Janelle Monáe ft. Big Boi: 'Tightrope'

She rocks a quiff that could shame Morrissey circa Kill Uncle, she hops across genres like a hare on speed and her new album, The ArchAndroid, is an "epic James Bond film in outer space" starring a character called Cindi Mayweather who's on a mission to free the android community from the shackles of a secret society denying their right to time travel. You're right, Janelle Monáe is that rare thing - a genuine original.

Fortunately, she's got a way with a tune too, as the LP's lead single proves. As loose and effortlessly funky as Off The Wall-era MJ, 'Tightrope' is a psychedelic R&B nugget replete with horns, strings, a Big Boi cameo, a rousing middle 8 breakdown and a virtuoso vocal performance from Monáe. Quite frankly, if it doesn't make you want to wiggle your hips, there's only one conclusion to be drawn - you're an android in need of a recharge.


> Click here to watch the 'Tightrope' video