Beyoncé has taken the world by storm since her days in Destiny’s Child. After 3 decades, the queen of R&B has switched tunes with her new House Album, Renaissance. The highly anticipated album was released on July 29th and has left listeners with a mixture of emotions. Beyond The Stage just had to dive in and listen for ourselves all this album had to offer.
I’M THAT GIRL
The first song on the track-list, “I’M THAT GIRL” certainly has a unique opening. A much slower pace than most of Beyoncé’s music, the song uses multiple vocals and a consistent rhythm. The basis of this song is that Beyonce knows she is that girl.
COZY
“COZY” is more of an upbeat song that is all about female empowerment. Perhaps Beyoncé is referring to her own experiences as a woman.
“She’s a god (Ah-ooh), she’s a hero (Ah-ooh)
She survived (Ah-ooh) all she been through”
The uplifting song also discusses being comfortable in one’s own skin, hence the title “COZY.”
ALIEN SUPERSTAR
Beyoncé uses “ALIEN SUPERSTAR” to project how she rises above the negativity she faces. She describes herself as an alien, because she is “too classy for this world.” The star who is infamous for embracing African American culture uses a sample from Barbara Ann Teer, a public speaker and an essential part of Harlem’s National Black Theatre.
“We dress a certain way. We walk a certain way. We talk a certain way. We paint a certain way. We make love a certain way, you know?”
CUFF IT
“CUFF IT” may be the most mainstream song on the album. It’s groovy rhythms and light-weight lyrics make for a great party song. The song is about all the essentials: falling in love, going out, and having fun.
ENERGY
Featuring Jamaican-American rapper, BEAM, energy. Although “ENERGY” is filled with dynamic party beats, the artists weave in deeper political meaning that leaves an interesting experience for the listener.
BREAK MY SOUL
Serving as the single that made us excited back in June, “BREAK MY SOUL” was Beyoncé’s debut to her new collection of House songs. Beyoncé talks about her new aspirations in this catchy and clubbable track.
“And I’m on that new vibration
I’m buildin’ my own foundation.”
CHURCH GIRL
“CHURCH GIRL” is anything than what listeners would expect it to be. Evidently, the title of the song is to be used in an ironic way. Beyoncé sings about partying before going to church the next morning, but she has no shame.
“Nobody can judge me but me
I was born free”
PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA
This rhythmic and soothing track is a love song about loving someone for who they are. “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA” is not Beyoncé’s typical speed and sounds along the lines of an Ariana Grande song and we are here for the change of tune!
VIRGO’S GROOVE
For all of our Virgo audience – you’d be pleased to hear that Beyoncé is a proud Virgo, herself. “VIRGO’s GROOVE” is a more personal and intimate song that dives into love, lust, and inner powers.
MOVE
Beyoncé embraces her Queen B energy in “MOVE,” telling everyone to move out of her way.
“When the queen come through, part like the red sea”
It is hard to interpret the exact genre of the song due to the constant changes in flow, but it seems that is what Beyoncé was going for.
HEATED
“HEATED” is another song about self revelations and self worth. This song has a Caribbean- pop feel that is perfect for summer.
THIQUE
Beyoncé expresses body positivity in her song “THIQUE.” The track is definitely breaking out of the star’s typical comfort zone, but who is better to do it than Beyoncé?
ALL UP IN YOUR MIND
“ALL UP IN YOUR MIND” has a retro and futuristic ambiance. The lyrics talk about manipulation to get what you want. Beyoncé knows she has the power to get what she wants.
“I tried to get all up in your mind
It stops at a crime and I’m gonna make you mine”
PURE/ HONEY
“PURE/HONEY” is arguably one of the most interesting tracks on this album. From the title to the lyrics to the overall sound, this song is interpretive (as are most of the songs on the album.) Beyoncé talks about her “technique,” which we can assume means dancing. The unapologetic singer wants everyone to know that she moves to her own beat.
“The devil’s on my shoulder (as taboo as you want me)”
SUMMER RENAISSANCE
The 15th and final track, “SUMMER RENAISSANCE,” immediately rang a bell to a very popular 1977 song by Donna Summer, I Feel Love. Beyoncé brings back this classic by using the same iconic vocals and instrumentals as the disco star as inspiration.
Beyoncé continues to impress with her beautiful vocals and unique style. We love her continuous transformations and are excited to see her plans for RENAISSANCE this year.
OVERALL RATING: 7/10
Listen To All of Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE now!
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