Janelle Monáe is getting some much deserved attention lately for her new album, The ArchAndroid, which was released on Tuesday. I had been hearing about her and this album all week – seeing her name on music blogs across the web, and seeing “The ArchAndroid” advertised everywhere. After listening to the record, I have a better understanding of why she is getting such great reviews.
A little background on Janelle Monáe: she wanted to sing on Broadway but decided to change direction and enter the world of pop music. Thankfully for us, Diddy signed her on his Bad Boy label by the end of 2007.
The ArchAndroid is a breath of fresh air from some of the other albums being released right now. It is definitely a CD you could put on shuffle and enjoy every minute of it. There is so much diversity from one song to the next, but Monáe’s biggest attribute is that she can create upbeat tempos for everyone to enjoy.
As previously stated, the diversity throughout the entire album is something that will surprise even the most avid music listener. The track “Oh, Maker” has a soulful edge and Monáe wonderfully lets her vocal cords soar through each range. It is a beautiful sound that just electrifies your earphones. If you go to the track immediately following called “Come Alive (War Of The Roses)”, she takes you into a world of mash-up rock when you are least expecting it.
This album also features sounds of psychedelic, R&B, and funk tones. Monáe does a fantastic job of bringing favorite sounds of the past into her retro style of the present and future. The creativity positively shows throughout the 70-minute work. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone who is looking for a mixture of sounds and beats to take them through the day.
Janelle Monáe is currently touring. For a list of her upcoming tour dates, click here. And don’t forget to check in with SeatGeek for forecasted ticket prices.
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