When Janelle Monae was signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, he hailed her as “the most important signing of my career.” With the creativity and talent she possesses, he may have a point.

Her debut album, Metropolis is a sci-fi concept album to be released in four parts. Set in 2719 in a city called Metropolis, it tells the story of an android that falls in love with a human, which is against the rules of the society. When the Star Commission finds out, they go looking for her with the intent to kill. While that may seem strange at first, you have to admit – it’s quite different from anything else out right now.

“March of the Wolfmasters”- the shortest track on the album – sets up the story, introducing the concept and characters, with a futuristic sound. From there, it launches into “Violet Stars Happy Hunting!” with a beat that will undoubtedly have you wanting to get up and dance. It transitions seamlessly into “Many Moons” almost making the two songs flow into one. The beat continues through the end, when it slows down and transitions into the slower and more melodic “Cybertronic Purgatory”, where Monae shows just what she’s capable of vocally. The album closes with “Sincerely, Jane” which includes an orchestra and brass section, slightly similar to Amy Winehouse. While it is an excellent closer, it still leaves you wanting more.

The special edition, released a year after the initial independent release, includes the songs “Mr. President” which opens with a soft guitar riff andtransitions into a smooth jazz section, and “Smile”, a slower ballad.

Metropolis is something new and exciting in music today, both musically and conceptually. Janelle Monae is easily one of the most creative and musicians to emerge in recent music.