Just when you thought Bad Boy was only about shelling out Diddy’s auto-tuned side project Dirty Money, the mogul finally redeems himself for past missteps and releases Janelle Monae’s debut album The ArchAndroid. All I can say is thank you! The thought of hearing or seeing an artist like Janelle Monae on mainstream platforms gives me goosebumps. Indie is in. And Janelle looks like she’ll be next to ride the wave we see artists like Vampire Weekend and B.O.B. currently on.

The ArchAndroid is everything you’d except from Miss Monae & her Wondaland cohorts. It’s theatrical, moody, soulful and filled with passion that is rarely heard in contemporary music. She’s at her best on tracks like “Cold War” where she combines emotional lyrics with a funky production to create the most perfect mix of pop and soul, since Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” My only qualm with the album, or albums is the length. At 18 tracks and clocking in at an hour and 10 minutes, the album does get exhausting. Though it’s meant to be two Suites combined by the time the third Suite begins, its hard to discern one track from the other.

Janelle Monae’s The ArchAndroid is in stores today, May 18. I won’t leave you with a sordid plea to “support good music.” But, this is good. My only hope is the masses get a chance to enjoy it as it was intended. I’m #teamMonae for life. And after one listen to this album I’m sure you will be too.

Download: “Cold War” “Sir Greendown” “Come Alive (War Of The Roses)” “Oh Maker”