Say You’ll Go: Janelle Monae’s Archandroid
By Brian Bowers
“Better late than never,” is the age old adage. And finally after reading review, after review of Janelle Monae’s Archandroid, I had to take a listen myself. After hearing her first single from the album, Tightrope, I didn’t really know what to expect.
I’ve listened, and what I heard was a beautiful, souful orchestration of artistic expression.
Janelle Monae’s sonic journey is a wonderous experience of ecletic, free music. The overall theme of the album is large, expansive and lush. Its one of those albums you hear and you say perhaps she is not ahead of her time–she is just not of this time, and many reviews are in universal agreement. NOTE: This idea would fit in perfect with the concept of Cindi Mayweather—but just google both, and read all about the back story to understand what I mean by ‘universal’ agreement.
In all honestly, the album is quite beautiful. There are moments, when you realize just how special and uniquely talented she is. Its one of those works where years from now we will look back and say “I remember when this album started the career of a great artist” or one where we look back years from now and say “I have no clue why this album did not get the respect it deserved.” And, given the fickle nature of the industry, it can go both ways. She crosses hiphop, a little folk, pop, electronica, rock and even classical to create a sonic environment that leaves the listener feeling they have entered a space and time where expression is the rule.
Stand out tracks for the album would most definitely be the ending track “Bobopbya,” a moving song featuring beautiful orchestration, a haunting melody and compelling lyics. The listener is moved by Monae’s heartfelt vocals as she is singing, soaring and then belting over the full orchestration. On songs such as “Oh Maker” Janelle explores the topic of unrequited romance in which the lyrics says nostalgically, “I guess what I mean to say, is that its amazing your life was mine.” The lyrics are drenched and melancholy, revealing the true soul of an artist remembering love experienced, lost and gained all at once.
“The Archandroid” presents Monae in a stunning light. Initially, I compared work produced by the gorgeous singer to the art work of Monet—the French impressionist artist. After hearing her latest effort, I can confidently say that any appreciator of honest, unique music will love her up both up-close and afar. Monae’s eclectic style and uninhibited approach to music performance brings the listener and audience alike up close and personal. The beauty, elegance and style of her music are most definitely Monae. “Say You’ll Go” get “The Archandroid” today.
‘It Girl’ Janelle Monae Returns with New Singles
By Brian Bowers
The phrase “a Monet” is typically used to describe an art piece created by the French Impressionist Claude Monet. In slang terms, it can often be used to describe something that has to be viewed from a distance to be understood. If one gets too close, the idea is that the beauty of the piece, art, person is disrupted completely. This isn’t the case with Janelle Monae.
From a distance and up-close Her flawless beauty and effervescence is a pleasant contrast to the rebel who undoubtedly has a cause and calling: inspiration. One can only wonder how much longer it will be before “Monae” will evoke images of the young, underground starlette singer as opposed to any of these clichés and conventions.
With the mantra “imagination inspires nations” it seems Janelle Monae continues to be the ‘it girl’ of the underground music scene. Her and the Wondaland Arts Society don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Noted for her eclectic style, funky hair and classic voice, she returns with two brand new singles Tightrope ft. Big Boi and Cold War.
Words cannot completely describe what Monae and the Wondaland Art Society manage to do sonically and capture such a wonderful aural experience. Her voice is classic and versatile combined with a lyrical content that is cryptic and profound. All of her work is a dive into deep, full musical sounds. In the recent past, Monae and her team were able to team up with Diddy and Bad Boi to release what she calls a short film, Many Moons. The video was epic, full of bright colors, multi-layered themes and of course undeniable beauty and charm that is characteristically…well, Monae.
If you want to check out the new singles and amazing art, check out her official page, or her myspace page. The epic debut album The Archandroid appears be a promising, generous effort both sonically and visually. Artists such as this don’t come around often, and it is my greatest hope that this one gets the respect she deserves.
