The ArchAndroid (studio album) by Janelle Monáe

An interesting concept that is built on well and it makes this album a must listen just so you can experience the storyline. She does a brilliant job with the lyrics and it allows us to be able to explore her ideas and themes in depth. The music also feels rich and detailed throughout with there being a large array of instrumentation which can captivate you. However, the album has never really clicked with me. There is no song which stands out as great and they all just seem to blend into one which makes it feel repetitive for me. Overall, a must listen album for the concept and lyrics but I have always struggled to get into the music and enjoy it.

From Brad1770 08/29/2021 06:48

Sprawling and extravagant futuristic concept album about a time travelling Android who fights an evil dictatorship and at the same time falls in love with a humanoid

Critically acclaimed yet still underrated

Simply incredible

An incredibly consistent yet varied album musically. One of the best of the 2010s for sure.
Janelle Monae is something special.
The only weak track here is Make the Bus

The ArchAndroid is the great Afro-futuristic musical that came to vinyl instead of the stage. Monae proves their skill with genre fusions and an impressive variety of vocal range. My main criticisms are the confusing nature of the narrative and the decline in quality in the B side. This thankfully does not stop the trip to Wondaland from being a good time.

This was so awesome. Explores different genres and Monae pulls them off well.

Favorites: Cold War, Come Alive (War of the Roses).

Sustained brilliance. A compelling variety of genres and complex melodies complete with interesting themes explored deftly with well-written lyrics, and of course expressive and downright excellent vocals by Monáe herself, all makes "The ArchAndroid" a modern classic. Easily one of the best albums of the decade.

From corenfro 04/01/2017 03:21

Underrated neo-soul / funk with a psychedelic twist and great guitar sounds. So much good music on this at such a high level of output. Riding on the wings of Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, MJ, James Brown, Outkast, Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot, she was able to do what a bit of what St. Vincent, FKA Twigs, Beyonce, Solange, Grimes, and Kendrick have all been since intensely praised for, yet half a decade earlier. It's as good as anything that's out this decade in this genre.

So good, I wish this had more exposure. Oh, Maker is just exquisite

A kind of r'n'b version of The wall, in it's delivery. Some great moments on here. Extremely enjoyable.

From RoundTheBend 06/24/2016 04:47

Mushrooms and Roses was probably my favorite track (probably because I'm a boring rocker). I do find this album tantalizing... but idk... just not that interesting. Good palate cleanser, but not a main dish?