I've never been a huge fan of Beyonce, mainly because her "independent woman" position is a bit too in your face for my liking. I'm sure she is a great role model for millions of young girls, and I applaud that - but her music has never interested me much. Until now. As a previous hater, even I have to admit, her latest self-titled album really is outstanding.
Interestingly, the album was released earlier this year with minimum promotion or publicity. It simply appeared for sale on iTunes (exclusively, no physical release) and has sold remarkably well - for good reason. The album was recorded in an unconventional manner, with Beyonce inviting producers to a rented studio in New York called Jungle City (see photo below), who often stayed for dinner - living "like a family". She would spend most of the day with her newborn daughter Blue Ivy Carter, taking a few hours off to record music. The list of producers is impressive and includes Sia, Justin Timberlake, the Dream, Timbaland and a previously unknown musician named Boots. Although 80 songs were recorded for the album (!), only 14 made the final track list.
 |
| The "Jungle City" studio in NYC, where most of this album was recorded. |
In my opinion, Beyonce did not set out to make a pop record here. The album's content is much darker and grittier than other her other work. Themes range from love, marriage, female empowerment (as you'd expect), jealousy, motherhood, the pressure on women to be beautiful... and sex. Lots of it. I think this is actually one of the most sexual albums I've heard from a female artist. The difference is here it's really quite sweet as she reveals details of what seems like a very passionate relationship with her husband, Brooklyn rapper and legend Jay-Z. Compare that to the way Nikki Minaj raises the topic, for example.
"Drunk in Love" is a huge standout, featuring Jigga Man himself, and is basically a celebration of their monogamous love. What's cool is you get to see a different side of Beyonce. She raps! And believe it or not, she doesn't sound half bad. Can't hurt to have the self-proclaimed "best rapper alive!" as your partner, but nevertheless it is impressive. Apparently they each free-styled their verses during the recording. The lyrics are both raunchy and sexy, yet loving and romantic - making for a great collaboration between Beyonce and her husband.
Drake stops by to feature on "Be Mine", where she discusses having doubts about her marriage. He got some criticism for his guest spot here, but I think his contribution isn't bad, both singing and rapping. Beyonce croons:
You're mine, you're mine
Fuck what you heard, you're mine you're mine
All I'm really asking for is yooooou
Just so long as you know who you belong to...
Also check out "XO", another jam (origin of the post's title). If you want to laugh listen to the poppy "Blow" for a sexual topic few are brave enough to discuss and if you want to be shocked listen to "Partition". Interestingly, the beat for this song was apparently built by Justin Timberlake merely banging on buckets in the studio. Beyonce reminds us that she ain't just Jay-Z's wife on "Flawless", telling other women "bow down bitches", which made me laugh. On a more serious note, the song also features sensible commentary on the importance of feminism from a lecture by the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
All in all, Beyonce a great album from start to finish. Check it out, whether or not you think you like the half-American / half-Bahamian pop diva (where you think the surname Knowles came from? :P). Highly recommended!
