// Janelle Monáe //
// The ArchAndroid (Suites II & III) //
4.5 out of 5
It was the summer of 2006. Outkast members Big Boi and Andre 3000 reconvened after solo film projects and brought us Idlewild: a real stinker of a movie/musical that I turned off after about 25 minutes. The significance of Idlewild lies in the jazz-based hip-hop soundtrack that accompanied its release. The soundtrack also doubled as Outkast's 6th studio album, and featured some recognizable stars (Lil' Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray). More importantly, Idlewild introduced us to Janelle Monáe. She appeared in the movie, and also on the soundtrack twice.
The first time I heard her voice on "Call The Law", I checked the tracklisting immediately to find the name. She was a big reason why I clung on to the Idlewild soundtrack for as long as I did. I waited patiently until 2008, when she released Metropolis: The Chase Suite. The EP went on to garner critical acclaim, which culminated in a 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. My personal favourite? "Sincerely, Jane".(sorry, couldn't find the album version on youtube) This song is so good, I have a secret bucket list wish to see this song performed live with full orchestra accompaniment.
Here we are in 2010 with release of The ArchAndroid, and Monáe has officially touched down with her unique brand of dramatic alt-soul-pop. A lengthy description, yes, but she really is that hard to classify. She defies boundaries and I love her for that. Her sound is utterly boundless, making The ArchAndroid as complete and satisfying an album as I have ever heard. It essentially picks up where Metropolis left off, and does so seamlessly. Altogether, the trilogy is ambitious, edgy, and ultimately successful at everything it sets out to accomplish.
Consider the fact that this is a whopping 18-track offering, which is risky business for an artist trying to make her first big splash. That's 18 opportunities to be judged, labelled, liked, or disliked. Also consider the staggering breadth and depth of the album. Suite II consists of Monáe flexing her inner early-Busta Rhymes on "Dance or Die", coasting effortlessly over the frantic "Faster", and completely disarming the listener with the uber-soothing "Oh, Maker". Step into Suite III and you will find a cameo from quirky indie popsters of Montreal, and a starry-eyed sampling of Claire de Lune. I am glad to say that Monáe runs the genre gauntlet and emerges a champion. It all flows like a well-crafted, expertly written movie.
The winning combination here is Monáe's raw vocal talent and commitment to artistry. She epitomizes control. Though undertaking the task of housing multiple musical styles under one tidy roof, ArchAndroid never loses it's flair and overall cohesiveness. Best of all, it continues to amaze and instill wonderment upon each listen. You'll never know what she'll pull out of her bag of tricks next, which is one of the things I love most about music. There aren't enough things in this world that make me wonder or keep me guessing. True artists like Janelle Monae do just that - on purpose - and it just makes you want to be around the source of that feeling more and more.
Summary: The ArchAndroid is a wild yet focused effort worthy of any iPod or CD player (if you're still on that). It meanders and seems primed to come off the rails, but thankfully, Monáe remains in full control. The album and is grand, dramatic, and dripping with personality. Even the most discerning pair of ears will be hard-pressed to find a bone to pick, and casual listeners will find many things to like as well. In short: sit, listen, and experience what tomorrow sounds like. Don't deprive yourself of this goodness.
dl: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T25LBC5Z
t: http://torrents.thepiratebay.org/5554610/Janelle_Monae_-_The_ArchAndroid_(2010).5554610.TPB.torrent
^^ About downloads: support the artists by seeing them live and buying a tshirt or three when they come to your area. Rob them of the $15 for the CD, but give back $60+ for a ticket and a shirt? I like my way. It helps me sleep at night =)
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