Excuse me, guys

I came to this forum today looking for some discussion of Janelle Monáe's new album, but all I could find was a hot mess of threads regarding many things near the album but not the album itself (by which I mean it's reception). Either these threads are terribly unorgazined or a couldn't find the right thread. Can someone help me? Thanks.

I digged Janelle since her first album. As soon as I heard her music I felt it was different, progressive, and full of promise. I was very exited to discover her few years back. I have all her albums. Its no surprise Prince digs her too. Perhaps she is even one of his protégé's. This is just a theory of mine, but she has been talking about Prince being a friend even as far back as late 2009. I liked her long before I knew Prince liked her, so I am not a "fan" because of him. Anyway, I just watched some clips with Jenelle and designer Karl Lagerfeld talking about style and the black and white clothing. And something struck me, she is totally following the footsepts of Prince. Creating this androgynous image. Not male, not female. Only instead of being overly sexual about it, she is doing it in a modest way. And this made me wonder, perhaps Prince was behind her all along? Weather I am right or not, she is def very inspired by him aswell by many others. Yet an other similarity with Prince. Learning styles from artist who came before and making it her own. She is nowhere near Prince's talent, but among all the crap out there, she is def a quality musicians. As far as Electric Lady, its a great album. Many great songs, and good vibe to it. My 2 fav songs are Dorothy Dandridge Eyes Feat Esperanza Spalding and Givin' Em What They Love Feat Prince. I think Princes short vocals stole the whole album. Incredible voice, specially when compared to other singers on the same album. I cant say I am obsessed with this record, but I can play it anytime and enjoy it. I think people give her more credit than she deserves only because its easy to stand out now days when one has actual talent compared to so much crap. I would love to see a genious come along, someone like Prince, who is talended beyond comprehention.

I agree with everything you said, except that I dont think her visual style is androginous. It´s a different kind of femenine I suppose. Women styles from the 20s and 30s might seem masculine for today´s standards for instance, but its just the case of a cultural shock. It´s a different way of thinking the femenine. Dont think she´s going for androginous.

About mixing past genres and turning her own, she certainly does that but nos as far as printing her own signature mark. She obviously has talent and is not a copycat from things of the past, I just don´t see a radical new interpretation of old classic things with a strong personal mark on her work as much as I see on Prince´s and many other artists of the same caliber´s work.

As for being a Prince´s protegée I dont think its the case, because traditionally Prince has way over control of their protegées´ work so that they sound more like him than anything else. Their personal mark gets almost erased. But Janelle´s own style is visible on her work. Think of Madonna and Prince´s duet, 1989 Love Song from Like a Prayer. Even though Madonna always left her own mark on pretty much everything she recorded, Love Song sounds almost like a LoveSexy or Sign O the Time outtake with some random guest female singer, that could be very well Sheena Easton, Sheila E, Mavis Staples (I dont mean none of these are not talented, on the contrary).

Considering the quality of Janelle's album and that of Prince's recent music, I think it's fair to say that Prince is Janelle's protégé and not the other way round.

Her being his protoge is only a speculation on my part, which I my self am not convinced of. By this I dont mean he made or wrote her music or anything of that sort. Anyhow, I do however think she is trying to give an androgynous image. I do not see it as an other type of feminim. Her style is not masculine to the point where her gender is mistaken. Same as with Prince, unmistakably male. But as he was playing on the femin thing, she is def playing on masculine style. She is also very secretive about her sexual orientation, just an other dimention added to create this image. She is by no means masculine in her behavior, or make up wise, but the clothing are without a question often inspired by mans clothing. I dont think there is a question here in the fact that she is using her unclear sexuality or lack of it, or how ever you want to see it, as an important role in creating this persona. Thinking about this, Prince's image seems allot more genuine and a reflection of who he is. Where as she seems very calculated and pre planned. Of course her image is also a reflection of things she stands for, but she doesnt feel as natural. Well, she is an android.

an·drog·y·nous (n-drj-ns)

[Edited 10/24/13 6:17am]

Like many previous albums of her alleged protege, Monae's album is broad, ambitious, at times brilliant, but the sum of the parts are greater than the whole.

After all, there was not an Electric Lady album appreciation thread. This forum should be more organized!!

I just wanted to say that Janelle Monae was the #6 top-trending topic on Yahoo when I logged on this morning.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Jimi Hendrix have a studio by the same name "Electic Lady"?

Hendrix was all about Electric Ladyland. Maybe thats where Monae thinks she's from. She may very well be at this rate.

I love this album my only gripe is that Erykah sounds so muted/subdued/quiet on her verse in Q.U.E.E.N.

I thought it was weird when Macy Gray had her as a backup doot de doot on Sweet Baby and its weird that she plays the Little Wayne guest rapper role in that song. She is a diamond not a sequin.

Janelle is the Electric Lady and is so fun seeing her on tour. I did not pick up any masculine traits at all when I saw her at the Skywalk Theatre in Mpls a couple weeks ago. She is beautiful and I believe her uniform is a part of her image. I read that she's honoring the service trade that her Mom and lots of sisters and brothers work in. I think it's a classy idea and during lots of her songs, I forgot all about the uniform. She has so much energy and strong vocals, she held everyone spellbound. Her opening with 'Givin Em what they Love' started the night with a Jolt of Pure Prince

At one point she told the crowded room to get down. Literally. So everyone fell to the floor and sat down on her command. She struck me as a gentle, but strong leader and she had everyone singing and laughing as the whole room sat shoulder to shoulder. I found it hilarious when she pointed for everyone to get down, she was nodding that we had no choice but to honor the command. She reminded me of my second grade teacher, stern, serious yet sweet.

The band that opened for her mentioned that Janelle is the smartest musician they know. As well as having a very funky sound and talented band. Her concept CD's are fantastic and loads of fun. That nite I didn't hear anything about Droids and she steared the music in a different direction.

Her band was really tight and lively Janelle sang her heart out and it brought everyone together. It was super fun as are the Electric Lady and Bonus Tracks CD's. The songs are tremendous and with so many guest artists, the DJ raps are too funny and if she comes back this way 'I'm gonna take to the club and break some rules.'

Luv the song.

luvparade said:

Janelle is the Electric Lady and is so fun seeing her on tour. I did not pick up any masculine traits at all when I saw her at the Skywalk Theatre in Mpls a couple weeks ago. She is beautiful and I believe her uniform is a part of her image. I read that she's honoring the service trade that her Mom and lots of sisters and brothers work in. I think it's a classy idea and during lots of her songs, I forgot all about the uniform. She has so much energy and strong vocals, she held everyone spellbound. Her opening with 'Givin Em what they Love' started the night with a Jolt of Pure Prince

At one point she told the crowded room to get down. Literally. So everyone fell to the floor and sat down on her command. She struck me as a gentle, but strong leader and she had everyone singing and laughing as the whole room sat shoulder to shoulder. I found it hilarious when she pointed for everyone to get down, she was nodding that we had no choice but to honor the command. She reminded me of my second grade teacher, stern, serious yet sweet.

The band that opened for her mentioned that Janelle is the smartest musician they know. As well as having a very funky sound and talented band. Her concept CD's are fantastic and loads of fun. That nite I didn't hear anything about Droids and she steared the music in a different direction.

Her band was really tight and lively Janelle sang her heart out and it brought everyone together. It was super fun as are the Electric Lady and Bonus Tracks CD's. The songs are tremendous and with so many guest artists, the DJ raps are too funny and if she comes back this way 'I'm gonna take to the club and break some rules.'

I noticed she's not wearing the tuxedo anymore but she still rocks the black and white and her style is always very HER..I admire how she stays in control of every aspect of her career..and I admire for basically everything that she stands for in her music..but anyway the electric lady lp is AMAZING..one of the three best records of the year for me with arcade fire's the reflektor and daft punk's random access memories( which I surprisingly liked a lot and it seems like a record that could came from janelle's monae camp,like an electronic version of her style for the major part of the record)..

but anyway, I really want to see this electric tour and I hope she will take it to Europe soon..imo she's the most talented live performer of this generation..someone said to me he saw a lot of young girls crying around him during one of janelle's recent concerts and even a grown up man!..he was like: the crowd was REALLY touched and with every reason she made us laugh, dance, think, and cry at the same time..and he said he couldn't imagine how much work out she needs to do every day to perform like that..with that level of energy and good vocals..

an interesting interview to understand the record(from the ascap site)

Not everyone can pull off having a genuine android alter ego. But then again, not everyone is Janelle Monáe.

Listeners first met the soulful songwriter’s android alter ego – Cindi Mayweather – in 2001 on Monáe’s debut EP, Metropolis Suite I (The Chase), and the android reappeared on her 2010 debut full-length album, The ArchAndroid, in which Ms. Mayweather became a leader and icon for “the other.” With The Electric Lady, Monáe gives us the prequel to her previous album, during which Mayweather has a star-crossed romance with a human.

While many songwriters may have a difficult time producing a concept album that doesn’t seem contrived, Monáe’s music continues to be honest and genuine in every way. She creates music and messages to which everyone can relate, and that inspire movement both physical and emotional in her audience. Monáe’s upbeat spirit permeates The Electric Lady with each funk-soaked groove. Despite the chaos that surrounds an album release, Monáe spoke with us about the meaning behind The Electric Lady, the musical influences that inspired its sound and much more.

********

The ArchAndroid included parts two and three of your original Metropolis concept album, and The Electric Lady is comprised of parts four and five. How has the story progressed since the previous album?

The Electric Lady is a prequel to the ArchAndroid, and it still deals with the love story of an android and a human. And whenever I speak about androids I want to be very clear that I’m speaking about “the other,” the new form of “the other.” You can parallel that to a Christian family maybe not wanting their Christian daughter to marry a Muslim man, or vice versa, or interracial dating, or gay marriage. So it is a story between this new form of “the other,” android and a human. She is wanted, and they want to disassemble her for committing this heinous crime, and so this album deals with just her in general. She is a part of me, I’m a part of her – Cindi Mayweather – and we share DNA. She’s in the future, and I’m right now. It deals with how she is different from the past, her thoughts and my thoughts on love, on politics, on religion, on sexuality, on community and all those things. I thought it was important to make sure before she became the ArchAndroid, and realized she had these super powers, that everyone knew what was going on in her mind, why she is wanted and why she is considered to be this rebel within her community.

What personal elements from your own life and experience have you incorporated into this album?

Well the album was inspired by my paintings. I would paint and sing at the same time in front of thousands of people. I would paint this female silhouette night after night, and I wouldn’t quite understand why I was drawn to paint this woman. I saw my therapist when I came back to Atlanta and she encouraged me to name the painting, maybe do a showing at a museum. I had a difficult time coming up with a name for this woman, and I knew whoever she was – maybe she was this woman who does not like categories or being categorized and marginalized, so I just went off the energy that I got from the painting – off a visceral reaction and a feeling that I got – and the words “The Electric Lady” came to my spirit. This magnetic energy and the colors and everything just influenced the title name, and what I ended up doing was, I got inspired to think about a world where there were more electric ladies and there was a new breed, a new 21^st century woman. I started to ask myself, “What would an electric lady think about love, politics, sexuality, religion, community?” – all those things I named earlier. That inspired me to write from my land and the land of the electric lady.

That title, The Electric Lady, evokes this image of a very powerful, independent woman. Was that what you were going for with those words? Were there certain women in your life or in pop culture that influenced that woman?

Sure, I think definitely the electric lady is strong and independent, but at the same time works with community. I think that there’s no color of the electric lady, there’s no hair texture or size. The commonality is community and wanting to be the change that we want to see within our community, and nurturing our community. I think women in general have this unique super power of having compassion and being strong at the same time. I think we’re able to balance so many things naturally, and that is something that I wanted to place in the eyes of the reader and listener of my work, to look at the woman as a superhero figure, if you will.

You have some really great features on this album with Erykah Badu, Miguel, Prince, Esperanza Spalding and others. How did those come about? What was it like to work with those writers and performers?

Yeah, I got the opportunity to work with some incredible artists. Everyone who was on The Electric Lady was very organic – an organic process – and they were picked by me. We’ve been fans of one another. Erykah was actually one of the first women to reach out to me and take me on tour with her. There’s a sisterhood there, and Solange [Knowles] and I are friends, we jammed together. In fact, the director of my videos is the love of her life, so we’re really connected. Miguel had mentioned in interviews that he wanted to work with me, and I admired him from afar. I was really drawn to “Adorn,” I thought it was an incredible song. Esperanza Spalding, she and I had admired each other and we jammed out at our mutual friend’s house before, and our mutual friend happens to be Prince, who was on the album. He reached out to me when I did Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase) and he invited me to be on tour with him. We did Madison Square Garden and some more incredible places. He’s been like a mentor to me, and I can call him and talk to him about anything. So all these people are not only part of my personal life, but in music I think they represent something so unique. They stand up for art and creativity, and I like the fact that they’re just in control of their vision. I think that’s so important, and we lack that in so many different forms of art. I love to see it when the art comes straight from the artist’s mouth, so these people have unique positions in the industry.

You have a very funky, soul sound that’s very evident in all of your albums. Were there any other sounds you tried to incorporate into this album?

You know, I try to just be honest in all my work. I did take a trip to Brazil, so bossa nova, Brazilian music [influenced me], and I have Brazilian musicians on my album, as well, so it was a huge influence on some of the music that you’ll hear. You know, Fela [Kuti] was a huge influence, as well as rhythm and blues. I think rhythm and blues has been marginalized for quite some time, and so people like Bo Diddley – who inspired my song “Dance Apocalyptic” – he was a huge influence. He inspired The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and a lot of people don’t know that. I wanted to make sure people know how diverse R&B music used to be. I also brought in an orchestra, so live musicians, horn players, string players – I’m a lover of great music, and I wanted people to know what I consider to be moving music. I just pray that it moves people and inspires people in the way that it has for us.

What are your plans after the album is released?

I’m going to be on tour, we’re going to do The Electric Lady tour, we’ll be overseas and in the states. And I’m already on to the next album as well.

seelliiaan said:

Her being his protoge is only a speculation on my part, which I my self am not convinced of. By this I dont mean he made or wrote her music or anything of that sort. Anyhow, I do however think she is trying to give an androgynous image. I do not see it as an other type of feminim. Her style is not masculine to the point where her gender is mistaken. Same as with Prince, unmistakably male. But as he was playing on the femin thing, she is def playing on masculine style. She is also very secretive about her sexual orientation, just an other dimention added to create this image. She is by no means masculine in her behavior, or make up wise, but the clothing are without a question often inspired by mans clothing. I dont think there is a question here in the fact that she is using her unclear sexuality or lack of it, or how ever you want to see it, as an important role in creating this persona. Thinking about this, Prince's image seems allot more genuine and a reflection of who he is. Where as she seems very calculated and pre planned. Of course her image is also a reflection of things she stands for, but she doesnt feel as natural. Well, she is an android.

an·drog·y·nous (n-drj-ns)

adj.

1. Biology Having both female and male characteristics; hermaphroditic.

2. Being neither distinguishably masculine nor feminine, as in dress, appearance, or behavior.

[Edited 10/24/13 6:17am]

and who are you to say that her style isn't a reflection of who she is?

cindymay said:

luvparade said:

Janelle is the Electric Lady and is so fun seeing her on tour. I did not pick up any masculine traits at all when I saw her at the Skywalk Theatre in Mpls a couple weeks ago. She is beautiful and I believe her uniform is a part of her image. I read that she's honoring the service trade that her Mom and lots of sisters and brothers work in. I think it's a classy idea and during lots of her songs, I forgot all about the uniform. She has so much energy and strong vocals, she held everyone spellbound. Her opening with 'Givin Em what they Love' started the night with a Jolt of Pure Prince

At one point she told the crowded room to get down. Literally. So everyone fell to the floor and sat down on her command. She struck me as a gentle, but strong leader and she had everyone singing and laughing as the whole room sat shoulder to shoulder. I found it hilarious when she pointed for everyone to get down, she was nodding that we had no choice but to honor the command. She reminded me of my second grade teacher, stern, serious yet sweet.

The band that opened for her mentioned that Janelle is the smartest musician they know. As well as having a very funky sound and talented band. Her concept CD's are fantastic and loads of fun. That nite I didn't hear anything about Droids and she steared the music in a different direction.

Her band was really tight and lively Janelle sang her heart out and it brought everyone together. It was super fun as are the Electric Lady and Bonus Tracks CD's. The songs are tremendous and with so many guest artists, the DJ raps are too funny and if she comes back this way 'I'm gonna take to the club and break some rules.'

I noticed she's not wearing the tuxedo anymore but she still rocks the black and white and her style is always very HER..I admire how she stays in control of every aspect of her career..and I admire for basically everything that she stands for in her music..but anyway the electric lady lp is AMAZING..one of the three best records of the year for me with arcade fire's the reflektor and daft punk's random access memories( which I surprisingly liked a lot and it seems like a record that could came from janelle's monae camp,like an electronic version of her style for the major part of the record)..

but anyway, I really want to see this electric tour and I hope she will take it to Europe soon..imo she's the most talented live performer of this generation..someone said to me he saw a lot of young girls crying around him during one of janelle's recent concerts and even a grown up man!..he was like: the crowd was REALLY touched and with every reason she made us laugh, dance, think, and cry at the same time..and he said he couldn't imagine how much work out she needs to do every day to perform like that..with that level of energy and good vocals..

I can not stop playing the "Electric Lady" song, its perfection.

seelliiaan said:

Her being his protoge is only a speculation on my part, which I my self am not convinced of. By this I dont mean he made or wrote her music or anything of that sort. Anyhow, I do however think she is trying to give an androgynous image. I do not see it as an other type of feminim. Her style is not masculine to the point where her gender is mistaken. Same as with Prince, unmistakably male. But as he was playing on the femin thing, she is def playing on masculine style. She is also very secretive about her sexual orientation, just an other dimention added to create this image. She is by no means masculine in her behavior, or make up wise, but the clothing are without a question often inspired by mans clothing. I dont think there is a question here in the fact that she is using her unclear sexuality or lack of it, or how ever you want to see it, as an important role in creating this persona. Thinking about this, Prince's image seems allot more genuine and a reflection of who he is. Where as she seems very calculated and pre planned. Of course her image is also a reflection of things she stands for, but she doesnt feel as natural. Well, she is an android.

an·drog·y·nous (n-drj-ns)

adj.

1. Biology Having both female and male characteristics; hermaphroditic.

2. Being neither distinguishably masculine nor feminine, as in dress, appearance, or behavior.

[Edited 10/24/13 6:17am]

Maybe she's still expanding on her original concept or trying new things as she goes along. If she uses some pre planned and calculated parts in her shows I didn't notice it much. I thought she came across as totally present in the moment and inspired. A strong personality like Prince has us noticing how adaptable and fluid he can be with his music and his audience. Janelle is still young and someone who might approach shows differently while finding her niche. Princes' years of experience probably makes him more comfortable and that feels more natural to us too.

Everyone was swept away with her music, and ... when she sang 'the bootie don't lie' well, there were many booties there to testify. That elevated energy that Prince and his shows are famous for showed up there. She might be influenced by Prince but she's definitely doing her own thing. I am so glad that these two collaborated, he probably shared lots of valuable insights. She is so fortunate to be able to call him friend. Janelle is a rising star, Electric Lady, Prince is a super star and 'Baby don't you know, I can't live without your love.'

According to DJ Crash Crash 'Well, you're right, she's not a person, she is a droid. She is an android Alpha Platinum 9000, and she is jammin' She's definitely jammin

luvparade said:

seelliiaan said:

Her being his protoge is only a speculation on my part, which I my self am not convinced of. By this I dont mean he made or wrote her music or anything of that sort. Anyhow, I do however think she is trying to give an androgynous image. I do not see it as an other type of feminim. Her style is not masculine to the point where her gender is mistaken. Same as with Prince, unmistakably male. But as he was playing on the femin thing, she is def playing on masculine style. She is also very secretive about her sexual orientation, just an other dimention added to create this image. She is by no means masculine in her behavior, or make up wise, but the clothing are without a question often inspired by mans clothing. I dont think there is a question here in the fact that she is using her unclear sexuality or lack of it, or how ever you want to see it, as an important role in creating this persona. Thinking about this, Prince's image seems allot more genuine and a reflection of who he is. Where as she seems very calculated and pre planned. Of course her image is also a reflection of things she stands for, but she doesnt feel as natural. Well, she is an android.

an·drog·y·nous (n-drj-ns)

adj.

1. Biology Having both female and male characteristics; hermaphroditic.

2. Being neither distinguishably masculine nor feminine, as in dress, appearance, or behavior.

[Edited 10/24/13 6:17am]

Maybe she's still expanding on her original concept or trying new things as she goes along. If she uses some pre planned and calculated parts in her shows I didn't notice it much. I thought she came across as totally present in the moment and inspired. A strong personality like Prince has us noticing how adaptable and fluid he can be with his music and his audience. Janelle is still young and someone who might approach shows differently while finding her niche. Princes' years of experience probably makes him more comfortable and that feels more natural to us too.

Everyone was swept away with her music, and ... when she sang 'the bootie don't lie' well, there were many booties there to testify. That elevated energy that Prince and his shows are famous for showed up there. She might be influenced by Prince but she's definitely doing her own thing. I am so glad that these two collaborated, he probably shared lots of valuable insights. She is so fortunate to be able to call him friend. Janelle is a rising star, Electric Lady, Prince is a super star and 'Baby don't you know, I can't live without your love.'

According to DJ Crash Crash 'Well, you're right, she's not a person, she is a droid. She is an android Alpha Platinum 9000, and she is jammin' She's definitely jammin

I think that if you'll start to follow her more you probably will surprise about how HUMAN Janelle is...she plays with the android concept( which is by the way a metaphor for the discriminations in general) but it's funny that I find her music and her persona( watching some of her interviews and the things she writes in her music, on twitter etc) to be more honest than the majority of the artists out( and also more talented but that's another point )..she seems to really care about humanity and she's spending the majority of free time while on tour visiting universities, high schools (before her shows) talking to these kids.. she's very socially active in general,she's even using her deal with covergirl cosmetics for sending the message to young girls that is okay to be yourself and not follow trends, that the black women don't have to be afraid to rock their natural hairs ..I think growing up really poor in the ghetto of Kansas City with a drug addict father combined with her strong personality probably made her become the girl she seems to be today.but at the same time I think she's also vulnerable and sensitive (it's clear in some of her music like victory sally ride and in the fact she started to see a therapist to solve some of her issues)..

[Edited 11/20/13 4:31am]

[Edited 11/20/13 4:51am]

[Edited 11/20/13 5:20am]

mjscarousal said:

cindymay said:

I noticed she's not wearing the tuxedo anymore but she still rocks the black and white and her style is always very HER..I admire how she stays in control of every aspect of her career..and I admire for basically everything that she stands for in her music..but anyway the electric lady lp is AMAZING..one of the three best records of the year for me with arcade fire's the reflektor and daft punk's random access memories( which I surprisingly liked a lot and it seems like a record that could came from janelle's monae camp,like an electronic version of her style for the major part of the record)..

but anyway, I really want to see this electric tour and I hope she will take it to Europe soon..imo she's the most talented live performer of this generation..someone said to me he saw a lot of young girls crying around him during one of janelle's recent concerts and even a grown up man!..he was like: the crowd was REALLY touched and with every reason she made us laugh, dance, think, and cry at the same time..and he said he couldn't imagine how much work out she needs to do every day to perform like that..with that level of energy and good vocals..

I can not stop playing the "Electric Lady" song, its perfection.

yeah..a lot of great songs on the electric lady:givin' them what they love, queen, electric lady, primetime, look into my eyes, ghetto woman, victory, I can't live without your love, sally ride, dorothy dandridge's eyes, what an experience..and the overtures especially the first>..plus I noticed that Q.u.e.e.n and electric lady lady are even better live( even though this is valid for the majority of her songs) but seriously q.u.e.e.n in particular is super super funky live.. :-)plus she needs to perform sally ride ( she never performed it at the moment) I need to hear that in my life

[Edited 11/20/13 4:45am]

I think that if you'll start to follow her more you probably will surprise about how HUMAN Janelle is...she plays with the android concept( which is by the way a metaphor for the discriminations in general) but it's funny that I find her music and her persona( watching some of her interviews and the things she writes in her music, on twitter etc) to be more honest than the majority of the artists out( and also more talented but that's another point )..she seems to really care about humanity and she's spending the majority of free time while on tour visiting universities, high schools (before her shows) talking to these kids.. she's very socially active in general,she's even using her deal with covergirl cosmetics for sending the message to young girls that is okay to be yourself and not follow trends, that the black women don't have to be afraid to rock their natural hairs ..I think growing up really poor in the ghetto of Kansas City with a drug addict father combined with her strong personality probably made her become the girl she seems to be today.but at the same time I think she's also vulnerable and sensitive (it's clear in some of her music like victory sally ride and in the fact she started to see a therapist to solve some of her issues)..

[Edited 11/20/13 4:31am]

[Edited 11/20/13 4:51am]

[Edited 11/20/13 5:20am]

Janelle is so on point and how she pulls it all together through her music, lyrics and concepts really does amaze me. Electric Lady and her other CD's have these great messages and unreal jams. She's spreading awareness of what's going on. Not only does she give good advice in a musically intense, funky way, many clever lyrics in what she's released. She covering an era of a rise in consciousness, wow I really have to say her music gives my heart wings. I that lyrics she sings that goes...you can take my wings but I'm still gonna fly'

I was reading prince.org one day when I heard about her and now so glad I checked out her CD's.

Janelle is the greatest star (an the prettiest, as Bowie'd say) in the pop world now. God bless her.

with the news about outkast's reunion..and she confirmed this on twitter..after they need to create a supergroup with Janelle and release a collaborative album..(after all she started her career as their protege) cross fingerssssss even though I'd like to see her do collaborative albums with half of her friends... let's start with outkast..

[Edited 11/21/13 13:42pm]

luvparade said:

I think that if you'll start to follow her more you probably will surprise about how HUMAN Janelle is...she plays with the android concept( which is by the way a metaphor for the discriminations in general) but it's funny that I find her music and her persona( watching some of her interviews and the things she writes in her music, on twitter etc) to be more honest than the majority of the artists out( and also more talented but that's another point )..she seems to really care about humanity and she's spending the majority of free time while on tour visiting universities, high schools (before her shows) talking to these kids.. she's very socially active in general,she's even using her deal with covergirl cosmetics for sending the message to young girls that is okay to be yourself and not follow trends, that the black women don't have to be afraid to rock their natural hairs ..I think growing up really poor in the ghetto of Kansas City with a drug addict father combined with her strong personality probably made her become the girl she seems to be today.but at the same time I think she's also vulnerable and sensitive (it's clear in some of her music like victory sally ride and in the fact she started to see a therapist to solve some of her issues)..

[Edited 11/20/13 4:31am]

[Edited 11/20/13 4:51am]

[Edited 11/20/13 5:20am]

Janelle is so on point and how she pulls it all together through her music, lyrics and concepts really does amaze me. Electric Lady and her other CD's have these great messages and unreal jams. She's spreading awareness of what's going on. Not only does she give good advice in a musically intense, funky way, many clever lyrics in what she's released. She covering an era of a rise in consciousness, wow I really have to say her music gives my heart wings. I that lyrics she sings that goes...you can take my wings but I'm still gonna fly'

I was reading prince.org one day when I heard about her and now so glad I checked out her CD's.

I know she's all that..she's an amazing artist( and a beautiful woman)..she doesn't even appear to belong to this era of music tbh..she's too good for these generations..

[Edited 11/21/13 13:35pm]

Got my cd today and I must say the snippets on Amazon don't do it justice!

This is easily the most interesting, refreshing and creative effort I have heard all year...I could do without some of the dj segues but other than that this is the most enjoyment I've gotten from a new album since Condensate.

I'm liking this one even more than Metropolis and Archandroid and both of those were quite good.

babynoz said:

Got my cd today and I must say the snippets on Amazon don't do it justice!

This is easily the most interesting, refreshing and creative effort I have heard all year...I could do without some of the dj segues but other than that this is the most enjoyment I've gotten from a new album since Condensate.

I'm liking this one even more than Metropolis and Archandroid and both of those were quite good.

I think she's definitely more accessible in this album, I LOVED the previous album and ep( like I listen to them regularly), but I see that in the electric lady she seems more focused..I was scared for a selling out move robin thicke'style to be honest (only for a moment)..but she managed to stay herself musically and becoming at the same time more accessible..after belting out one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the last years with the Archandroid she had a lot of pressure on her for this project but she did a GREAT job delivering one of the greatest albums of the year.. by the way I got the electric lady on vinyl and it sounds like the perfect support for this record imo ..I'm tasting something EPIC for the next and last installment of her concept saga..

[Edited 11/23/13 17:45pm]

cindymay said:

babynoz said:

Got my cd today and I must say the snippets on Amazon don't do it justice!

This is easily the most interesting, refreshing and creative effort I have heard all year...I could do without some of the dj segues but other than that this is the most enjoyment I've gotten from a new album since Condensate.

I'm liking this one even more than Metropolis and Archandroid and both of those were quite good.

I think she's definitely more accessible in this album, I LOVED the previous album and ep( like I listen to them regularly), but I see that in the electric lady she seems more focused..I was scared for a selling out move robin thicke'style to be honest (only for a moment)..but she managed to stay herself musically and becoming at the same time more accessible..after belting out one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the last years with the Archandroid she had a lot of pressure on her for this project but she did a GREAT job delivering one of the greatest albums of the year.. by the way I got the electric lady on vinyl and it sounds like the perfect support for this record imo ..I'm tasting something EPIC for the next and last installment of her concept saga..

[Edited 11/23/13 17:45pm]

Must be really cool to have on vinyl,

I agree with everything you wrote and I'm confident that she will remain true to herself because I think she still has a lot to say.

I can listen all the way through without skipping songs and I'm especially loving the string arrangements.

Downloaded and listened over the weekend. My favs are "Cant Live without you", "Primetime" "Give Em What they Love", "Sally Ride" and "What an Experience". Great album!

babynoz said:

cindymay said:

I think she's definitely more accessible in this album, I LOVED the previous album and ep( like I listen to them regularly), but I see that in the electric lady she seems more focused..I was scared for a selling out move robin thicke'style to be honest (only for a moment)..but she managed to stay herself musically and becoming at the same time more accessible..after belting out one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the last years with the Archandroid she had a lot of pressure on her for this project but she did a GREAT job delivering one of the greatest albums of the year.. by the way I got the electric lady on vinyl and it sounds like the perfect support for this record imo ..I'm tasting something EPIC for the next and last installment of her concept saga..

[Edited 11/23/13 17:45pm]

Must be really cool to have on vinyl,

I agree with everything you wrote and I'm confident that she will remain true to herself because I think she still has a lot to say.

I can listen all the way through without skipping songs and I'm especially loving the string arrangements.

it really is ..plus beautiful artwork !she made a limited edition on red vinyls and the other one in black and white vinyls..just SO COOL..and I noticed how much you can hear the strings on the vinyl..she really used A LOT of instruments on this record..(not surprising though she did the same for the archandroid) she has a love for classical music, jazz and funk so of course for those genres you need a lot of instruments.plus I always had a soft spot for pop/rock acts that incorporate classical music in their sound..

not read all the comments, but having listened to the album a few times - i hear Prince (mainly guitar but also some background vocals) on a few of the other tracks apart from givin em what they love.

anyone else think he may have graced other tracks?