Full disclosure: I have not listened to the full album nor have I watched the hour long film. But, I am halfway through. Once exams are over and I am home for summer, I fully plan to devote some time to watch the film because I am heard some rave reviews about it. Also, I am in no way a music critic, just a girl who can find something to enjoy in almost all genres of music.
Beyonce’s recent release of her visual album, Lemonade, has the Beyhive (among others) swarming for a taste. I even bought the album, which says a lot because I am an avid streaming music listener and have not bought an artist’s album since Rihanna’s Loud in 2010. With that being said, I did also have about $9 of iTunes credit on my account and didn’t quite have to come out the full $17.99, technically speaking. However, as far as the album goes, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thoroughly feeling this album. I believe a lot of people can relate to this album, especially for those whose hearts have been broken or those dealing with recent breakups. *raises hand*
From the songs I have listened to, it's rather hard not to notice the pain behind her words. The opening track to her album, "Pray You Catch Me", certainly sets the tone. This song introduces the distrust, pain, and emotional distress that often plagues relationships. However, it's hard not to assume that she speaks from experience as rumors about Jay-Z's alleged infidelities have been a conversation topic since the elevator fight at the Met Gala in 2014. Since the incident, the couple has released multiple statements stating that their family has "healed" and moved past whatever sparked the fight. But this album is riddled with suggestions that say otherwise.
The next song, "Hold Up", has a lighthearted tempo that juxtaposes the content of the song which deals with an immense amount of rage and resentment. This is definitely the song you play when imagining yourself busting the windows out of your former significant other's car. I do not condone violence but it's the kind of mood the song puts you in. If you've watched the accompanied music video, then you would understand. In the video, Queen Bee happily skips through the street in a fabulous yellow ruffled dress and terrorizes the town with her infamous slugger sidekick, Hot Sauce. Both the image and song resonate with anyone who has been cheated on in a relationship because after someone breaks your heart, all you want to do is go to town. Nonetheless, it's a fun song and the most upbeat of the entire album.
"Don't Hurt Yourself" seems to be a continuance from "Hold Up". It keeps with the same cheating concept but is more empowering than the last song and this number doesn't have the same lighthearted and upbeat tempo from the previous song. This song has some powerful "rage-guitar" riffs and while there is a lot of anger behind her words in this song, there is also strength. If this doesn't pick you up from the gloom, the next song definitely will.
"Sorry" by far is my favorite song of this album. The entire time I was listening I was snapping my fingers and shouting "YAAAAS boo". This is and forever will be my break up anthem. This song takes the famous "sorry, not sorry" attitude and I am all about it! This song will empower you to finally get over whoever it was that broke your heart because they are not worth the trouble. You will say, "screw your excuses and I will not be taking any apologies" and he had best "call Becky with the good hair" because you are long gone. *double finger snap*
The next song, "6 Inch", is without a doubt the song you play right before stepping out to the club. The opening chorus will have you saying, what ex? Don't you worry about them, all you need to worry about is yourself and your stacks. In the bridge, Beyonce sings in a sultry voice, "She gon' slang, too smart to crave material things". I am a firm believer that money cannot buy you happiness but it can make you forget about that two-timing sucker (at least for a little while).
The album finishes with Beyonce's hit single "Formation" which is not an ode to heartbreak but to the Black Lives Matter movement that has swept the nation. I do believe that is another topic for later; nonetheless, Beyonce lettin' you know that you better slay and get in formation. These little knuckle-headed heartbreakers got nothing on your shine!
So far, so good. Beyonce definitely does not disappoint in this album and I am looking forward to listening to the remaining six songs. I believe there is a lot more than she's letting on about her marriage with Jay-Z but that's not really our concern. I believe she's moved past the pain, emotion, and anger and now she's helping others who've had their heartbroken do the same. If you don't listen to the full album, at least listen to the six I've mentioned above. I look forward to whatever Queen Bee has planned for us next.
