Nazia Pasha- Journal #7

Monae's narrative is about her character, Cindi Mayweather, who has come to earth and has fallen hopelessly in love with a mortal man. The songs plot out her journey through this world, in the future. She views our social norms and makes keen observations about street life, oppression and addiction ("Sincerely Jane"), addresses the state of the world and sings her words of wisdom to our leader ("Mr. President"). These are just two examples from the seven tracks on this piece. Her range almost defies description. Her stream of consciousness in the spoken word portions intermixed with nearly operatic heights and soaring vocals make you feel like you are seeing stars and experiencing the cosmos for the first time. Appropriately, yet hauntingly, this album closes with her cover of "Smile" with a fresh arrangement and sound.

In my opinion, the Metropolis Suite album is deceptively lighthearted music, with an edge. Underneath the joyfulness and humor, however, Monae deals with real serious issues. For example, the dangers of loving in a society that wants to regulate who is able to love and how: mentioned in song "Violet Stars, Happy Hunting!” Or, the labeling that both African American women (basically all women) face, turning them into a robotic-like stereotype, stripping them of individuality and humanity.

I believe Janelle’s personal life is what inspired her to produce this album. Janelle, as a hard-working maid, and an African American woman, is where she received the idea for this story. This connection between her own self and the album is what makes the album so unique- through the sound mixes, as well as the well-written lyrics.

The page listed describes this album to fit under the genres funk, soul, pop, and R&B. I can see how this album fits under these four genres, but at the same time, there is a new-age aspect to it. It mixes in bits of electronica and other outlandish sound mixes that may even define its own genre.


http://artists.letssingit.com/janelle-monae-album-metropolis-the-chase-suite-nh1p6b