The seventh album is just Act 1 of this pandemic trilogy.
Per the Queen Bey’s official website, this is a three-act project that was recorded over the years during the pandemic, which she described as “a time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative.”
Addressing the leak, she had this to say: “So the album leaked, and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you all can enjoy it together. I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t thank y’all enough for your love and protection. I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early. It means the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you for being patient. We are going to take our time and enjoy the music. I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy. I love you deep.”
The artist says, “Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”
According to Lisa Respers France of CNN, “We expected to dance, and Renaissance gives us house music and afro-beats and pays homage to jams of the past. Children of the 1970s will be reminded of house parties their parents used to throw — complete with the Boone’s Farm wine and the couch moved to make room for a dance floor — with songs like “Summer Renaissance” (which finds her channeling Donna Summer) and “Cuff It” that harken back to the disco and roller-skating rinks.The latter even features one of the architects of the sound of that era, Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers.”
On “Renaissance,” the pop star’s seventh solo album, she finds escape, rebirth, community, pleasure and control in decades of dance music steeped in Black queer bravado, says The New York Times Wesley Morris.
Rolling Stone’s Will Dukes wrote, “Beyoncé’s latest album, Renaissance, which was announced weeks in advance, along with a major Vogue cover story, and is being released in four box sets and limited-edition vinyl, finds her creating an upbeat collection of hits, boundary-expanding deep cuts, and dance staples, whose quaint grandeur feels starkly cutting-edge. And it happily suggests that the new wave for the iconic singer is to keep it kind of old school.”
The 28-time Grammy winner offered thanks by saying, “I want to give a special thank you to Rumi, sir, and Blue for allowing me the space, creativity, and inspiration. And a special thanks to my beautiful husband and muse, who held me down during those late nights in the studio. A big thank you to my Uncle Jonny. He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album. Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you. Thank you to my Parkwood crew, my slab, dream, and all of the talented producers involved.”
The former Destiny Child performer also thanked her parents, “Mama, I luhhhh you. To my father, my O.G., my first teacher: You inspire me in every move that I make. I love you.”
And to her fans, Beyonce said, “I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are. Love y’all deep.”
Banner photo via official website beyonce.com.
