Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid Suite II & III (Audio)

The android Cindi Mayweather, the alterego of Janelle Monáe, is here in the funky and eclectic The ArchAndroid Suite II & III, the followup to Monáe‘s debut EP, Metropolis: The Chase Suite, which takes us back (and forward) to a futuristic world like one that was depicted by Fritz Lang in his 20s silent film, Metroplis. If the film was remade today and with sound, The ArchAndroid Suite II & III would be apropos. Covering all types of musical genres, from rock to punk to afrobeat to pop and ambient, her clean vocals and lyrics make you have to listen to it a few times as you enter the world of Cindi Mayweather.

If some of you are missing Björk, with The ArchAndroid Suite II & III, we have gained a new artist who is just as eccentric, yet Monáe still applies her soul and R&B influence, capturing an array of moods as the cinematic story of Cindi Mayweather unfolds. The album highlights are with afropunk headliner, poet, singer, and musician Saul Williams on “Dance or Die,” which is an afrobeat infected tune, where Monáe speaks her lyrics in unison to the beat of the drum. “Mushrooms and Roses” with its ode to Hendrix in sound and “57821” which recreates the flower power era is refreshing as it is relaxing. The debut song off the album, “Tightrope” featuring Big Boi from Outkast, has that funky James Brown type funk where you just want to get up and dance. The robotic arrangement and youth-like vocals for “Wondaland” makes you wonder, “Where is Andre 3000 on this album?!” Monáe‘s sound is Atlanta and more. “Cold War” is one of those tunes that let you know, a star has been born on The ArchAndroid Suite II & III.

Check out a couple of tunes below, then head over to iTunes and get yourself a copy of The ArchAndroid Suite II & III; it will be money well spent!

“Wondaland”

“Dance or Die” feat. Saul Williams

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Roseann V. Warren

Founder + Editorial Director at Muphoric Sounds

Roseann V. Warren is a Brooklyn, NY-based freelance writer and developmental book editor who proudly calls herself a member of the Prince army and believes Hersey's chocolate is a crime against humanity. Follow her @webdiva3000

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