The ArchAndroid
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox album
| name = The ArchAndroid
| type = studio
| artist = Janelle Monáe
| cover = Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid album cover.jpg
| border = yes
| alt = Image of an African American female shoulders up with headgear consisting of multiple buildings and sculptures whilst wearing large triangular earrings she looks into the camera with robotic style metallic shoulder-wear. The background of the image is blue with it darkening away from her head with the title placed across the top of the cover and her name and the words "Suites II and III" of the bottom left hand side whilst four circles three of which are shaded in are placed on the bottom right hand side.
| released = {{Start date|2010|5|18}}
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio = Wondaland, Atlanta, Georgia
| genre =
- Progressive soul{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sc-ent-janelle-monae-album-review-0427-story.html|access-date=June 24, 2021|last=Kot|first=Greg|authorlink=Greg Kot|date=April 27, 2018|title=Janelle Monae comes back down to earth on 'Dirty Computer'|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625084155/https://www.baltimoresun.com/sc-ent-janelle-monae-album-review-0427-story.html|url-status=live}}
- alternative R&B{{cite journal|last=Abebe|first=Nitsuh|date=August 14, 2011|url=http://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/features/indie-r-and-b-albums-2011-8/|title=R&B Records With an Indie Affect|journal=New York|access-date=November 18, 2012|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320063037/https://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/features/indie-r-and-b-albums-2011-8/|url-status=live}}
- psychedelic pop{{cite news|last=Scholtes|first=Peter S.|date=September 15, 2011|url=http://www.citypages.com/2010-09-15/calendar/janelle-monae/full/|title=Janelle Monae|newspaper=City Pages|location=Minneapolis|access-date=May 12, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220154330/http://www.citypages.com/2010-09-15/calendar/janelle-monae/full/|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}
- psychedelic soul{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Mikael|url=http://villagevoice.com/2010/04/06/do-the-tightrope/|title=Do the Tightrope|date=April 6, 2010|newspaper=The Village Voice|location=New York|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816003918/https://www.villagevoice.com/2010/04/06/do-the-tightrope/|url-status=live}}
| length = 68:35
| label =
| producer =
| prev_title = Metropolis: The Chase Suite
| prev_year = 2007
| next_title = The Electric Lady
| next_year = 2013
| misc = {{Singles
| name = The ArchAndroid
| type = studio
| single1 = Tightrope
| single1date = February 11, 2010
| single2 = Cold War
| single2date = August 8, 2010
}}
}}
The ArchAndroid is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Janelle Monáe, released on May 18, 2010, by Wondaland Arts Society, Bad Boy Records, and Atlantic Records. Production for the album took place at Wondaland Studios in Atlanta and was primarily handled by Monáe, Nate "Rocket" Wonder, and Chuck Lightning, with only one song without production by Monáe. She also collaborated for certain songs with Saul Williams, Big Boi, of Montreal, and Deep Cotton.
The album is composed of the second and third parts to Monáe's Metropolis concept album series. Incorporating conceptual elements of Afrofuturism and science fiction, The ArchAndroid continues the series' fictional tale of a messianic android and features lyrical themes of love, identity, and self-realization. Critical commentaries have compared the album to the works of David Bowie, Outkast, Prince and Michael Jackson.
The ArchAndroid debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 21,000 copies in its first week, while charting modestly in several other countries. Monáe promoted the album with the release of two singles – "Tightrope" and "Cold War" – and concert tours in 2010 and 2011. A widespread critical success, The ArchAndroid received praise for its thematic concepts and Monáe's eclectic musical range. It later ranked among 2010's best albums in many critics' lists and earned the singer a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
Writing and recording
The ArchAndroid follows Janelle Monáe's debut EP Metropolis: The Chase Suite (2007) and is composed as the second and third parts to her Metropolis concept series.Lewis, Pete. [http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/554/janelle_monae_funky_sensation/ Janelle Monae: Funky Sensation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009211134/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/554/janelle_monae_funky_sensation |date=October 9, 2010 }}. Blues & Soul. Retrieved July 12, 2010. Partly inspired by the 1927 film of the same name, the series involves the fictional tale of Cindi Mayweather, a messianic android sent back in time to free the citizens of Metropolis from The Great Divide, a secret society that uses time travel to suppress freedom and love.
In an interview for the Chicago Tribune, Monáe said that she drew inspiration for the album from the quotation, "The mediator between the hand and the mind is always the heart". She explained her incorporation of the android as a metaphor for the minority, in addition to being the role of the story's protagonist. In an interview for Blues & Soul, Monáe said the character "represents the mediator between the haves and the have-nots, the minority and the majority. So in that way she's very similar to Neo, the Archangel from {{‘}}The Matrix{{’}}. And basically her return will mean freedom for the android community".
Monáe has said about the recording sessions, "Over the last year and a half when we were recording the ArchAndroid I went through a very transformative period in my life". Monáe completed the album in Atlanta at the Wondaland Studios.{{cite web |url=http://www.jmonae.com/bio/ |title=Janelle Monae | Info & Bio |publisher=JanelleMonae.com |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126080414/http://www.jmonae.com/bio/ |archive-date=January 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Monáe has stated that the album signifies "breaking the chains that enslave minorities of all types".{{cite web|url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/05/janelle-monae-the-interview-i-identify-with-androids.html |title=Turn It Up: Janelle Monae, the interview: 'I identify with androids' |work=Chicago Tribune |date=May 26, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020021441/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/05/janelle-monae-the-interview-i-identify-with-androids.html |archive-date=October 20, 2013 }} She has said of recording the album, "Overall, this music came from various corners of the world—from Turkey to Prague to Atlanta—places we were on tour. While recording, we’d experiment with different sounds. Once we became engulfed in the sound, we all had an emotional connection to the album. It has definitely transformed my way of thinking, the way that I approach the stage and overall, my life".
Music and lyrics
Monáe has stated that the album's musical influences encompass "all the things I love, scores for films like Goldfinger mixed with albums like Stevie Wonder's Music of My Mind and David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, along with experimental hip hop influences from albums such as Outkast's Stankonia". Huw Jones of Slant Magazine described her sound as "a unique gray area between neo soul, funk, and art rock".Jones, Huw (December 8, 2010). [http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/feature/janelle-monae-london-u-k-december-5-2010/243 Janelle Monáe (London, U.K. - December 5, 2010)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210115042/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/feature/janelle-monae-london-u-k-december-5-2010/243 |date=December 10, 2010 }}. Slant Magazine. Retrieved December 9, 2010. Music writer Greg Kot stated that the album "touches on" musical genres such as funk, hip hop, folk, electro-pop, glam rock, big-band jazz, rock and classical music.
File:"Metropolis" (1927 film) (15418159339).jpg; the album draws heavily on the film's futuristic themes.]]
Monáe has stated that the album's lyrical themes and storyline were heavily influenced by Fritz Lang's Metropolis. Conceptually, Kot described the album as "a self-empowerment manifesto couched inside a futuristic 'emotion-picture' about an android’s battle to overcome oppression. The notion of space travel and 'new worlds' becomes a metaphor for breaking the chains that enslave minorities of all types – a theme that has a long tradition in African-American music, from Sun Ra and Parliament-Funkadelic to Cannibal Ox and OutKast".Kot, Greg. [http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/05/janelle-monae-the-interview-i-identify-with-androids.html Turn It Up: Janelle Monae, the interview: 'I identify with androids'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020021441/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/05/janelle-monae-the-interview-i-identify-with-androids.html |date=October 20, 2013 }}. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 12, 2010. The Atlantic{{'}}s Brentin Mock called The ArchAndroid "unique, forward-looking, and apoplectic... something of a jitterbug between Prince's 1986 movie Under the Cherry Moon and the 1977 Watts movie Killer of Sheep, and Daughters of the Dust". Seth Colter Walls of Newsweek described the album as "rocking in parts like Dirty Mind–era Prince, unfolding in a suite form that recalls Abbey Road{{’}}s side two, and bumping throughout with the best innovations of contemporary hip-hop".Walls, Seth Colter. [http://www.newsweek.com/2010/05/29/pop-goes-the-art-house.html Review: The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121052958/http://www.newsweek.com/2010/05/29/pop-goes-the-art-house.html |date=January 21, 2011 }}. Newsweek. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
The opening song "Dance or Die" features performer Saul Williams and contains neo soul influences. It then transitions into "Faster", which has new wave, gospel and retro pop influences. The song "Locked Inside" features a rhythm similar to the opening break from "Rock with You" by Michael Jackson, and it has been compared to Jackson's music with Quincy Jones.{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Nishimoto |url=http://www.prefixmag.com/reviews/janelle-monae/the-archandroid/40593/ |title=Janelle Monae: The ArchAndroid |work=Prefix Magazine |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231001152/http://www.prefixmag.com/reviews/janelle-monae/the-archandroid/40593/ |url-status=live }} It has also been noted{{by whom|date=July 2022}} for similarities to artists such as Estelle and The Jackson 5. The track features a more mellow R&B style in contrast to the previous tracks. "Sir Greendown" continues with this theme and has "old-fashioned" pop themes. The track "Cold War" is a song with new wave tendencies which has big hooks and "sugar fuelled" beat influences.
The track "Tightrope", featuring vocals by Big Boi (from the hip hop duo Outkast), has influences from the duo's single "Hey Ya!" (2003) and a sound described as "funky soul" and neojump blues. The album's ninth track is "Oh, Maker", a song with English pastoral folk influences. "Come Alive (The War of the Roses)" has been described as having rock and punk themes. "Mushrooms & Roses" is the next track on the album and it has themes of psychedelic music and it has influences by such songs as The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" and Prince's "Purple Rain". The next track, "Make the Bus", features of Montreal on vocal parts and it has been compared to such artists as Placebo and George Clinton. The song "Wondaland" has a synth-pop sound and has been compared to the work of Tom Tom Club. Deep Cotton guest-stars on the song "57821" which has been described as "space-folk" and has been compared to works by Simon & Garfunkel. This is followed by the track "Say You'll Go" and features a segment from "Clair de lune" by Claude Debussy.{{cite web |url=http://www.muruch.com/2010/10/janelle-monae-the-archandroid.html |title=Blog Archive » Janelle Monae: The Archandroid |publisher=Muruch |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714133814/http://www.muruch.com/2010/10/janelle-monae-the-archandroid.html |url-status=live }}
Marketing and sales
In late September 2009, "Come Alive (The War of the Roses)" was released as a free promotional single by Kia Motors, which featured Monáe as a member of their "Kia Soul Collective" of musicians and artists.{{cite web |url=http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2009/10/free-mp3-download-janelle-monae-come-alive-the-war-of-roses.html |title=Free MP3 Download: Janelle Monae "Come Alive" (The War Of The Roses) |work=Arjan Writes |date=October 5, 2009 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141103/http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2009/10/free-mp3-download-janelle-monae-come-alive-the-war-of-roses.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://wondaland.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-music-come-alive-war-of-roses.html |title=NEW MUSIC! COME ALIVE (WAR OF THE ROSES) |work=Wondaland Arts |date=October 5, 2009 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208040550/http://wondaland.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-music-come-alive-war-of-roses.html |url-status=live }} "Tightrope" (featuring Big Boi) was released as The ArchAndroid{{'}}s lead single on February 11, 2010, through Pitchfork{{'}}s website, with a companion song entitled "Cold War" debuting the following day via Monáe's official website.[http://www.hiphoppress.com/2010/02/janelle-monaes-debut-album-the-archandroid-due-in-may-first-single-tightrope-feat-big-boi-to-arrive-.html Janelle Monae's debut album, The ArchAndroid, due in May; first single, "Tightrope", to arrive via JanelleMonae.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215092938/http://www.hiphoppress.com/2010/02/janelle-monaes-debut-album-the-archandroid-due-in-may-first-single-tightrope-feat-big-boi-to-arrive-.html |date=February 15, 2010 }}. Hip Hop Press. Retrieved May 30, 2010. On March 31, the video for "Tightrope" was released presenting Monáe dancing in the Palace of the Dogs also starring Big Boi.Dombal, Ryan. [http://pitchfork.com/news/38348-video-janelle-monae-tightrope/ Video: Janelle Monae: "Tightrope"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604052442/http://pitchfork.com/news/38348-video-janelle-monae-tightrope/ |date=June 4, 2010 }}. Pitchfork. Retrieved May 30, 2010. Monáe performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman on May 18, 2010,Dombal, Ryan. [http://pitchfork.com/news/38858-janelle-monae-blows-out-letterman/ Janelle Monae Blows Out "Letterman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525023108/http://pitchfork.com/news/38858-janelle-monae-blows-out-letterman/ |date=May 25, 2010 }}. Pitchfork. Retrieved May 25, 2010 The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 26, Lopez Tonight on May 27, Last Call with Carson Daly on May 28,{{cite web|url=http://www.jmonae.com/blog/upcoming-janelle-tv-appearances/|title=Upcoming Janelle TV appearances|publisher=JanelleMonae.com|access-date=July 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528034640/http://www.jmonae.com/blog/upcoming-janelle-tv-appearances/|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=dead}} and The Mo'Nique Show on June 9.[http://www.jmonae.com/blog/janelle-monae-on-the-monique-show-tonight/ Janelle Monae on The Mo'Nique Show]. JanelleMonae.com. Retrieved July 12, 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114194759/http://www.jmonae.com/blog/janelle-monae-on-the-monique-show-tonight/ |date=November 14, 2010 }} Rolling Stone later named "Tightrope" as the eighth best single of 2010.Staff (December 7, 2010). [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/68404/239428?RS_show_page=4 Rolling Stone's Best Singles of 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718013455/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-songs-of-2010-20101214 |date=July 18, 2012 }}. Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
To promote the album, Monáe hosted a listening session for press and VIPs at Rubin Museum of Art in New York City on March 4, 2010.[http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/10/janelle-monae-showcases-debut-album-at-new-york-museum/ Janelle Monáe Showcases Debut Album at New York Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313144306/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/10/janelle-monae-showcases-debut-album-at-new-york-museum/ |date=March 13, 2010 }}. Rap-Up. Retrieved April 25, 2010 A short film, teaser trailer style, was released on April 14 on YouTube showing an aerial view of the fictional futuristic city of Metropolis.Concepcion, Mariel. [http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/958553/erykah-badu-announces-tour Erykah Badu Announces Tour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627201809/http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/958553/erykah-badu-announces-tour |date=June 27, 2013 }}. Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2010. Monáe also performed at the 2010 ESPY Awards (joined on stage by comedian Will Ferrell),{{cite web |url=http://en.terra.com/music/pictures/janelle_monae_performs_2010_espy_awards/47261 |title=Janelle Monae Performs @ 2010 ESPY Awards – Music | Terra |publisher=Terra |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007051350/http://en.terra.com/music/pictures/janelle_monae_performs_2010_espy_awards/47261 |url-status=live }} Later... with Jools Holland (where she performed the album-track "Faster"),{{cite web |url=http://loft965.com/2010/10/09/janelle-monae-performs-faster-on-jools-holland/ |title=Janelle Monae performs "Faster" on Jools Holland « LOFT965 |publisher=Loft965 |date=October 9, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727124131/http://loft965.com/2010/10/09/janelle-monae-performs-faster-on-jools-holland/ |url-status=dead }} and Last Call with Carson Daly (where she performed "Cold War").{{cite web |url=http://www.theprophetblog.net/janelle-monae-performs-cold-war-on-last-call |title=Janelle Monae performs 'Cold War' on Last Call |publisher=Theprophetblog.net |date=September 24, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=April 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407201011/http://www.theprophetblog.net/janelle-monae-performs-cold-war-on-last-call |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/956104/janelle-monae-rocks-the-viper-room-for-last-call |title=Janelle Monae Rocks The Viper Room For 'Last Call' – Viral Videos |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313110815/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/956104/janelle-monae-rocks-the-viper-room-for-last-call |url-status=live }}
File:Janelle Monae with Band by Sander Bakkes.jpg]]
The ArchAndroid was released on May 18, 2010, through Wondaland Arts Society and Bad Boy Records. In the week of June 5, it debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200 chart,[http://www.billboard.com/charts/2010-06-05/billboard-200 Billboard 200 – Week of June 05, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909041011/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2010-06-05/billboard-200 |date=September 9, 2014 }}. Billboard. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100604235857/http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200?chartDate=2010-06-05 Archived] on May 27, 2010. selling 21,000 copies.Kaufman, Gil. [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640072/20100526/rolling_stones.jhtml Another 'Glee' Soundtrack Tops Billboard Album Charts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529025832/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640072/20100526/rolling_stones.jhtml |date=May 29, 2010 }}. MTV. Retrieved May 31, 2010. During the week of February 23, 2011, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 at number 171, after selling 3,000 copies that week.{{cite web|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 2/20/2011|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14173/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-2-20-2011|work=HipHopDX|access-date=February 23, 2011|first=Allen|last=Jacobs|date=February 23, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304042446/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14173/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-2-20-2011|url-status=live}} In the United Kingdom, The ArchAndroid debuted at number 51 on the UK Albums Chart.
Monáe toured in further support of the album. She joined recording artist Erykah Badu on the latter's Out My Mind, Just in Time Tour during May to June 2010. In February 2011, Hooligans in Wondaland {{sic}} – a joint co-headlining tour by Monáe with Bruno Mars – was announced. The concert tour featured dates throughout North America from May to June.{{Cite magazine|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/02/15/bruno-mars-janelle-monae-hooligans-in-wondaland-tour/|title=Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae announce 'Hooligans in Wondaland' tour|date=February 15, 2011|first=Brad|last=Wete|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=February 15, 2011|archive-date=February 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216163458/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/02/15/bruno-mars-janelle-monae-hooligans-in-wondaland-tour/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/473034/update-bruno-mars-and-janelle-monae-announce-joint-tour-dates|title=Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae Announce Joint Tour|date=February 15, 2011|first=Jason|last=Lipshutz|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 15, 2011|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328203829/http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/473034/update-bruno-mars-and-janelle-monae-announce-joint-tour-dates|url-status=live}} Monáe also toured as a supporting act for No Doubt and Paramore.
Critical reception
{{Album ratings
| title = The ArchAndroid ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev2 = The A.V. Club
| rev3 = Chicago Tribune
| rev4 = Entertainment Weekly
| rev4Score = A−{{cite magazine|last=Vozick-Levinson|first=Janelle|date=May 12, 2010|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2010/05/12/archandroid|title=The ArchAndroid|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|location=New York|access-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814040114/https://ew.com/article/2010/05/12/archandroid/|archive-date=August 14, 2018}}
| rev5 = The Guardian
| rev6 = Los Angeles Times
| rev6Score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}{{cite news|last=Wappler|first=Margaret|date=May 17, 2010|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/05/album-review-janelle-monaes-the-archandroid.html|title=Album review: Janelle Monae's 'The ArchAndroid'|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 18, 2010|archive-date=May 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519134728/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/05/album-review-janelle-monaes-the-archandroid.html|url-status=live}}
| rev7 = NME
| rev7Score = 8/10{{cite journal|last=Snapes|first=Laura|date=July 11, 2010|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/11445|title=Album review: Janelle Monae – 'The Archandroid' (Atlantic/Bad Boy)|journal=NME|location=London|access-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095224/http://www.nme.com/reviews/11445|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}
| rev8 = Pitchfork
| rev9 = Rolling Stone
| rev9Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Rosen|first=Jody|author-link=Jody Rosen|date=May 24, 2010|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-archandroid-20100524|title=The ArchAndroid|magazine=Rolling Stone|location=New York|access-date=May 25, 2010|archive-date=December 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224092837/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-archandroid-20100524|url-status=live}}
| rev10 = Spin
}}
The ArchAndroid was met with widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 91, based on 28 reviews.{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-archandroid/janelle-monae|title=Reviews for The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=May 18, 2010|archive-date=October 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022152952/http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-archandroid/janelle-monae|url-status=live}} One of 2010's best-reviewed releases, the album received praise for its Afrofuturistic concept and Monáe's eclectic musical range.Burns, Zeenat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100527052900/http://features.metacritic.com/features/2010/may-best-new-music/ May’s Best New Music]. Metacritic. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
Reviewing for the Chicago Tribune, Greg Kot hailed The ArchAndroid as "an audacious, sometimes bewildering statement",{{cite news|last=Kot |first=Greg |author-link=Greg Kot |date=May 17, 2010 |url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/05/album-review-janelle-monae-the-archandroid.html |title=Album review: Janelle Monae, 'The ArchAndroid' |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=May 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521233407/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/05/album-review-janelle-monae-the-archandroid.html |archive-date=May 21, 2010 |url-status=dead }} and AllMusic critic Andy Kellman called it "an extravagant 70-minute album involving more imagination, conceptual detail, and stylistic turnabouts than most gatefold prog rock epics".{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-archandroid-mw0001977907|title=The ArchAndroid – Janelle Monáe|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=November 16, 2019|archive-date=October 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006041909/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-archandroid-mw0001977907|url-status=live}} The Guardian{{'}}s Michael Cragg found the "sheer musical scope" of the album "spellbinding",{{cite news|last=Cragg|first=Michael|date=July 9, 2010|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/09/janelle-monae-the-archandroid-cd-review|title=Janelle Monáe: The ArchAndroid|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=July 9, 2010|archive-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219053522/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/09/janelle-monae-the-archandroid-cd-review|url-status=live}} while Barry Walters of Spin noted German Expressionism and Afrofuturism as conceptual elements on an album wherein Monáe ventures "so far away from soul that she's come back around to it".{{cite journal|last=Walters|first=Barry|date=May 10, 2010|url=http://www.spin.com/2010/05/janelle-monae-archandroid-wondaland-arts-societybad-boy/|title=Janelle Monae, 'The ArchAndroid' (Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy)|journal=Spin|location=New York|access-date=May 17, 2010|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413195107/http://www.spin.com/2010/05/janelle-monae-archandroid-wondaland-arts-societybad-boy/|url-status=live}} Jon Pareles from The New York Times remarked that "Monáe gets away with most of her metamorphoses, and the sheer ambition is exhilarating even when she stretches too far".{{cite news|last=Pareles|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Pareles|date=May 20, 2010|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/arts/music/23play.html|title=Vintage Rock and Midlife Heartaches|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 25, 2010|archive-date=May 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525124838/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/arts/music/23play.html|url-status=live}} Matthew Cole from Slant Magazine described it as "an elaborately performed and consummately freaky cyberpunk epic ... so stylistically leftfield in terms of its sound".{{cite web|last=Cole|first=Matthew|date=May 18, 2010|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/janelle-mon%c3%a1e-the-archandroid-suites-ii-and-iii-of-iv|title=Janelle Monáe: The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III of IV)|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=May 18, 2010|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014073929/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/janelle-mon%c3%a1e-the-archandroid-suites-ii-and-iii-of-iv|url-status=live}} The A.V. Club{{'}}s Genevieve Koski wrote that "Monáe’s inexhaustible swagger and singular style sell both the high-concept theatrics and the schizophrenic sonics".{{cite web|last=Koski|first=Genevieve|date=May 25, 2010|url=https://www.avclub.com/janelle-monae-the-archandroid-suites-ii-and-iii-1798165023|title=Janelle Monáe: The ArchAndroid (Suites II And III)|work=The A.V. Club|access-date=May 25, 2010|archive-date=May 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528010601/http://www.avclub.com/articles/janelle-monae-the-archandroid-suites-ii-and-iii,41471/|url-status=live}} Pitchfork{{'}}s Matthew Perpetua called the album "about as bold as mainstream music gets, marrying the world-building possibilities of the concept album to the big tent genre-mutating pop of Michael Jackson and Prince in their prime".{{cite web|last=Perpetua|first=Matthew|date=May 20, 2010|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14271-the-archandroid|title=Janelle Monáe: The ArchAndroid|work=Pitchfork|access-date=May 20, 2010|archive-date=May 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521162550/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14271-the-archandroid/|url-status=live}} Perpetua elaborated on Monáe's incorporation of science-fiction and Afrofuturist concepts and the album's "basic appeal", stating:
{{blockquote|Her imagination and iconography deepen the record as an experience and give her license to go far out, but it ultimately serves as a fun, flashy framework for pop songs with universal lyrical sentiments. The first of the two suites mainly deals with identity and self-realization; the second is essentially a set of love songs. As with all the musical genres blended into The ArchAndroid, Monáe uses the conventions of science fiction as a means of communication, tapping into mythic archetypes for their immediate resonance and power. And where many concept albums run a high risk of being pompous, cryptic, and self-important, Monáe keeps things playful, lively, and accessible. It's a delicate balancing act ... resulting in an eccentric breakthrough that transcends its novelty.}}
Urb{{'}}s Dan Vidal called the album "a spectrum of sound—packed and arranged perfectly into a masterfully composed (debut) full-length body of work... [a] genre-defying masterpiece".{{cite journal|last=Vidal|first=Dan|date=May 19, 2010|url=http://www.urb.com/2010/05/19/janelle-monae-the-archandroid/|title=Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (Review)|journal=Urb|location=Los Angeles|access-date=May 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522112557/http://www.urb.com/2010/05/19/janelle-monae-the-archandroid/|archive-date=May 22, 2010|url-status=dead}} Comparing it to singer Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), Brentin Mock of The Atlantic called The ArchAndroid "a smothered funk, though perhaps at times too thick, too inaccessible, but not so much I didn't want to shake my ass" and viewed it as musically progressive, stating "Monáe has given pop music its first Toni Morrison moment, where fantasy, funk, and the ancestors come together for an experience that evolves one's soul... You really don't know whether you want to diagram it, dance to it, or just be dumbstruck. It owes as much to Parliament-Funkadelic as it does to Samuel R. Delany and Octavia E. Butler. She is finally doing what a number of artists—particularly black artists—have not been able to do in years, and that's move pop music forward".{{cite web|last=Mock|first=Brentin|date=May 18, 2010|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/05/the-joyful-noise-of-janelle-monae/56897/|title=The Joyful Noise of Janelle Monae|work=The Atlantic|access-date=May 18, 2010|archive-date=May 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522074006/http://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/05/the-joyful-noise-of-janelle-monae/56897/|url-status=live}} Robert Christgau was less impressed in The Barnes & Noble Review, deeming it "the most overrated album of the year" while writing that Monáe's "songwriting is 60th percentile, her singing technical, her sci-fi plot the usual rot".{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=January 12, 2011|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bn/2011-01.php|title=Live Albums|work=The Barnes & Noble Review|access-date=August 6, 2016|archive-date=March 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320185232/http://robertchristgau.com/xg/bn/2011-01.php|url-status=live}}
= Accolades =
The ArchAndroid appeared on many year-end critics lists ranking the best albums of 2010.Dietz, Jason (December 6, 2010). [https://web.archive.org/web/20101226134104/http://features.metacritic.com/features/2010/music-critic-top-ten-lists-best-of-2010/ 2010 Music Critic Top Ten Lists
In The Village Voice{{'}}s annual Pazz & Jop critics poll, The ArchAndroid was voted the fourth best album of 2010,[https://web.archive.org/web/20110220064949/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/albums/2010/ Pazz & Jop 2010: Albums — All Votes]. The Village Voice. Archived from [http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/albums/2010/ the original] on February 18, 2011. while five of its songs appeared in the poll's singles list: "Tightrope" (number two), "Cold War" (number 22), "Wondaland", "Locked Inside", and "Sir Greendown" (the latter three tied for number 549).[https://web.archive.org/web/20110206081835/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2010/ Pazz & Jop 2010: Singles — All Votes]. The Village Voice. Archived from [http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2010/ the original] on February 18, 2011. Additionally, The ArchAndroid was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Contemporary R&B Album for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards (2011).[https://web.archive.org/web/20101204023547/http://www.grammy.com/NOMINEES Nominees: 2010 – 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards]. Grammy. Retrieved December 2, 2010. The album later featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die (2014).{{cite book|author1=Robert Dimery|author2=Michael Lydon|title=1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition|date=2014 |publisher=Universe|isbn=978-0-7893-2074-2}}
Track listing
All tracks produced by Nate "Rocket" Wonder, Chuck Lightning, and Janelle Monáe, except track 14 by Kevin Barnes and tracks 1, 12, and 18 by Roman GianArthur.{{cite AV media notes|title=The ArchAndroid|others=Janelle Monáe|publisher=Wondaland Arts Society, Bad Boy Records and Atlantic Records|type=CD liner|id=512256-2}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Suite II
| title1 = Suite II Overture
| writer1 = {{hlist|Janelle Monáe Robinson|Roman GianArthur|Nathaniel Irvin III|Charles Joseph II}}
| length1 = 2:31
| title2 = Dance or Die
| note2 = featuring Saul Williams
| writer2 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II|Saul Williams|Kellis Parker Jr.}}
| length2 = 3:12
| title3 = Faster
| writer3 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length3 = 3:19
| title4 = Locked Inside
| writer4 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III}}
| length4 = 4:16
| title5 = Sir Greendown
| writer5 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length5 = 2:14
| title6 = Cold War
| writer6 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length6 = 3:23
| title7 = Tightrope
| note7 = featuring Big Boi
| writer7 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II|Antwan Patton}}
| length7 = 4:22
| title8 = Neon Gumbo
| writer8 = {{hlist|Irvin III|Robinson|Joseph II}}
| length8 = 1:37
| title9 = Oh, Maker
| writer9 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length9 = 3:46
| title10 = Come Alive (The War of the Roses)
| writer10 = {{hlist|Robinson|Joseph II|Irvin III|Parker Jr.}}
| length10 = 3:22
| title11 = Mushrooms & Roses
| writer11 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II|Parker Jr.}}
| length11 = 5:42
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Suite III
| title12 = Suite III Overture
| writer12 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length12 = 1:41
| title13 = Neon Valley Street
| writer13 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II|Richard Rodgers|Lorenz Hart}}
| length13 = 4:11
| title14 = Make the Bus
| note14 = featuring of Montreal
| writer14 = Kevin Barnes
| length14 = 3:19
| title15 = Wondaland
| writer15 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length15 = 3:36
| title16 = 57821
| note16 = featuring Deep Cotton
| writer16 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length16 = 3:16
| title17 = Say You'll Go
| writer17 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length17 = 6:01
| title18 = BabopbyeYa
| writer18 = {{hlist|Robinson|Irvin|Irvin II|Irvin III|Joseph II}}
| length18 = 8:47
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Australian tour edition (bonus tracks) (from Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition))
| title19 = The March of the Wolfmasters
| writer19 = {{hlist|Joseph II|Irvin III}}
| length19 = 1:27
| title20 = Violet Stars Happy Hunting!!!
| note20 = featuring The Skunks
| writer20 = {{hlist|Robinson|Joseph II|Irvin III}}
| length20 = 3:13
| title21 = Many Moons
| writer21 = {{hlist|Robinson|Joseph II|Irvin III}}
| length21 = 5:34
| title22 = Cybertronic Purgatory
| writer22 = {{hlist|Robinson|Joseph II|Irvin III}}
| length22 = 1:40
| title23 = Sincerely, Jane.
| writer23 = {{hlist|Robinson|Joseph II|Irvin III}}
| length23 = 5:36
| title24 = Mr. President
| writer24 = {{hlist|Robinson|Joseph II|Irvin III}}
| length24 = 4:59
| title25 = Smile
| writer25 = {{hlist|Charlie Chaplin|Geoffrey Parsons|John Turner}}
| length25 = 3:58
}}
Personnel
= Musicians =
{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
- Young Pete Alexander – drums, string arrangements
- Kevin Barnes – synthesizer, drums, guitar (bass), keyboards, vocals, vocals (background), producer, drum programming
- Terrence Brown – organ, piano
- Deep Cotton – vocals (background)
- DJ Cutmaster Swiff – scratching, cut
- Jason Freeman – horn arrangements
- Jerry Freeman – horn arrangements
- Roman GianArthur – percussion, piano, arranger, conductor, vocals (background), producer, engineer, vocal arrangement, string arrangements, mixing
- Hornz Unlimited – horn
- Felicia Long – flute
- Janelle Monáe – arranger, vocals, vocals (background), producer
- The Neon Valley St. Anthony Choir – vocals (background)
- The Neon Valley Street Chancel Choir – vocals (background)
- Monroe Nervine – dulcimer, clarinet, mandolin, bassoon, harp, oboe
- Tang Nivri – percussion
- Kyle O'Brien – french horn
- Alexander Page – violin, viola
- Kellindo Parker – arranger, ukulele, guitar, guitar (rhythm), vocal arrangement, soloist
- Grace Shim – cello
- Kellis Parker – guitar arrangements
- Skinks – vocals (background)
- The Skunks – vocals (background)
- Dashill "Sunnovah" Smith – trumpet, soloist
- Kelly Sparker – brass
- Thesaurus Rex – harp
- Saul Williams – vocals
- Wolfmaster Z – drums, guitar (bass), guitar (rhythm), theremin, tubular bells, bass marimba
- The Wondaland ArchOrchestra – strings
- Wondaland String Ensemble – strings
- Nate "Rocket" Wonder – organ, guitar (acoustic), bass, guitar, percussion, arranger, conductor, drums, guitar (bass), guitar (electric), keyboards, vocals, vocals (background), producer, mellotron, vibraphone, horn arrangements, string arrangements, editing, mixing, Hammond B3
- Nathan Yelurvin – percussion, glockenspiel, harp, Mellotron, woodwind
{{div col end}}
= Production =
{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
- Larry Anthony – mastering
- Christopher Carmouche – mixing
- Jessee Clarkson – wardrobe
- Sean "Diddy" Combs – executive producer
- Control Z – engineer, mastering, mixing
- Nate "Rocket" Wonder – arranger
- Jeff Gillies – wardrobe
- Dr. Nathaniel Irvin III – arranger
- Charles Joseph II – arranger
- Damien Lewis – engineer, editing
- Chuck Lightning – arranger, vocals (background), producer
- Lord Mitchell A. "MitchOW!ski" Martian – mastering, mixing
- Antwan "Big Boi" Patton – executive producer, vocals (background)
- Max Stellings – liner notes
- Phil Tan – editing, mixing
- Carolyn Tracey – package production
- Chad Weatherford – costume design
- Andrew Zaeh – photography
{{div col end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for The ArchAndroid ! scope="col"| Chart (2010–2011) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{album chart|Austria|63|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=August 4, 2010|refname="austria"}} |
| {{album chart|Flanders|57|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=September 4, 2011}} |
| {{album chart|Denmark|15|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=May 4, 2020|refname="denmark"}} |
| {{album chart|Netherlands|65|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=September 4, 2011}} |
| {{album chart|Finland|47|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=May 14, 2020}} |
| {{album chart|France|155|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=September 4, 2011}} |
| {{album chart|Germany4|12|id=132855|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=May 14, 2020|refname="german"}} |
| {{album chart|Ireland2|24|artist=Janelle Monáe|rowheader=true|access-date=May 14, 2020|refname="irish"}} |
| {{album chart|Norway|22|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=September 4, 2011|refname="norway"}} |
| {{album chart|Spain|100|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=September 4, 2011}} |
| {{album chart|Switzerland|36|artist=Janelle Monáe|album=The ArchAndroid|rowheader=true|access-date=September 5, 2011|refname="swiss"}} |
| {{album chart|UK2|51|date=20100718|rowheader=true|access-date=May 14, 2020|refname="UK"}} |
| {{album chart|UKR&B|11|date=20110710|rowheader=true|access-date=May 4, 2020}} |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|17|artist=Janelle Monae|rowheader=true|access-date=May 14, 2020|refname="bb200"}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|4|artist=Janelle Monae|rowheader=true|access-date=May 14, 2020}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2010 year-end chart performance for The ArchAndroid ! scope="col"| Chart (2010) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2010 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 14, 2020 |archive-date=January 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110215526/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |url-status=live }}
| 59 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for The ArchAndroid}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Janelle Monae|title=The Archandroid|award=Silver|certyear=2019|relyear=2010|id=15797-5012-2|access-date=July 26, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true | noshipments=true | streaming=true}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Discogs master|type=album|260095}}
{{Janelle Monáe}}
{{good article}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:ArchAndroid, The}}
Category:Bad Boy Records albums
Category:Metropolis (album series)
Category:Atlantic Records albums
Category:Albums produced by Janelle Monáe
Category:Albums produced by Nate "Rocket" Wonder
Category:Albums produced by Roman GianArthur
Category:Albums produced by Kevin Barnes
Category:Albums produced by Big Boi
Category:Albums produced by Sean Combs
Category:Alternative R&B albums
Category:Psychedelic pop albums