Beyoncé's latest album: a review
Towards the end of 2019, Beyoncé dropped a surprise live album entitled Homecoming, which chronicled her historic Coachella performance in 2018. Her fans were thrilled, but many questioned if this meant the end of a new studio album. Fast forward to July 2020, and the Queen B, as she's fondly called, dropped a visual album titled Black is King, as a soundtrack album to the remake of The Lion King.
The Arrival of Beyoncé's Latest Album
After intense anticipation, the news came that Beyoncé was releasing her fourth solo studio album. The title would be Black Parade. The album was a surprise drop, just like her previous albums, with no promotion nor advertisement. It arrived on the streamer Tidal just a few hours after she announced its arrival on Instagram, as a celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. The album was an instant hit, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Black Parade was a six-minute single. The song immediately got critical acclaim for its social justice message, amid the wave of protests across the United States. Beyoncé sings about supporting black-owned businesses and organizations while also acknowledging the power of protests and more.
The Album Tracklist
Beyoncé's Black Parade comprises of six tracks.
- Black Parade (1:57)
- Find Your Way Back (4:42)
- Dont Jealous Me (2:36)
- Otherside (3:40)
- My Power (4:20)
- Mood 4 Eva (4:31)
The Album Themes and Style
The album is said to be centred on the Black experience, and it couldn't have arrived at a more perfect time considering all that's happening in the world right now. Every single track addresses an aspect of the struggle and the multifaceted experiences of Black people all over the world. From finding your way back to yourself, celebrating the power of African culture, acknowledging the hurdles that come with success and achieving it in the face of all odds to understanding, harnessing, and sharing power.
The style of the album is heavily Afrocentric with a lot of references to the traditions and culture of the continent. Beyoncé borrowed extensively from various African sounds, including Afrobeats, to create a unique fusion of sounds ranging from the Afrobeat of Nigeria to the highlife music of Ghana. Additionally, she collaborated with top African artists, including Ghana's Shatta Wale and Nigeria's Wizkid, who featured on the song 'Brown Skin Girl.'
The Album Reception
The album has so far received excellent reviews and has been significantly praised by music critics worldwide. It offers a thrilling experience into the vibrant and diverse African heritage while remaining deeply personal. It's rare to see a global superstar interact so meaningfully with the essence of a genre as Beyoncé did, and while this album may come off as a curveball for some, most people can see how they honor Black Americans and the depth of Black culture.
Conclusion
Beyoncé's latest album is a masterpiece that celebrates and recognizes the Black community's struggles and resilience while still showcasing the artist's musical mastery. The album has something for everyone, and it's a timely masterpiece to educate and celebrate Black people's heritage and culture. Thus, Black Parade stands as one of the most outstanding albums released this year, and without a doubt, it is one of the best works of Beyoncé's illustrious career.