Beyoncéis back!
After teasing new music duringher cover story forHarper’s Bazaarin August 2021, the singer officially announcedher seventh studio album,Renaissance, on June 16 — and the album dropped July 29.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving,” the Grammy-winning singerwrote on Instagramalongsidethe album’s cover art.
“My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment,” she continued. “A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
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Beyoncé gave us glimpses of what’s to come, including the album’s lead single, “Break My Soul,” which was released on June 20, butfans got to consume the whole thing — and learn a bit more about what’s to come — on July 29.
From the release date to the collaborations, here’s everything to know about Beyoncé’sRenaissance.
Renaissance Cover Art.Beyoncé/Instagram
What is the cover art for Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum?
On June 30, Beyoncé unveiledthe cover art for her albumon Instagram, which shows her sitting on top of a silver horse while draped in jewels. The singer seemingly teased the cover art when she appeared onthe cover ofBritish Vogue’s July 2022 issue, which showed her sitting on top of a horse while wearing an intricate headpiece and matching black dress.
How many songs are on Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum?
On July 20, the singer released the official tracklist for the album, which includes 16 songs total. The songs include the previously-released “Break My Soul,” plus tracks titled “I’m That Girl,” “Alien Superstar,” “Virgo’s Groove,” “Thique,” and “America Has a Problem.” There are alsofour unique box setsof the album which include a CD, T-shirt, mini-poster and a 28-page photo booklet.
Will there be any collaborations on Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum?
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Beyoncé’s album features a handful of familiar names. Based on the songwriting creditsrevealed in Apple Music, collaborators include Drake, JAY-Z, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, Raphael Saadiq, and many more.
The album also features samples of songs involving James Brown, Giorgio Moroder, and Donna Summer,per Variety. The singer’s first single “Break My Soul” alsosamples Robin S’s 1993 hit"Show Me Love"andBig Freedia’s “Explode.”
What is the genre of Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum?
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According toVariety, the album isa mix of various genresas it features “both dance and country-leaning tracks.”
Beyoncé previously teased the album during her cover story forHarper’s BAZAAR’s September Icon issue in 2021, which notably included a photo of her wearing a black cape and cowboy hat.
“With all the isolation and injustice over the past year, I think we are all ready to escape, travel, love, and laugh again,” she told the publication. “I feel a renaissance emerging, and I want to be part of nurturing that escape in any way possible.”
“Sometimes it takes a year for me to personally search through thousands of sounds to find just the right kick or snare,” she continued of the recording process. “One chorus can have up to 200 stacked harmonies.”
Will there be multiple parts to Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum?
It’s worth noting that Beyoncé’s 2021Harper’s BAZAARissue, where she first teased the new album, included three different covers.
The album’s drop on July 29 confirmed the theories. In fact, the night before the release, the singer uploaded a message to herwebsitenoting thatRenaissanceis a “three-act project.” She also re-stated that the album’s creative process took three years to complete during the pandemic.
When was ‘act i’ of Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum released?
Thealbum being leakedapproximately 36 hours prior to the official release, but Beyoncé’sRenaissance"act i"droppedat midnight on July 29 — and she shared a note to fans thanking them for waiting until its official drop to listen.
“So, the album leaked, and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you can all enjoy it together,” the singerwrote on Instagramin a handwritten note. “I appreciate you for calling out anyone who was trying to sneak into the club early.” She added, “I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy.”
source: people.com
