A few days ago, Beyonce released "Lemonade", an album that both celebrates Black culture and talks about Jay-Z's infidelity. From each song, she made the listener feel what she was feeling- anger, sadness, shock, and even appreciation. This album truly made me feel all of these and more.
1. Beyonce did what??!!
For some reason, I was completely unaware of this and I’m a huge Beyonce fan. When my friend posted something about it on Facebook, I immediately locked myself in my room, signed up for Tidal (shoutout to that free trial), and ignored all forms of communication for the next few hours or so.2. Anger- "Pray You Catch Me"
I didn’t know what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t an entire album dragging either Jay Z into the gutter while simultaneously embracing the beauty of Black Culture. I could feel myself slowly becoming more and angrier at Jay Z even though he absolutely nothing to me.
3. Shady- "Hold Up"
I felt the shade thrown at him in such a strong way even the song has a massively up-tempo and happy beat.4. Angst- "Don't Hurt Yourself"
I could sense the anger behind Beyonce’s voice and immediately knew there would be some form of tension within the Carter household.5. Confusion- "Sorry"
WHO IS BECKY??!! WHY DID JAY Z GET WITH HER???!! My mind is still trying to fathom how he could possibly cheat on Beyonce with anyone else.6. Badassery- "6 Inch"
Queen Bey and The Weeknd singing instantly fills me with some sort of confidence. She’s basically saying she doesn’t need Jay Z- the whole world is her empire already honestly.
7. Sentimental- "Daddy Lessons"
Who knew Beyonce did country? She could probably produce an album of her just burping and it would go Platinum
8. Redemption- "Love Drought"
Is Beyonce forgiving Jay Z? Is all good in the Carter house? Things are starting to get better.
9. Sad- "Sandcastle"
The sad powerful ballad puts you directly in your feels. It makes you start thinking about all of your past relationships or could-have-beens, from the person you saw on the playground in 1st grade to someone who broke your heart in high school.
10. Anticipation- "Forward"
The quick song makes you realize that they are in fact pushing past everything.
11. Confidence- "Freedom"
Not only is this song about her relationship with Jay Z but it is also a song dedicated Civil Rights and the Black struggle. This song is about showcasing Black beauty as seen through the powerful images in the video.
12. Closure- "All Night"
The emotional ending to a powerful album.
13. Grand Finale- "Formation"
The song that started it all. After ending with an emotional song before, we are brought back to the powerful lyrics and voice of Beyonce.
Overall Reaction:
Queen Bey truly changed the game with this album. Not only did she showcase her relationship with Jay-Z but she also shed light on a lot of the Black issues going on in America. Lemonade is without a doubt one of the top albums of this decade.
