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.