Beyonce fans have had to wait six long years for a proper sequel to their terrific Lemonade record – The Carters collab with husband Jay-Z and The Lion King soundtrack were nice, but they weren’t much more. Now the “Renaissance” is available, with a total of 16 songs and a total playing time of 62 minutes. And yes, the wait was actually worth it. The seventh studio album by “Queen Bey” convinces as a courageous and eclectic work that is always danceable and effortlessly switches between various varieties of electronic pop music, hip-hop and R&B.
“The making of this album gave me the opportunity to dream and escape at a time that is scary for the world,” said the 40-year-old US superstar. “My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgement. A place to be free from perfectionism and reflection. A place to scream, let go and feel freedom.” That’s exactly what the disc sounds like, namely like wonderfully euphoric pop escapism.
Naked on the crystal horse
Unfortunately, there was no information as to why Ms. Knowles is riding a transparent crystal horse almost naked in the cover photo. never mind. In any case, “Renaissance” opens with the experimental, constantly changing tempo and sound “I’m That Girl”, followed by the sexy dancefloor hit “Cozy” and the grandiose “Alien Superstar”, the right said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy”. The rousing “Church Girl” mixes gospel and rap, while “Plastic Off the Sofa” slips into soulful realms. “Cuff It”, on the other hand, is based on a bass line by Nile Rodgers and would have cut a fine figure on the iconic “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Likewise, by the way, like the strikingly Lady Gaga-reminiscent “Pure/Honey”, which at the end seamlessly transitions into the final bouncer “Summer Renaissance” (including a sample of the old disco quarrel “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer).
Despite some weaker numbers – these include the single “Break My Soul”, the Skrillex-produced “Energy”, the terribly bland “Thique” despite explicit bedroom lyrics and the rippling rap “America Has a Problem” – is ” Renaissance” lived up to the tremendous expectations. An album against the pandemic blues!
CD review: Beyonce “Renaissance” (Sony Music)
OÖN rating: 5/6
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