Avg Rating: 
4.1 ( 35 total votes )
Janelle Monáe - Locked Inside
Artist: Janelle Monáe
Producer: Janelle Monae and Dr. Nathaniel Irvin III
Album: The ArchAndroid
Label: Wondaland/Bad Boy
Is it possible to give someone too big of a compliment, even if they deserve it? For example, is it wrong to say that Janelle Monae’s newest feature Locked Inside, is reminiscent of some classic Jackson 5 songs? Maybe, maybe not. But who cares when you can break your hips dancing to it? With that, we have another head-noddin’, hip-breakin’, finger-snappin’ jam from Monae which has (I’m not afraid to say) a little J5 vibe going on thanks to some classy vocals from the singer herself and some upbeat, funky production from co-producer Dr. Nathaniel Irvin III. Depending on how strong your imagination is, Locked Inside may have you thinking about how awesome the ‘70s must have been, and for Monae, a child of the ‘80s, this song is quite an accomplishment. Everyone jumped on the Bobby Ray train when it pulled into the station, and it would be just as criminal to not do the same for Janelle. Pick up her album The ArchAndroid, available now, and keep it locked for a review of the album coming early next week.
This song first appeared on the
R&B / Pop Chart
on May 24, 2010
Listen to More: Janelle Monáe , Alternative Written by Matty K
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11651 |
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One of the standout tracks off Monae's smashing debut album. There is so much to like here that I could pen a novel, but I'll spare you the long read and just recommend becoming a fan.
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| Posted on May 18, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 475 |
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Monae's debut is one of my favorite R&B albums of all time (Kanye voice: "OF ALL TIME). Along with Distant Relatives and Revolutions Per Minute, ArchAndroid is a must-buy album. This is indeed a great day for music.
As for the track, it's not my favorite on the album but it's still deserving of a 5. Keep doing what you're doing Janelle. |
| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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This chick is way too dope.
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Professional  Total Ratings: 30 |
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Definitely a nice track from Janelle Monae. Her music sounds refreshing, and her album is definitely worth listening to. Great song choice for the DJ Booth.
The Diggers Union Local 1200 Hevehitta on Twitter |
| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1217 |
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She definitely has a nice voice. Haven't checked out her previous material, but I'll definitely look into it to see whether or not I should check out her album.
Something different that's for sure. The finger snappin' in the production is a nice addition to an already addicting beat. The breakdown at the end of the song was much appreciated as well. 3.5 |
| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 394 |
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DANG I want that hairstyle. Ill song for sure, shes got style and I'm on board for this one. Banger.
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Tastemaker |
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Off the bat her voice sounded like Estelle,the change of voice was impressive, love her vocals always great to hear someone who can sing without autotune. This song for me lacked in the energy division but still rotating.
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 151 |
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Very interesting, and interesting is always good. Enjoyable.
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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dope stuff shzdonuts hahaha shzdonuts
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Professional  Total Ratings: 21 |
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Fresh sound, she sounds hawt! her voice is rich and amazing leaves you with just a good feeling.
Creative DJ who mixes many genres & enjoys taking listeners on a Musical Journey. Huge supporter of Indie Artists, something bout that new & raw love for the music! Read more: http://www.djbooth.net/index/dj/profile/98347/#ixzz0o7r0Nh6y http://SerenityGroove.com/ http://twitter.com/DeeJayClyde |
| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 52 |
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epic win.
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 2476 |
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I took a listen to ArchAndroid last night and all I can say is sweet baby jesus. Monae is one some other ish, and Locked Inside is a great example of the kind of music she's committed to making. I can't understate to courage it takes to make something this far outside the box, and she's not just making strange music, she's making incredible music. Can't say enough good things about this .
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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she is mesmerizing. i love this chick. her music is beyond words!!!
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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this song is captivating. i can't stop listening to it. i love how soulful her voice is. this song makes me want to get up and dance. its jammin hard!
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 103 |
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I'll give it a 4, even though 'banger' wouldn't necessarily be the term to use here. Her voice is pure and smooth, and the funky production doesn't overpower any of that. The throwback sound might seem strange to some people but this formula has seemed to work for several other artists lately (John Legend, Jazmine Sullivan, Mayer Hawthorne, etc.). Dope, definitely gonna check out the album.
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Professional  Total Ratings: 295 |
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From reading the comments thus far, I agree with everyone. INSTANT CLASSIC!! Previewed ArchAndroid, and WOW! Her style is so multi-faceted. Each song on the album had a little bit different feel, but had the same theme running throughout. I loved every song. I Really hope she gets the recognition she deserves. Great talent can many times go un-noticed. I don't think she'll have that problem though. The only thing I was suprised about is the fact that she's signed to Bad Boy... Hopefully that won't pose a problem for her either.
I am B=mc2. Music is featured on MTV's Washington Heights, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Bad Girls Club, and more. Check out the music profile at the links provided. Make sure to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy! Management and Beat Inquiries: @MrBentonJ Check out our profile for new music! Follow on Twitter for the latest music updates! |
| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 877 |
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Not really my type of song. Production is nice and vocals are smooth, but just can't really enjoy it
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 52 |
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There's something about her that screams lovechild of Michael Jackson, Prince & whatever soul sista with a big booming voice - it's scary to think she's been held back for so long.
This particular track reminds of a mix between Rock With You and some early electro funk. A track so good they should repeal the laws in Arizona. That album (along with the other two that were released yesterday) made May 18th a DAMN good day for music. |
| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 57 |
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Even if you aint sucha fan of the songs themselves (i am but i understand that it is difficult to fully get into it) you've just gotta appreciate her originality and her efforts - i think she's got the potential to do big things for music and i'll be backing her all the way
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| Posted on May 19, 2010 |
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Supposedly this is tribute to Stevie Wonder. Def one of the many, many standout tracks on this MUST buy album.
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| Posted on May 20, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 225 |
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woot woot!
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| Posted on May 20, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I love her originality,shes very entertaining and can actually sing.
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| Posted on May 20, 2010 |
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Professional  Total Ratings: 37 |
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Good music is back. A feel good track. Her voice is so soothing. I had no idea that she produced. Really looking forward to the album.
WORLD FAMOUS G-MACK WORLDFAMOUSGMACK.COM WORLDFAMOUSGMACK.BLOGSPOT.COM |
| Posted on May 20, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I LOVE HER!
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| Posted on May 21, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 103 |
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Damn, album is flawless. Checked it out as soon as I finished this track and it's been on repeat ever since. Her and Badu will be in Oakland next month might have to catch that.
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| Posted on May 21, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 452 |
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She's talented, but I have yet to hear one track that's blown me away from her. This song is ok, but I'm not feeling it.
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| Posted on May 23, 2010 |
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Tastemaker |
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a breath of fresh air, janelle breathes life into this song (not that the beat needed much more, it was superb) but you get what i mean!
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| Posted on May 23, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2065 |
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Co-sign @ Mrmag
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| Posted on May 24, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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This track is fun and foot-tapping goodness, although it really isn’t a happy song but it makes you feel that way. In a way, Janelle’s voice does hint a bit of sadness but the way she sounds next to the music makes it seem like it is a happy Kodak moment. This is one of my favorite songs by Janelle Monáe, the way she lowers her voice and holds the notes of the song to keep the edge, plus composition is insanely addictive to listen to and easy to like. Not to forget that it holds a lot of meaning behind the music. An incredible display of quality musicianship and creative meaningful expressions. CLASSIC!
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| Posted on May 28, 2010 |
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| Posted on May 29, 2010 |
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Becoming a fan of this girl. Awesome voice.
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| Posted on May 31, 2010 |
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ever since i had heard her Many Moons track, i knew she had skills. now i love very little more than some good laid-back, funky sounds, and she seriously accomplished that. have to agree with matt saying it sounds J5-ish. i'm talkin' good old fashioned lockin' music, and i like the salsa/rumba feel mixed with the eclectic guitar. this is my kind of music 100%!
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| Posted on May 31, 2010 |
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| Posted on Jun 06, 2010 |
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I Like this!!!!
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| Posted on Jul 10, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Need to listen to it with an open mind.. Its a great song.
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| Posted on Nov 17, 2010 |
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| Posted on Nov 30, 2010 |
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