BEYONCE + THE
VISUAL ALBUM - Boohema Boohene (27/12/2013)
Beyonce, Mrs
Carter, Sasha Fierce, Queen B is by far one of
the most phenomenal and inspiring women in the music industry of this generation, dominating the charts for over
twenty years. Coming from the girl group Destiny’s Child to being a worldwide platinum
selling solo artist she has gone from strength to strength.
Taking on the managerial role for her career in 2011, many were unsure if Queen
B would be able to deliver the quality level of music that she had been admired for over
the years, as it was a difficult task. However she has surprised everyone that
doubted her and topped the charts consistently.
In 2011 she stunned everyone with her fourth
album 4
which sold 310,000 copies in the first week and debuted at the top of
the Billboard 200 charts giving Bey
her fourth consecutive number one album in the US. As the album was received
well, Beyonce also released a short documentary to accompany it, about her
personal life, becoming a mother and her inner thoughts. We as an audience also
got to understand how much work she puts in for her fans not just in terms of
the music but also the creativity behind her performances and music videos. It was nice to see Beyonce in
her natural state and everyday settings, this definitely attracted her fans to look at
her in a different light.
Since then
we hadn't’ heard much from ‘Mrs Carter’ as she now refers to herself since getting married to rapper Jay-Z. Then this December 2013 she released her fifth
solo album ‘The visual album’ just
when you think she couldn't’ possibly come with anything more creative '4'. It was a big surprise and shock to all as there was no warning or
information on this project. Alongside the album she released 30 second teasers
for each song,some of which featured her husband Jay-Z, daughter Blue-Ivy her mother Tina
Knowles and ex-band-mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
The album
consists of a variety of genres, tempo’s and melodies. There are upbeat
party songs such as ‘Blow’ and then
ballads such as ‘Rocket’ which sounds
very much like the Beyonce we know. ‘Drunk
in love’ featuring Jay-Z has been a big hit. A fan tweeted “it is almost
like a sequel to their hit ‘Crazy in love’
released in 2003 now we understand the depth of their relationship in 2013”.
At the
release party for ‘The visual album’ in New York three days ago she spoke on
how making the album was a challenge. "This was a project I didn't think was
possible actually, and I’ve never done anything so brave in my life I took all
my insecurities, all my doubts, and all my fears, and everything I have learned
I applied it to this project”. Although challenging she managed to pull it off
with the album receiving a whopping 80,000 downloads in the first three hours
of being on sale. Now which other artist can really compete with that?
An amazing aspect of Beyonce's music is that , despite the fact she
is classified as an R&B artist, many different audiences are able to relate to
her music as she makes it mainstream for everyone to enjoy. No wonder why her
concerts now get sold out in seconds and fans are willing to pay over £100 just to see her
live,knowing they are in for a breath-taking show.
It seems
Beyonce’s 2014 is kicking off with a great start with
a worldwide tour which
many are excited for. Who knows what more she has in store for us next year, we all
just have to sit back relax and enjoy the ride.