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. indiegirly
    Apr 10, 2023
    10
    An 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.
  2. Nickvb583
    Jun 10, 2022
    10
    Brilliant. The mix of genres is great and I love the themes and musical style.
  3. Fuerstenberg
    Mar 6, 2022
    8
    On her full-length debut "The ArchAndroid" Janelle Monáe experiments with soul, R&B, pop, funk, hip hop and even classical music. Janelle combines German Expressionism and Afrofuturism with unlimited creativity and artistic finesse.

    With flashes of Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie and hints of James Bond soundtracks, the artist walks a fine line between harmony and chaos. Each song    On her full-length debut "The ArchAndroid" Janelle Monáe experiments with soul, R&B, pop, funk, hip hop and even classical music. Janelle combines German Expressionism and Afrofuturism with unlimited creativity and artistic finesse.

    With flashes of Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie and hints of James Bond soundtracks, the artist walks a fine line between harmony and chaos. Each song flows seamlessly perfect into the next. And even if Suite III can't keep up with the second part; it's a bold masterpiece in timeless perfection, which still sounds futuristic twelve years after its release.

    My favorites:
    "Tightrope"
    "Locked Inside"
    "Dance or Die"
    "Oh, Maker"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    March 6, 2022    … Expand
  4. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 17, 2021
    8
    **** phenomenal . Sounds like the soundtrack to a broadway musical . The genius balance of cohesion and full on experiments makes for a varied concept album. The story of the album doesn't sacrifice musicality and the suites accentuate the thematic nature of the record which handles genre hopping with the easy thinking. Despite it's length it never feels too long-like a great movie. Truly**** phenomenal . Sounds like the soundtrack to a broadway musical . The genius balance of cohesion and full on experiments makes for a varied concept album. The story of the album doesn't sacrifice musicality and the suites accentuate the thematic nature of the record which handles genre hopping with the easy thinking. Despite it's length it never feels too long-like a great movie. Truly one of the best albums of it's time. Favourites: tightrope, oh maker, cold war,5782,faster, dead roses,lockdown… Expand
  5. williamwithanm
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Injustiçado no Grammy por tratar temas sociais de forma tão esplêndida e perspicaz. O meu álbum favorito de todos os tempos por enquanto.
  6. benjnorth
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    very original. incredible concept and lyric content. janelle never ever misses.
  7. tokatti
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    um 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.
  8. victorialiewind
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Monae's debut is incredible, she's genius and she really underrated. Collaborations are perfect and some of them sounds like true hits.
  9. MosesQueen
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    The ArchAndroind is absolutely genius release. I never hear so much masterpieces in one album. Janelle have a greatest talent.
  10. jameskparry
    May 9, 2018
    10
    The 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.
  11. joethealien
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    This album changed my life. It came out when I was 13 and from the very first listen, the passion was blowing my mind. Without a single doubt one of the greatest albums of all time. Every track is an absolute stunner. There's futuristic hip-hop (Dance or Die, Tightrope), funky new wave (Faster, Cold War), psychedelic rock (Mushrooms & Roses), indie folk (57821) and art punk (Come Alive).This album changed my life. It came out when I was 13 and from the very first listen, the passion was blowing my mind. Without a single doubt one of the greatest albums of all time. Every track is an absolute stunner. There's futuristic hip-hop (Dance or Die, Tightrope), funky new wave (Faster, Cold War), psychedelic rock (Mushrooms & Roses), indie folk (57821) and art punk (Come Alive). No song on this album has ever gotten old or overplayed for me. No song lacks the lush ambition of what precedes it. It's difficult to even consider that another album this decade could be as ambitious as this one. But the ambition never diminishes the sheer brilliance of the composition on this album. This is one of those extremely rare albums where every single moment is executed with utmost grace and skill. I don't understand how anyone in their right mind could rate this anything less than a 10/10. It's monumental, it's transcendent, it's a sci-fi adventure and it's a force to be reckoned with even after 8 years. It was ahead of its time when it was released and it still is. Masterpiece.… Expand
  12. marcmyworks
    Apr 11, 2018
    8
    It'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.
  13. victorcarter
    Nov 29, 2016
    8
    Through an extremely developed and futuristic concept, Janelle Monae released one of the first incredible albums of this decade in her 2nd commercial release. Her funky production and silky, comforting voice make for a brilliant take on neo-soul, and inspired many artists after her to use these styles. She also adds in touches of hip hop, jazz, and some assembled choirs to blur the linesThrough an extremely developed and futuristic concept, Janelle Monae released one of the first incredible albums of this decade in her 2nd commercial release. Her funky production and silky, comforting voice make for a brilliant take on neo-soul, and inspired many artists after her to use these styles. She also adds in touches of hip hop, jazz, and some assembled choirs to blur the lines between distinct genres and make something that Monae can call her own.… Expand
  14. CharlieGray
    Jul 2, 2016
    10
    This 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.
  15. ughnicewatch
    Mar 28, 2015
    9
    A 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
  16. joevelz
    Aug 25, 2014
    10
    Perfect 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!!
  17. Muddsjr
    Aug 11, 2014
    9
    this 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.
  18. catcarlo
    Feb 13, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Che accidenti di donnina che è Janelle Monáe. Perché se una, a venticinque anni, scrive e registra un caleidoscopio come questo e casca meravigliosamente in piedi, i numeri deve proprio averli. L’oggetto ha tutto per farsi guardare con sospetto: un concept-album (addirittura!) che racconta la seconda e la terza parte di una saga fantascientifica iniziata nel precedente ‘Metropolis: suite I (The chase)’ e ispirata al film di Fritz Lang richiamato vagamente anche dall’immagine di copertina, il tutto musicato con uno spettro larghissimo di influenze in cui la musica nera ha la prevalenza, ma tutto meno che l’esclusiva. Partiamo da qualche numero: diciotto brani - incluse le due ‘ouvertures’ orchestrali – per oltre un’ora di durata. In tanta abbondanza, qualcosa di troppo c’è, ma Janelle non dà l’impressione di avere fatto il passo più lungo della gamba e l’estrema varietà del disco fa sì che i successivi ascolti regalino sempre nuovi spunti. Non che la prima impressione risulti particolarmente difficoltosa: il substrato generale è un soul dalle grandi venature pop che ha la sua matrice di base nel suono Motown e subisce le influenze di Stevie Wonder, di Quincy Jones o di Prince. Ne consegue che ci sia più di una strizzata d’occhio alle classifiche, particolarmente evidente in ‘Cold war’ che magari pare fatta apposta per entrare in una colonna sonora (o in uno spot), ma è anche iresistibile tra ganci azzeccati e ritmo trascinante. L’inizio del disco ha invece sonorità forse meno immediate, con il nu-soul che permea sia ‘Dance or die’ (in cui il poeta e musicista Saul Williams regala una sfumatura hip-hop) sia, in versione più funk, ‘Faster’, ma già quando quest’ultima confluisce in ‘Locked inside’ (i primi tre brani non presentano soluzione di continuità) l’attitudine pop inizia a farsi sentire grazie a una solarità che può ricordare i Jackson 5. Prima della sullodata ‘Cold war’ c’è uno dei momenti che servono a tirare il fiato: ‘Sir Greendown’ è una ballata da mezze luci con tanto di organo sullo sfondo in cui l’artista dimostra le ulteriori qualità di una voce davvero notevole sia nei pezzi tirati, sia in quelli d’atmosfera. Altri brani simili si trovano qua e là: la morbida (malgrado l’intermezzo rap) ‘Neon valley street’ o quella ‘Say you’ll go’ che fa tanto anni Settanta, mentre ‘Oh maker’ si distacca per un incidere decisamente ‘bianco’ che però si apre in un bel ritornello che mette in mostra la sua netta ascendenza wonderiana. Del tutto in territorio viso pallido è invece ‘57821’ un pezzo appoggiato sulla chitarra acustica che pare rifarsi più al folk britannico che a CSN: realizzato con la collaborazione del duo funk Deep Cotton è uno degli anelli deboli del disco, in compagnia di ‘Make the bus’ dove, assieme agli Of Montreal, Janelle costruisce un ibrido di disco anni Settanta e David Bowie periodo Ziggy che finisce per suonare come una versione meno brillante degli Sparks. Si tratta di canzoni non brutte o magari inutili – come è, invece, l’intermezzo di ‘Neon gumbo’ – ma non all’altezza del resto. Si vedano al confronto il trascinante rhythm ‘n’ blues di ‘Tightrope’, irrobustito dalla voce di Big Boi degli Outkast, oppure la deviazione rock dell’accoppiata costituita da ‘Come alive (The war of the roses)’ e ‘Mushroom & roses’: la prima inizia con ritmica da anni Cinquanta, ma si sviluppa aggressiva dominata da una chitarra fuzz, mentre la seconda ha un rilassato andamento psichedelico che nella voce filtrata richiama i Beatles, ma, soprattutto, nell’effettato assolo di chitarra omaggia Prince. Oltre al non trascendentale disco-pop di ‘Wondaland’ (gli anni Ottanta colpiscono ancora), all’ascoltatore resta ancora la suite nella suite: in quasi nove minuti, ‘Babopbye Ya’ vaga avanti e indietro per quattro decenni – musical anni Quaranta, lounge anni Cinquanta, pop con tocchi di Brasile anni Sessanta, soul classico anni Settanta – dando ulteriore prova dell’eclettismo dell’artista. Un eclettismo che nel brano conclusivo va a scapito della qualità (la carne al fuoco pare davvero troppa) ma che nell’economia complessiva del disco è di sicuro un valore aggiunto: in queste canzoni, Janelle Monáe dà l’impressione di saper mescolare con abilità i mille ingredienti che il passato le mette a disposizione per creare una musica allo stesso tempo immediata e curatissima. In più, va ripetuto, la ragazza ha una gran voce e, vista anche la giovane età, le si perdonano con facilità anche i peccati presunzione.… Expand
  19. derbas
    Dec 19, 2013
    10
    perfect...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
  20. BWETMatangi
    Sep 14, 2013
    9
    I 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)".
  21. Vampire25
    Sep 12, 2013
    8
    The sheer scope of The ArchAndroid is vast. The concept of Janelle Monae's alter-ego is one for the books. The ArchAndroid is a fantastic record. Every track is detailed to perfection with hooks and different sounds and of course Janelle Monae's soulful R&B vocals and her futuristic lyrics. The album contains 18 songs, The first 9 being the more superior in it's accessibility andThe sheer scope of The ArchAndroid is vast. The concept of Janelle Monae's alter-ego is one for the books. The ArchAndroid is a fantastic record. Every track is detailed to perfection with hooks and different sounds and of course Janelle Monae's soulful R&B vocals and her futuristic lyrics. The album contains 18 songs, The first 9 being the more superior in it's accessibility and catchiness, while the latter half is more experimental, yet extremely well crafted once you start to really listen to them.

    All In All, Janelle Monae crafted a beautiful debut record and one that many will remember years from now. B+    … Expand
  22. pervert19
    Sep 4, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It took just one listen. The album just gets better as the tracks are played on and on. It begins amazingly and ends perfectly. It starts with "Suite II Overture" that is charming, then we have a trio ("Dance or Die", "Faster" and "Locked Inside") that makes you wanna dance and sing out loud. Right after we have "Sir Greendown" that slow a bit but still a great song, the lyrics are great and it feels like this is a letter from Cindi to Sir. Greendown himself. "Cold War" and "Tightrope" bring back the 'dancy' feel, with amazing lyrics and production. These two songs are the best ones from the "Suite II". "Neon Gumbo", "Oh, Maker", "Come Alive (War of the Roses)" and "Mushrooms & Roses" end perfectly this first part of the album, but something better (if possible) is coming. The second part is initiated with "Suite III Overture" that is as perfect as "Suite II". "Neon Valley Street" is a great track, with amazing production, "Make the Bus" and "Wondaland" are amazing songs that fit this part of the album but a bit forgettable because of what is coming. "57821" opens the end of the album masterfully. "Say You'll Go" is a great track that makes you dream and think about old movies and a great love, and then it comes. I don't know if an album was EVER ended in such a perfect way. The way "BabopbyeYa" goes and is played, the way this track in its 8 minutes and 48 seconds amaze and impress is too much to handle, the way the three movements are perfectly produced and intertwined is unforgettable, the way Janelle's voice is powerful and sweet, all of these are "BabopbyeYa" in its stunning performance. And when the song ends it makes you want to know what is comming next. "The ArchAndroid" walk in many different genres but never loses its identity, its mastery. Janelle Monáe's album is one of the best albums I've ever heard and much more.… Expand
  23. indiegalaxy10
    Aug 25, 2013
    10
    A 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.
  24. BrunoZrZr
    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&B or soul music, your life is made.
  25. QuintonB
    Jan 4, 2013
    9
    Janelle Monae is eclectic and an animal. Her influences range from Prince to Joni Mitchell to Outkast, and The ArchAndroid is one refreshing beast of an album. Orchestral pop blends into funkadelic workouts which transform into jazz-esque ballads that comprise one of the best albums to come out of 2010. The singer has clearly established herself as a soulsonic force to be reckoned with,Janelle Monae is eclectic and an animal. Her influences range from Prince to Joni Mitchell to Outkast, and The ArchAndroid is one refreshing beast of an album. Orchestral pop blends into funkadelic workouts which transform into jazz-esque ballads that comprise one of the best albums to come out of 2010. The singer has clearly established herself as a soulsonic force to be reckoned with, with jams like "Tightrope", "Cold War", and "BaBopByeYa" standing out as some of the best on this heterogeneous smorgasbord of an album.… Expand
  26. Julli
    Jul 30, 2012
    10
    To 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.
  27. kylevm
    Jun 4, 2012
    10
    The ArchAndroid is one of the best albums of all time. And my personal favorite. Janelle created a beautiful soundscape and it draws me in every time I listen. Whether you are listening to the concept, or listening to each song individually as it's own piece, it entertains! This woman had the desire and passion to create something beautiful, and she did. There is a wide variety ofThe ArchAndroid is one of the best albums of all time. And my personal favorite. Janelle created a beautiful soundscape and it draws me in every time I listen. Whether you are listening to the concept, or listening to each song individually as it's own piece, it entertains! This woman had the desire and passion to create something beautiful, and she did. There is a wide variety of influences that can be heard throughout the entire album. And Janelle executed this entire production flawlessly. From the power-house vocals to mild melodies, there were no limits. Daring and bold, this album is what most artists dream of achieving. Definitely looking forward to the fourth and final suite!… Expand
  28. Labarron
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    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.
  29. LuizCC
    Oct 8, 2011
    9
    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 albumIt'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
  30. iamtheoneneo
    Aug 31, 2011
    8
    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    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
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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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