Album Review
By Lesedi Mnisi
Beyoncé’s renaissance has begun, and she has shared her revival and artistic evolution with the world through her new album RENAISSANCE. The highly anticipated album, which is the first of a three-act project and the artist’s seventh solo studio album, was released on 29 July.
“RENAISSANCE”, the title of the album, beautifully encapsulates what the album is: Beyoncé’s artistic transition post-Lemonade and her interpretation of life as she explores themes of love, hedonism, self-worth and sex. Throughout the album, Beyoncé both pays homage to and draws inspiration from ballroom culture (voguing). This seems to be Beyoncé’s acknowledgement of the influence the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, or otherwise queer) community has had on her artistry and success.
The album is a melting pot of genres, ranging from house, dance and hip-hop to R&B, afrobeats, disco and more. The authentic lyrics, well-executed vocal performances, minimal breaks from high energy beats, and lack of sad songs give the album a carefree vibe.
“HEATED”, the eleventh track, faced controversy for including ableist language; however, Beyoncé has re-recorded the track to remove the offensive lyrics.
RENAISSANCE, with its seamless transitions, audibly pleasing production, thought-provoking lyrics and pristine vocal performances is a no-skip album and could quite possibly be the best album released in 2022.
