 2018The greatest album since 1976 that deserves to be listened to in full, beginning to end. Eight years laters I am still discovering it again and again.
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Aug 25, 2014Perfect in every sense of the word! The Archandroid does't just prove to be one of the best pop albums of 2010, but of all time! Janelle Monae destroys all!!
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Mar 28, 2015A focus on fantastic tunes and thought provoking narrative makes for a fantastic record which manages to be cohesive despite amalgamating so many different styles and themes
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Jul 2, 2016This album is simply amazing, the way the story evolves, it's magical. Truly recommend this one, you won't be disappointed, if you like R&B, this one is for you.
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Aug 11, 2018The ArchAndroind is absolutely genius release. I never hear so much masterpieces in one album. Janelle have a greatest talent.
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Nov 29, 2016
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Oct 17, 2021
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Aug 29, 2020Injustiçado no Grammy por tratar temas sociais de forma tão esplêndida e perspicaz. O meu álbum favorito de todos os tempos por enquanto.
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Sep 20, 2019Monae's debut is incredible, she's genius and she really underrated. Collaborations are perfect and some of them sounds like true hits.
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Aug 19, 2020um dos melhores álbuns que eu já escutei na minha vida. A forma como ela brinca com os diferentes ritmos musicais é simplesmente perspicaz. Perfeito do inicio ao fim.
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Mar 6, 2022
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Jun 10, 2022Brilliant. The mix of genres is great and I love the themes and musical style.
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Apr 10, 2023An impressive album by the incredibly talented Janelle Monae; it feels like such an amazing and large listening experience. Janelle deserves a lot more recognition for this masterpiece.
Awards & Rankings
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The result is a dizzying fusion, marked by its lofty ambition and stunning central performance.
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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.
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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.