The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III of IV) is a mashing together of dry potatoes into dull but thick soup; Janelle dances her way through 18 throwback tracks appealing to pop fans from another time. Of course she can't help dancing, (“Dance or Die”) and who can blame her? She's a perfect maniac on the stage, dressing up a sharp suit with sharp moves. Her presentation is off the charts.
But this album doesn't last long in stereos, on the radio, or even jukeboxes. It's a work for the stage as much as it is a record. The tracks don't aim for highs and lows or rise and fall well enough to stand on their own. Some like “Oh Maker”, "Wondaland", and “Dance or Die” graze the cinematic plateau the music rests at with special hooks and grooves, but most of the album bows to Monae's simple novelty. “Make the Bus feat Of Montreal” is one of the standout songs. They're a dynamic partnership.
The smorgasbord of stylings Monae plays with witnesses her playfulness and special ability to consistently deliver solid ballads, folk and dance numbers, and even scat songs. The production value, clever storylines, and tributes to earlier performers make her a hot target for the music business. Diddy chomped her up for being “different and innovative.” She's something no one's listened to in a minute, and she nails the role with attitude. But the way she makes it her own, drawing together images of machines, orchestras, and smoky jazz bars, collapses empty of melodic power. She attacks the ears with a mixture of quirky oddity and accepted standards, but never builds an impacting moment beyond bright visions of frantic dancing or classic atmospheres. J Monae has creative vision and nails her designs with exceptional grace, but it's a dry image to behold. The intros and interludes are just unattractive decoration on an average pop album by a hot star.
Good review, I loved this when it was released and then went off it for a few months. But now I love it again and it's a shame it didn't get more recognition.
I've seen the Tightrope and Cold War videos semi-regularly but I felt like this album was accessible enough for everyone to collectively get into it and I don't think it really took off like it deserved to.
The review is well-written, but I feel it is far too short to properly present your feelings on the album,especially since it's an opinion differing from the majority. As a result, none of your points seem like they're flushed out well, and the conclusion is incredibly unsatisfactory.
Oh my god.... good review though I feel you could have explained your point of view better, because
some of your arguments are just... there.
The review is well-written, but I feel it is far too short to properly present your feelings on the album,especially since it's an opinion differing from the majority. As a result, none of your points seem like they're flushed out well, and the conclusion is incredibly unsatisfactory.
i'm not really sure what else there is to flush out, it's a pretty straightforward "argument." I could butter it up but I wasn't going for buttery
but I feel it is far too short to properly present your feelings on the album,especially since it's an opinion differing from the majority
I felt like a short review was the best match of my feelings for this album. If it warranted more I'd probably like it more, but none of the tracks really speak loudly lyrically or feel amazingly catchy, just vaguely James Brownish.
like if I thought "It’s fitting that Janelle Monaé fancies herself an android; mere mortals couldn't
pull off what she and her co-producers have achieved. The ArchAndroid is a masterpiece, a work of art
– the first of the new decade, direct from the 28th century," (like another reviewer) then the review
would probably be a little longer and have a more satisfying conclusion. this review isn't really
supposed to express adulation or deep rage
