7. Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid"

The continuation of the android/human love story she started with her debut EP Metropolis: Suite I: The Chase, Janelle Monae's The ArchAndroid explores an amazing breadth of features and genres, creating a truly remarkable album. Monae's incredible voice, combined with the variety of musical accompaniment make this album a true album. The whole thing blends together so seamlessly and incorporates so many elements that it would be hard to simply listen to one song. While the album is classified as R&B, there are elements of soul, rock, rap, hip-hop, jazz, classical, funk, and punk just to name a few. Monae possesses the vocal range and talent to tackle faster tempo songs (Faster, Tightrope feat. Big Boi, Wondaland), as well as slower more poignant songs (Neon Valley Street, Cold War), and literally everything in between. The eclectic blend of songs is held together because of Monae, as the album avoids the pitfalls which often plague concept-albums.

Janelle Monae "Tightrope (Video)"

Janelle Monae performing her single "Tightrope" on Letterman last night. Idk if you guys follow other music sites, but they have been raving about this performance. And it's deserved. Her album The ArchAndroid is utterly fantastic. I've listened to it three times in the past hour. Go out and buy it now.