When I first learned that Janelle Monae's sophomore album would be based on Fritz Lang's monumental expressionist 1927 film Metropolis, I was intrigued. Now that I've heard the album (several dozen times) I am obsessed.
The album, titled The ArchAndroid, is both daunting and engrossing. It practically defies any sort of classification. It weaves multiple genres together and seamlessly moves between them. It sails effortlessly through dreamy Tin-Pan Alley ballads, to orchestral, to what has been classified as "Afrofuturistic," to funk, to hip-hop.
It is ambitious in its reach and wide in its scope. Monae has released an album that is meant to be listened to attentively. Though for its many advantages, it is not without its faults. Listeners will no doubt find a song or two to skip over. All in all, however, the entire album is a cohesive work of art; it is a masterpiece in 18 tracks.
Monae's voice is reminiscent of Dinah Washington and Lena Horne on some tracks, and on others, it is completely her own. The 24 year old singer is a highly capable vocalist with superb control. There is something altogether refreshing about her style.
I know that the year isn't quite up yet, but The ArchAndroid is a serious contender for Album of the Year.
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