Beyonce - "Beyonce"
(all video rights to Beyonce and Parkwood/Colombia records)
1) Pretty Hurts
"Pretty Hurts" is a powerful intro to Beyonce's self titled album; with lyrics like "Pretty hurts, shine the light on whatever's worse......perfection is a disease of a nation......Its the soul that needs the surgery". It has a nice soft and intricate quality to it. A moving track speaking on the desire to be/look perfect, and on body image issues in general. (✔)
2) Haunted
"Haunted" starts off with sort of a gothic-sounding intro, with a nice beat. Beyonce's repetition early on of "9 to 5, just stay alive" sets a powerful tone early on. The track goes through different phases. Its a 2-part song that's blended together perfectly by a stable beat. This is the type of track that could have easily gone off the rails, but with how its woven together, really works. (✔)
3) Drunk In Love (ft/ Jay-Z)
It starts off with kind of world instrumental intro. The lyrics here certainly paint an "intimate" picture, but all together, it works because it actually has a message to it. Its laying out a sexual power struggle. That, combined with the beat behind, really makes this track one of the best on the album. (✔)
4) Blow
Starts off with a sultry opening followed by more of an old-school feel. "Blow" goes a bit off the rails midway through. Feels a bit sporadic at times, but it comes together again. Its still a solid track (similar to, but not as good as 'Drunk In Love'). (O)
5) No Angel
"No Angel" kicks off with a falsetto intro by Beyonce. Once more, the lyrics really drive this; "I know I drive you crazy, but would you rather that I be a machine, who doesn't know when you late or when you're lying". Overall it has a relaxed/new age feel. The track really shows how no relationship is perfect, and that we all have our flaws. (✔)
6) Partition
"Partition" has a simple beat, but it really works for this track. It has an interesting electric feel to it. As for the lyrics, well, it certainly has one of the catchiest/talked about lines; "He Monica Lewisnky-ed all on my gown". I'm not sure how you top that. This track, while being raunchy, is still a catchy and great song. (✔)
7) Jealous
This song seems to have a similar idea to Beyonce's "If I Were A Boy". The back-half really picks up the track. (O)
8) Rocket
"Rocket" is another lyrical track; "Send all your sins over me". Not much happens in the background, and it feels a bit repetitive. However, as I mentioned, the lyrics prop up "Rocket"; "Your love feels like all four seasons.....we're so much more than pointless fixtures, instagram pictures, consumers.." Beyonce's phrasing really stands out in the 2nd half. This track is a bit clunky, but it brings itself together. (O)
9) Mine (ft/Drake)
Beyonce's vocals are flawless here. The hook and chorus are really catchy; "stop making a big deal about the little things and lets get carried away". This track overall has a different feel from the rest of the album, but it still fits. (✔)
10) XO
"XO" is a truly lyrical song; "Your heart is glowing, and I'm crashing into you....we don't have forever, baby daylight's wasting". This is a perfect love song, beyonce at her best. (✔)
11) Flawless (ft/Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
The lyrics truly stand out here; "I took some time to live my life/ But don't think I'm just his little wife". A powerful spoken word segment bu Chimamanda elevates this track, as she speaks about female stereotypes. Altogether, an empowerment anthem on feminism, as Beyonce clearly points out that she's still her own woman. (✔)
12) Superpower (ft/Frank Ocean)
Beyonce and Ocean's vocals blend well. "Superpower" is a love conquers all kind of song, but it lyrically works; "laws of the world never stopped us". This track brings a new sound to that kind of song that makes it work. (✔)
13) Heaven
This song has a gospel feel to it. A very powerful and moving track; "heaven couldn't wait for you". A touching track. (✔)
14) Blue (ft/Blue Ivy)
This is a perfect closing track. A similar moving track as 'Heaven' (but a 360 in terms of context). 'Blue' is a fantastic tribute to Beyonce's daughter, but it also works in a larger scope for any parent and their child. (✔)
This isn't just any ordinary R&B album. Putting aside its surprise release a year ago, Beyonce's self-titled album really relies on her phrasing and lyrical ability. While there are a decent number of tracks that are sexual in nature, they don't ever feel "raunchy" or "dirty". There's always a message or a statement being made. Top to bottom, this album is as solid as they come, without a throwaway track to be found.
✔ = 79%
O = 21%
X = 0%
Beyonce - Beyonce: 179
Beck - Morning Phase: 138
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