RENAISSANCE

A love letter to the queer community: ACTI RENAISSANCE 

After the release of her 6th studio album ‘Lemonade’ as her most personal project, many were left wondering how she would continue to set another standard with her next album. An artist that's completely mastered the art of dedication to their craft; allowing herself to pour her whole soul into her work and create untouchable projects time and time again. It does not come as a surprise that she's managed to surpass her own greatness and create an album as flawless and fun as RENAISSANCE, this is Beyoncés take on maximalism, a transparent work of freedom and a reintroduction to Sasha Fierce with extra vigour.  

RENAISSANCE is refreshing and insightful, a well crafted dedication to the likes of disco,house,soul and dancehall. Beyoncé created this project as a form of escapism for people to look at the joys in life, to dance, to be free. A love letter to the queer community and her late relative (Uncle Jonny) this album was produced with a clear intention; a well constructed stream of songs that explore the creations of sounds that surrounds queer culture and prides itself in its acceptance; Beyonce manages to build a house of receptivity in just 17 songs. 

Opening her seventh solo studio album with a self motivating anthem, ‘I'M THAT GIRL is bold and affirming, all songs within this project are targeted towards self love and acceptance. Leaving ballads and dedicated love songs in the past, RENAISSANCE is an exploration of self expression. Beyoncé did her homework and being the Queen Bee she is, she sensed what her fans needed the most after the pandemic hit; the feeling of euphoria that comes with letting loose in the club, being surrounded by other bodies parading in pools of sweat and letting your body drive you through till the sun rises again. 

Her stated intention was to draw a clear line under recent pandemic strictures and cut loose in “a place without judgement”, managing to also direct focus on the prejudice created on dancefloors in multiple locations across America. Beyoncé encourages her fans to find strength in every inch of themselves and take charge; there's nowhere that you shouldn't be and there's no one that convince you that you don't belong. It takes a lot of courage to unconditionally love yourself exactly as you are, but that's what makes you “UNIQUE”, as she would say. A celebration of black pride and solidarity with the queer community, Beyoncé also angles herself in a position to spout out the secrets to success. I’ll give you a hint, it's unwavering self belief, Beyoncé is comfortable with who she is and encourages others to do the same “Comfortable in my skin”, “Cozy with who I am”.

Beyoncé revealed that RENAISSANCE was the ACTI of an undiscovered trilogy she's been working on, RENAISSANCE being the first born child of her new family. That being said this fits perfectly with the essence of RENAISSANCE, this first act is youthful, bright and untamed, similar to a newborn, RENAISSANCE is unfiltered, free and frivolous. A sense of pure joy is created within this project as Beyoncé makes it obvious that this album is free from the constraints of perfectionism or judgement. An amalgamation of genres are fused into the album, perfectly mixed into eachother like that of a DJ set, each song blends delightfully into the following track. Chart topper ‘BREAK MY SOUL’ is an instant club classic, a house anthem that gets people up out of their seats, it's the physical manifestation of Beyoncé's intention, a tune that celebrates life, encouraging you to leave behind the limitations of traditional structure; “Release your job”.

Not forgetting to upkeep her popstar persona, Beyoncé doesn't fail to put a new twist on her usual pop productions. RENAISSANCE is a space that contains Beyoncé in a different light, a mother in her 40s, she doesnt let the societal implications of these roles affect her as an artist or as a woman. Rather than becoming more conservative in her sexuality and her womanhood, she does the opposite, this is actually the most open she's ever been about sex and doesn't shy away from being provocative; she wants us to know that she's still got it, maybe even more so now than before. Fan favourite ‘HEATED’ is transparent with its intensity  “fan me off i’m HOT HOT HOT”. Beyoncé realigns with her intention to dedicate this album to her Uncle Jonny; “Uncle Jonny made my dress, that cheap spandex she looks a mess!”. ‘VIRGO’S GROOVE’ is probably the most profound song off the album, oozing with sex appeal, this song is an entry into Beyoncé's bedroom. Produced by Leven Kali, this song perfectly encapsulates the aura of sensuality. 

Two tracks that embody the essence of Sasha Fierce are ‘THIQUE’ and ‘ALL UP IN YOUR MIND’, both songs are powerful and boisterous. ‘Thique’ represents the type of song that would be played at a “freaknik” party in America, it's upbeat and suggestive. Beyoncé is bragging loud and clear, making sure that you know that she looks good and she fucks good. She’s letting go of being cautious with her lyrics, this is Beyoncé vulgar and explicit… AND I LOVE IT. 

RENAISSANCE is Beyoncé at her most fearless, audacious, courageous and FUN. An album that's intention was so effortlessly executed, layered with so much meaning and love. This is a devotion to the black queer community and the voices that paved the way for this album to even be created. ACTI: RENAISSANCE is a reflection on the black history that comes with all the genres that create the club experience, paying homage to all the people that fought for people to be able to be exactly who they are with no judgement. This album is a beautifully curated project that ties music history and the current climate, grounding itself in its simplicity; celebrating the undoubted power of love and the joys of spreading love in a community. 

Fats <333