Beyoncé “Renaissance” Is A Blast From The Past
Beyoncé released her single “Break My Soul” on June 20th, which charted at the 10 position on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart. She announced later that month that she would be releasing a new album “Renaissance” on July 29th. This album is the first of a trilogy of projects that Beyoncé announced she would drop, with this project seen as Act 1 of 3.
“Renaissance” is an abundance of genres mashed together into one project. The project is heavily influenced by dance music, with sprinkles of rap, r&b, soul, and pop layered throughout the album. The Houston artist stated that this project came from a spark of creativity during the pandemic. She saw it as an escape from the real world with the ability to express herself freely. Renaissance is a very open project from Beyoncé. It’s very apparent that the former Destiny’s Child star created a project that is vibrant, fun, and to some, hypersexual.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
Beyoncé (@Beyonce) on Instagram
While the album doesn’t present any features on streaming platforms, Beyoncé recruited a star-studded list of guest appearances for the project. She brought artists BEAM, Tems, and Grace Jones for their vocals. Jay-Z, Drake, Syd, Leven Kali, Raphael Saadiq, and the Neptunes all feature on the production side of it alongside many others. Throughout the project, Beyonce uses modern lingo in her songs, following a similar theme to that of Megan Thee Stallion.
The project is very sensual and high energy, with a variety of club bangers spread throughout. Songs like “Cuff It”, “Break My Soul”, and “Virgo’s Groove” are prime examples of the dance influence. The beats have a bounce to them, and the theme of the songs are lighthearted, making them easily enjoyable. The track “Thique” has Beyoncé rapping over a trap beat with that same bouncing dance influence. The nature of Renaissance is to provide something groovy, fun, and sexual. It pays a bit of an homage to the dance scene of the 80’s and 90’s. Overall, it’s a great album from the superstar, with plenty highlights throughout the album
Image via Beyoncé(@Beyonce) on Twitter