The wait is finally over.
After months of speculation, rumors and a thirst for something new from everyone's favorite artist, Beyoncé fans were treated to a one hour HBO special on Saturday, Apr. 23, that was followed by the release of Beyoncé's highly anticipated sixth studio album, "Lemonade."
"Lemonade," the title of both the new album and the mesmerizing HBO special, had a lot riding on its shoulders after Beyoncé stunned the world and changed the music industry with her surprise album drop in 2013. Fans and other artists alike knew that Beyoncé would have to find a way to out do herself this time which led to this visual album concept.
Similar to Beyoncé's 2013 album where each song was packed with an accompanying music video, "Lemonade "is instead an hour long film of sorts that finds each song broken apart by chapter titles such as "Denial," "Apathy," 'Emptiness," "Forgiveness" and "Resurrection."
"Lemonade" follows the story of resentment followed by reconciliation. "Are you cheating on me?" Beyoncé asks in the opening. The short film begins with a set of vengeful songs and imagery that illustrate and trace the downfall of a relationship and a woman scorned, leaving many viewers questioning if this was about her husband Jay Z or her father Matthew who is now divorced from her mother, Tina Lawson.
As the special progresses and the evidence of unfaithfulness is clear, it then begins to lighten up and tell the story of a love that has been healed as well as the showcasing of beauty and empowerment of women. "Lemonade" is “based on every woman’s journey of self-knowledge and healing,” Tidal said in an announcement.
Beyoncé found help from a number of special guests to aid in making "Lemonade" the smash hit that it is. Tennis star Serena Williams, actresses Quvenzhané Wallis (Annie), Amanda Sternberg (Hunger Games) and actress/singer Zendaya were all present as well as Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin and Lesley McSpadden, mother of Michael Brown. Jay Z and Blue Ivy both appear in the later parts of the short film, when the story is focused on reconciliation and future happiness. The Weeknd, Jack White, Kendrick Lamar and James Blake lend their vocals on select songs helping Beyoncé to make this her most personal and powerful album yet.
After 2013's extremely successful self-titled "BEYONCÉ" album, fans patiently awaited for something new from Queen Bey. Rumors and whispers went around about a joint album with husband Jay Z to a song collaboration with fellow diva Mariah Carey, but "Lemonade," Bey's darkest and most grown work yet, was well worth the wait.
Anticipation for Beyoncé’s new album kicked into high gear in February, after the singer released her song and music video “Formation” only days before performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with fellow artists Coldplay and Bruno Mars.
On Apr. 16, Beyoncé posted to social media, “#LEMONADE 4.23 9PM ET | HBO,” where no other details were revealed. No one knew what the "World Premiere Event" would include, but everyone knew it was coming. "Lemonade" has proved itself to be another hit for Beyoncé with more iconic and powerful songs and a visual concept with a strong and resonating message.
It is no surprise that Beyoncé herself has mastered the element of surprise and it will no doubt be entertaining as always to watch what move Beyoncé will take next. But with a new clothing line and album out and a tour set to begin shortly, it is going to be a thrill watching Beyoncé do her thing as one of the world's greatest entertainers.
Listen to Beyoncé's new album and watch her concept video Lemonade here.
