The latest albums making noise
After years of being relegated to the stage, Beyoncé finally lets Sasha come out to play on wax. Since we at That’s My Jam love B when she lets the crazy out, the title of this thematic double disc serves to tease and titillate. And two CDs of music? Not very environmental, but exciting nonetheless for those of us swore that B’s last album, B’Day, was garbage ― that is until we gave it a fair listen and were dazzled by several hot videos.
Anyway, after the initial confusion of trying to decide which version of this album to buy (there were three on Target’s shelves. Three. You’re very lucky, Mrs. Carter, that we picked this up at all! CD purchases should not require that much consideration.), we got straight into disc one, the ballads. Lead by “If I Were a Boy,” the tone was set for Beyoncé to deliver some powerful vocals that were noticeably missing on B’Day. “Halo,” one of the two newly released singles, is a perfect example, full of near operatic belting and riffs.
More contemporary in melody is “Broken-Hearted Girl,” a tune that’s as empowering as it is sad, as Beyoncé declares she can’t stay “hurt” in her relationship, but struggles with trying to escape it. “That’s Why You’re Beautiful” is the nature-inspired poem layered over the slow yet gritty bass of an electric guitar.
On disc two, B doesn’t waste time getting the party started with her hit and the most imitated video of 2008, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).” On “Diva,” B drop a few curse words that might not be uncharacteristic of Sasha Fierce, but given the grimy, chopped ’n‘ screwed melody, it’s fitting as she schools us that “A diva is a female version of a hustla.” Reminiscent of B’Day’s “Suga Mama” is “Video Phone,” which finds Sasha asking “Shawty, what yo’ name is?” over a crunk-tight beat. Not to be overlooked, “Scared of Lonely” is a plea passionately delivered over Renaissance period acoustics.
Like all of Beyoncé’s previous projects, this set is engaging, encompassing and entertaining. Even those who aren’t feeling any of the singles/videos currently in rotation will once again fall victim to falling in love with the album over time.
That’s My Jam’s Rating:
5. Get It Now
4. Get It On Sale
3. Get It As a Gift
2. Get It To a CD Exchange Store
1. Don’t Get It At All
Track List:
Disc 1:
1. If I Were a Boy
2. Halo
3. Disappear
4. Broken-Hearted Girl
5. Ave Maria
6. Smash Into You
7. Satellites
8. That’s Why You’re Beautiful
Disc 2:
1. Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
2. Radio
3. Diva
4. Sweet Dreams
5. Video Phone
6. Hello
7. Ego
8. Scared of Lonely
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