By shelz.
Sometime during my early childhood, Giorgio Moroder took the film Metropolis and set it to the most horrifying 80’s pop-rock soundtrack. While the songs did fit the premise and generally helped to propel the silent films story line along, the soundtrack still managed to suck. Fritz Lang and ‘nem wouldn’t have had that problem if Janelle Monae had been around back then. (She wasn’t by the way.) The ArchAndroid is a lush, intricate and eclectic ode to Lang’s 1927 German classic that would have stolen the show.
The ArchAndroid returns us to the life and times of Cindi Mayweather (this album is an extension of Monae’s 2007 EP Metropolis Suite 1: The Chase.) Mayweather is the “Neo” of the enslaved androids who has been placed in Metropolis to engender revolution and lead them to greener pastures. There was only one android in the movie (and while beautiful, she was leading the masses to hell, not nirvana.) However, the central theme is intact in Monae’s work, making it not just beautiful, but a successful concept album and that’s very rare these days.
Eighteen tracks dedicated to loosely following an old European silent flick may seem intimidating and haughty. However, whether you know the story or don’t, whether you buy into the concept or not, this album is absolutely striking in its construction, arrangement and performance. While embracing a multitude of divergent sounds that have passed, Monae has managed to push new boundaries and make quite the statement.
The general theme is breaking the chains of mental and physical restraint; the storied rise of proletariat X against the evil empire in control. However, Monae takes it a step further, introducing feelings of self-evolution within the class fight. And she does it with almost every genre you know and still manages to tie it together.
The smooth bassline and world music feel of “Dance or Die” featuring Saul Williams displays Monae’s emcee skills and tackles the idea of the fight from both the group and individual perceptive. “Mushrooms & Roses” is a 60’s inspired acid haze rock piece that starts with beautifully somber chamber strings which lead to a soulful organ and eventually blossoms into something that could have stopped time at Woodstock. The futuristic synth driven “Cold War” is a fight anthem, a song to get the masses ready for battle. The sneaky fun house style organ is just awesome. “Tightrope” with Big Boi is some dope funk and quite amusing considering the theme. I guess androids have haters too.
Monae incorporates folk sensibilities into pop construction in “Oh Maker,” a song that comes complete with an enjoyable nod to Simon and Garfunkel. “Come Alive” whispers rock-a-billy as Monae screams out her intention to live. “Neon Valley Street” is classic old school soul and “Make the Bus” is some of the most enjoyable funk since Parliament and the chorus is very Bootsy. However, the futuristic sound still manages to rear its head and the choral inserts are incredible. Then there are the orchestral elements that ribbon through the LP. Amazing.
The ArchAndroid is an incredibly ornate, detailed piece of music that you won’t be able to digest in just one sitting. It’s been fine-tuned to within an inch of its life, but inside that inch Monae and crew managed to find the perfect pitch. The ambitiousness of it all in itself deserve props, but they brought that ambition to realization and produced one of the most perfectly epic, unique and quirky releases we have seen in a long time. I’m sure this soundtrack would be Fritz Lang approved. Sorry Giorgio Moroder.
![black-thumbs-up](http://planetill.wordpress.com/files/2009/05/black-thumbs-up.jpg?w=65" "black-thumbs-up")
4.5 Out of 5
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It’s Giorgio.
And I’m disappointed with the album. : /
sorry sir.. on both counts. its fixed.
well written review–more sophisticated and insightful than most; as you have written, this music speaks for itself…enough said.
This is a great review. However, you managed to give it a 4.5 out of 5, meaning that you believe it to need work at least somewhere. Did I miss it or were you just wary of giving it a classic status?
great review. knowing the background information on “The ArchAndroid” make the listening experience so much more meaningful. Cant wait for the 18th!
This album is phenomenal. No doubt about it. 5 stars all the way. I’m impressed in a way I haven’t been since the Mis-education of Lauryn Hill. Thank God for Janelle Monae and this new music.
@Joe, you’re disappointed?
A comment like that automatically means your taste in music is questionable. The above review was spot on and reason enough for you to listen to this album again. It’s magical to say the least. If you don’t appreciate this art, I’m not really sure you’re alive. Go see your doctor stat.
Congrats to Janelle Monae on a fantastic album – this is truly a work of art.
Fantastic review and even better album. It speaks for itself indeed – love it. Will be album of the year.
INCREDIBLE.
That’s all.
@ joe why would you be the first on here and be negative? i’m so sorry that you didn’t enjoy the album. i wonder what you DO actually enjoy. probably simple beats with a repetitious hook looping throughout the song.
at any rate, i heard previews of the songs and i am blown away. this girl can sing like none other and i am so impressed by the range in her vocals. she masters indie folk, to pop, to rock, to rap (yes rap. this chile can spit too)
i encourage all to go out and support this project. don’t listen to joe. you will NOT be disappointed in the least!!!
i still can’t wrap my mind around how incredible her vocals are. i am so excited for the 18th. this project is epic!
she is my favorite artist. i love her. can’t wait until the 18th. great review.
i loved this review. janelle is phenomenal. i pre-ordered her album and i cannot wait until it arrives.
support her. she is a knock out singer. may 18th!!!
beautiful music!
I have heard the snippets of the album and l am delighted to say the least. Her music is insightful,indepth powerfully and sturdy in its construction and bursting with colour,drama and opulent to say the least. As for the twit who said he was dissapoint by it needs a taste transplant.obviously u r neither open minded or intellegent enough to embrace this corner of black music which is neither booty shaking,bling swingin or hell bent on the pursit of usless material gain. A true triumph! Panda x
I have heard the snippets of the album and l am delighted to say the least. Her music is insightful,indepth powerfully and sturdy in its construction and bursting with colour,drama and opulent to say the least. As for the twit who said he was dissapoint by it needs a taste transplant.obviously u r neither open minded or intellegent enough to embrace this corner of black music which is neither booty shaking,bling swingin or hell bent on the pursit of usless material gain. A true triumph! Panda x