Janelle Monae "The Archandroid"

                She has been compared to Prince for a reason, and this whole album is a testament to that statement. Not only does she become stylistic chameleon, but she also does this under a story arc featuring her alter-ego, The Archandroid, or Cindi Mayweather; who, as said by Monae, has the importance of the arch angel in the bible, or Neo in the Matrix . We can also simplify it by saying that it is a love story set in the future, and as we travel to 2719, pay attention! “Suite II Overture” scores our travels, but be prepared! It will not be pretty once we get there because you either “Dance or Die.” I’m sure some of you are wishing you brought your dancing shoes, but really, they’re not needed. It’s nice to dance, but more important to pay attention what is going on: Think futuristic tribal beat with an ocassional horn section amidst sounds that create the illusion you are in space; amidst a barrage of lyrical…words! GAHHH!  Before you know it the beat picks up “Faster” and transitions seamlessly to the aforementioned. Imagery of an animated Monae running on the piano keys and …that beat, it must be her heart. Does everyone else feel “Locked Inside” a disco ball? The chorus is very catchy, but a horrid lyrical picture that is being created by the majority of the lyrics in what seems like a hopeless future. The music fades as we are taken on the other side. She admits that “Sir Greendown” is her love, and asks to meet her at the tower. “Cold War” will always be one of her songs that mean the most to me because I can relate, an anthem if you will, and the instrumentals are topnotch: from the percussion, to the guitar, organ, and the harmonies. The brassy funk of “Tightrope” featuring a Big Boi sounds like something that Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings could have wrote, but the lyrics are purely these two. It seems to be an anthem about haters, what do you say? Anybody Hungry? Why don’t we just listen to some “Neon Gumbo” then.  Don’t knock it until you try it!  The folky sound of “Oh, Maker” reminds me of Hey There, Delilah but has a whole different meaning and tone when  the lyrics come into focus. If you thought you were going to fall asleep, well, the old-school edge of this punky bass-bumper and drum pounder, amidst the volatile vocals “Come Alive” in this flouncing of flowers (War of Roses). The next song is what dreams are made of; because of all those “Mushrooms and Roses” one ate. I’m talking about inedible hallucinogenic ones here; I don’t know how they did it  but if you just focus on the song and keep your eyes closed you can feel yourself slowly levitate to skies. “Suite III Overture” sounds like it would fit in a Disney film, early 20^th century, but that is a compliment. “Neon Valley Street” makes an illusion to the Underground Railroad, and it’s fitting considering the whole situation that is taking place : “An outlaw outrunning the law, ha.” If you are not quick enough, you may not “Make The Bus.” The song features Of Montreal, and if that means anything to you then you know it will be great; what better subject then fixation?! Some say George Clinton and Placebo, but I say Tom Petty (first few seconds) and Mindless Self Indulgence. The song is a journey to a sensual “Wondaland.” May your fantasies and under garments run wild, and “me think me left me underpants.” "5782"’ may just seem like a number to you, but to this arc it is the number of the captive who will change the future for the better. Images of isolation and darkness flash before my eyes sample a trip or two. If the lyrical content sounds a little too complex for you, just “Say You’ll Go,” but you’re missing out; it is a nice bumper between the latter, and the epic three-movement finale that is “BaBopBye Ya.”