ALBUM REVIEW, Janelle Monae 'The Electric Lady:' In the Battle of Droids Versus Humans, 'Q.U.E.E.N.' Singer Comes Out on Top [FULL ALBUM STREAM]

R&B singer Janelle Monae burst onto the scene in 2010 with her critically acclaimed, sci-fi influenced concept album "The ArchAndroid." Full of some of the strongest modern R&B in recent years, with lyrical elements of science fiction and horror, Monae executed "Android" perfectly, winning over fans and critics alike. For her second record, "The Electric Lady," she had to pull off something special to live up.

By all accounts, "The Electric Lady" is an ambitious project. The record is 19 songs long and a sort of lyrical predecessor to the story of Cindi Mayweather, Monae's android alter-ego. Sometimes labeled as "the hardest working woman in music," she was up to the task.

Much like "The ArchAndroid," "The Electric Lady" begins with an orchestral movement, "Suite V Electric Overture." Following the emotional build up for the album, which contains bouncing basslines and sliding strings, Monae bursts full force into "The Electric Lady" with "Givin Em What They Love," featuring none other than Prince. Over a funky horn beat, Monae reaches into the stratosphere vocally and is capable of even matching the legendary Prince.

The funky beats and strong vocal performances are, of course, what help "The Electric Lady's" theme of droids-versus-humans feel more powerful. Lead single "Q.U.E.E.N." (featuring Erykah Badu) and the infectious tribal and disco influenced "Ghetto Woman" are purely irresistible with their groovy instrumentation and attitude-filled, introspective lyrics ("Hey sister am I good enough for your heaven / Say will your God accept me in my black and white / Will he approve the way I'm made? / Or should I reprogram the programming and get down?" she sings on "Q.U.E.E.N").

"The Electric Lady" actually succeeds in some places where "ArchAndroid" dragged. Whereas the slower songs on her debut come and go, the ballads on "The Electric Lady" stand out as some of the record's strongest. "Primetime" (featuring "Adorn" singer Miguel) is a traditional love song. The two vocalists can obviously hold their own and trade off vocal duties and blend together flawlessly. The string arrangements and simple guitar solos add to the big yet simple feel of the song.

Another love song, "Can't Live Without Your Love" pulls '90s R&B influence. It's subtle, cool quiet instrumentation help Monae's voice to soar above and stand out.

It's hard to find a weak track on "The Electric Lady." Even the musical overtures soar and radio interludes help round out the tension between the droids and humans, making for an interesting record conceptually ("Robot love is QUEER," one caller says on the record, likening the robots' fight for equality to real society's minorities).

Of course, the guests on the record can't be ignored. In addition to Prince, Erykah Badu and Miguel, guest stars Solange and Esperanza Spalding add explosive energy to the record ("Electric Lady" and "Dorothy Dandridge Eyes," respectively). As an ode to all kinds of R&B, it's obvious that Monae would bring in the best of the genre's best to help her out on "The Electric Lady."

And it succeeds. Monae took on a huge project thematically and musically with her second effort and managed to pull it off. In the process, she created one of the strongest records of 2013.

Listen to "The Electric Lady" below.