Lemonade
Parkwood
Release date: April 23, 2016
By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalrasSurprise, surprise! HRH Beyoncé has done it again! The queen has released another full-length album out of nowhere, side-by-side with a mysterious HBO documentary (same title, FYI).
Unlike the theme of love and self-affirmation which dominated her previous LP, Lemonade is pretty darn diverse. Racism, celebration of black culture, feminism, relationship problems, revenge, and true to any legendary pop album released so far, there's something about God and religion. As stated in the press release, the album is based on the concept of every woman's journey of self knowledge and healing.
Sonically, there's a lot going on in this album. From urban pops, to stripped-down ballads, blues, a hint of rock, as well as country ditty. Instead of relying on cooing and the oohs and aahs, Beyoncé vocals are strong, hard, and full of angst. I mean, listen closely to 'Don't Hurt Yourself' as Bey near-screams: "Who the fuck do you think I am? / You ain't married to some average bitch, boy!"
A lot to love from this record, IMHO.
Some of the standouts are: '6 Inch', 'Don't Hurt Yourself', 'Formation', 'Freedom', 'Sandcastle', and my absolute fav (and the closest to being commercial), 'Daddy Lessons'.
One last question: What's up with the title tho? Well, according to what I've read so far, it is inspired by Bey's grandmother-in-law, Hattie White, who said "I had my ups and downs, but I always found the inner strength to pull myself up. I was served lemons, but I made lemonade."
You heard her well: Whatever shits we got going on in our life, MAKE IT WORK!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.