Boom Review: Five Essential Tracks From Beyonce’s Renaissance

“I didn’t want this power” Beyonce sings, in one of a vast number of quotable lyrics from her new album ‘Renaissance’ that broke the internet upon its release this past Friday.

The biggest artist on the planet releasing her first full album in years was always going to cause a frenzy – however not even Beyonce could have predicted just how rabid her fans were for new material– resulting in a leak two days prior to the big event.

This particular leak was largely ignored by the Bey-Hive, who called on real supporters to wait to listen to the music as Beyonce intended.

That’s power.

And by and large, Beyonce has delivered. The album takes on a different tone from her previous releases – ditching the more intense commentary on social and personal issues as conceived in Lemonade –and embracing themes of joy, happiness, love, sex and representation.

Here are five top picks from ‘Renaissance’

Cuff It – Beyonce pairs an earworm of a hook with some phenomenal vocals and a little sprinkling of vulgarity. Cuff It is the song that you’re not quite sure you’ll like when it starts, yet it turns into what is possibly the album’s best moment.

CUFF IT

Virgo’s Groove – The longest song of the album at around 6 minutes, is also one of its best. Virgo’s Groove is a feel-good track that is typical Beyonce – showing off just what her artistry is all about: lyricism, power and a hell of a lot of fun.

VIRGO'S GROOVE

Break My Soul – Not too many were particularly taken by the lead single to Renaissance when it first dropped a few weeks ago, but when taken in the context of the entire album, it fits in perfectly. Break My Soul has been referred to as the “resignation song of 2022" – choosing joy over what doesn’t fulfill you. A definite winner – especially for Gen Z.

BREAK MY SOUL

Heated – A pure, infectious track that revs up the ante as the album heads into its final third. Heated is as hot as it claims, and Queen Bey is flexing on everybody.

HEATED

Church Girl and Pure/Honey – In a tie for fifth place, both Church Girl as well as Pure/Honey will have to battle it out. Both are the perfect representation of just what Beyonce has achieved with this album – trend setting and unexpected. Church girl has you expecting to sing along to a choir, before Bey gracious asks you to “Drop it like a thottie”.

CHURCH GIRL

Meanwhile the transition on Pure/Honey is absolutely joyous.

PURE/HONEY

The album can certainly be considered a triumph. Beyonce has been in the game for over 20 years. At this point, she is allowed to experiment and make music that moves her. A couple of songs on the album could be considered filler – for example Thique and America Has a Problem. However they are by no means bad songs. There are just better ones on the new project.

Also, a filler on a Beyonce album is still a masterpiece.

Have you listened to the album yet?

Drop your favourite songs in the comments below.

#Beyonce #NewMusic

RENAISSANCE