So, if you have been living under a rock for the past month, Beyonce came out with a new album, and it is nothing short of amazing. I shamelessly bought a subscription to Tidal just so I can listen to Queen Bey's masterpiece on repeat. Studying, getting ready for work, road trips, getting ready to go out – there is always an occasion for this album. Over the past couple of years, rumors of husband Jay-Z cheating on Beyonce has been quite the topic of conversation, and this album, this collection of art, gives us nosey fans a glimpse into the private marriage (or lack thereof) between Jay and Bey.
1. "Pray You Catch Me" 6/10
This song is hard to write a review on because it is really the introduction, or a preface if you will, of the whole marriage. It is very somber and gloomy as Bey suspects infidelity, and it is something a good amount of us, unfortunately, can relate to. This song arises the emotions you receive when you first become aware of something as awful as infidelity. Seriously, Jay-Z, you are married to the most coveted women in the world, and you played her like that? She's right, "What are you doing, my love?"
2. "Hold Up" 9/10
The funny thing is I have thrown some of these lyrics at a guy recently. These lyrics are just everything and deserve to be screamed at every man who has done you wrong. "Can't you see that there's no other man above you? What a wicked way to treat the girl that loves you." Yeah, that's right, hold up! Not to mention the chill beat allows these kick ass lyrics to be the center of attention in the song.
3. "Don't Hurt Yourself" 10/10
I'm sorry, but has anyone checked to see if Jay-Z is alive? This song slays. No other term to put it. Seriously, though, some girl to girl advice, if you've been cheated on, don't waste your breath, honey. They made copy and paste for a reason. Just click the arrow in the top right corner and share to his Facebook. Petty women, unite!
4. "Sorry" 8/10
I know some people are about to freak out on me for giving it an 8, as it is definitely an album favorite. I definitely love the lyrics but not the beat. I can't place a finger on what it is about the beat, to be honest, but I just feel like it doesn't do the lyrics justice. However, I am obsessed with the empowerment this gives to women. "Tell him boy bye" and go do you! You can do just fine on your own. Sorry, Jay, if Beyonce can have one of the greatest athletes like Serena Williams drop it low for her, what makes you think you're not replaceable? Did Beyonce just serve him with divorce papers and get a hit out of it? LOL!
5. "6 Inch" 10/10
This song! "She worth every dollar and she worth every minute" Yes, Bey, you are damn right! Oh my gosh, if this song doesn't make you want to grind, hustle or whatever they say nowadays, I don't know what does. I mean, c'mon now, a career is not going to wake up the next morning and tell you they don't love you, am I right?
6. "Daddy Lessons" 6/10
Not my favorite. But I love how versatile this makes this album. Just when I thought Beyonce couldn't do country, bam! You got country now, bitch. The lyrics are definitely something that are quote-worthy because over a father's dead body will his daughter be played like that! It's definitely a song you have to listen to a few times in order to appreciate.
7. "Love Drought" 4/10
This song is basically saying that Beyonce and Jay-Z have the power within them to figure out their struggles and talk things through. This is a hard one I can relate to. The peculiar, futuristic music accompanying the lyrics is kind of difficult to get into. Wow. Totally realized that symbolizes a future for the relationship. Ugh, you win, Bey. Still a good song.
8. "Sandcastles" 10/10
If there is a song that is most slept on in this album, it is "Sandcastles." Give this girl a piano and look what she does. Straight gave me chills when I first heard it. Just go listen. Please. You won't be disappointed. Probably my favorite song on this album.
9. "Forward" 8/10
With this song not even being a 90 seconds, it is one of the resonating. It is very meaningful, as it is the turning point that Beyonce has to continue forward fighting for the relationship.
10. "Freedom" 10/10
Huge fan of Kendrick Lamar, so I already loved this song before I even heard it. It is one of the most bone-chilling songs on the album, that is if you have seen the whole visual album. When this song comes on it, shows African-American women holding pictures of their sons who had been killed by the police. Now, I got quite a bit of hate from my reaction to Beyonce's Super Bowl performance, but how this song was portrayed was so moving and appropriate. It made someone like me open my eyes more to the issues surrounding our country. I am young, white woman. I don't know the struggles a black woman faces, and yet, this song still struck a nerve with me and was very humbling.
11. "All Night" 9/10
Quite frankly I am so emotionally exhausted by this song, but damn! It is a love ballad and was like, really, girlfriend, we are going to end this kind of album on that note? In typical Beyonce fashion, it doesn't disappoint. She expresses her pain and disappointment, but then it progresses into almost a rebirth where she comes out on the other side to keep going.
12. "Formation" 7/10
I love the beat, as it is so catchy, but I have my personal issues with the song. There are some politics that have surrounded this song, and the way it has been presented I don't necessarily agree with. Feel free to disagree.
Wow. That's all I have to say, Beyonce. This is, hands down, your best album yet. I cannot wait to see what kind of awards this album wins over the next year. Without a doubt, this will be one of those albums we share with our kids one day and boast about it the same way our parents boast about Michael Jackson and The Beatles.