By Violet Feuchter
It has been 4 years since Beyoncé released the best album of all time. RENAISSANCE, a critically acclaimed house and disco pop record. It consists of 16 different tracks, opening the album with “I’M THAT GIRL” and ending with “SUMMER RENAISSANCE.” Beyoncé’s seventh solo album is a celebration of freedom, strength, and uniqueness. The entire album is energetic and upbeat, a dance album that can uplift any mood. It reminds us to stay strong and playful.
Throughout the album, Beyoncé samples many different Black and Queer artists like TS Madison, Big Freedia, and Kevin JZ Prodigy who are very well-known in ballroom culture. She also dedicates this album to her Uncle Johnny, who was the first person to introduce her to house and disco culture. RENAISSANCE is more than an album, it’s a celebration of queer culture and the underground ballroom scene. It is a work of art.
Besides this album being a wonderful commemoration of the art made by underrepresented communities, it is also a beautifully produced record. The tracklist tells a story. Starting with the first few tracks, “I’M THAT GIRL,” “COZY,” and “ALIEN SUPERSTAR.” These songs set the tone for the album. Three anthems for self-love and discovery. The next four songs “CUFF IT,” “ENERGY,” “BREAK MY SOUL,” and “CHURCH GIRL” teleport us to the dance floor. They bring the energy and transform the entire mood. Then, Beyoncé uses “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA” and “VIRGO’S GROOVE” to create a more sensual and sultry vibe to the album.
However, it doesn’t last long as the tracks “HEATED,” “THIQUE,” and “ALL UP IN YOUR MIND” bring back the club classics, easily recognizable songs that quickly uplift everyone on the dance floor. Finally, Beyoncé ends the album with “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM,” “PURE/HONEY” and “SUMMER RENAISSANCE.” All of these tracks connect back to the main storyline, the point of being irresistible, wanted, loved, and most importantly, unique.
RENAISSANCE is not just another typical album. It isn’t a record an artist released in order to make money, dominate the charts, or win every award. This is a piece of priceless art. The amount of work, production, lyricism, and storytelling that went into creating this recording is unbelievable. An album written throughout the pandemic, created to help uplift communities after the devastation caused by quarantine. Beyoncé is not just a singer, she is an artist, a one-of-a-kind prodigy, and RENAISSANCE is proof of her work ethic.
RENAISSANCE deserves to be celebrated in the exact same way it celebrates us. A celebration of life, love, and an individual’s uniqueness.
