BEYONCE, the paradigm-shifting music royal whose art has long established her as one of entertainment's seminal stars, on Friday released her hotly anticipated album "Renaissance," a house-tinged dance record primed for its summer needle drop.
Six years after she shook the culture with her powerful visual album "Lemonade," Beyonce's seventh solo studio work is a pulsating, sweaty collection of club tracks aimed at liberating a world consumed by ennui.
Eminently danceable and rife with nods to disco and EDM history -- Queen Bey interpolates Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder along with James Brown and the archetypal synth line from "Show Me Love," the 1990s house smash by Robin S -- the 16-song album is poised to reign over the season.
Prior to releasing her opus Beyonce had dropped "Break My Soul" to acclaim, setting the tone for her house revival that highlighted the Black, queer and working-class artists and communities who molded the electronic dance genre, which first developed in Chicago in the 1980s.
The megastar has indicated that "Renaissance" is but the first act of three, in a project she said she recorded over the course of three years during the pandemic.
"Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world," Beyonce on her website.
"It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving," she continued. "My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking."
"A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration."
- 'Expansive listening journey' -
In the weeks preceding the release of "Renaissance" Beyonce teased the album with the steady stream of glossy, curated portraits of herself that over the past decade have become her signature.
But though she's received wide praise for keeping the world of music videos on the cutting edge, Beyonce put out her latest record sans visuals (they're promised at a later date.)
In a statement her label Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records lent insight into the decision, saying the artist "decided to lead without visuals giving fans the opportunity to be limitless in their expansive listening journey."
Beyonce's soaring vocals have their place on "Renaissance" but it's the rhythmic, urgent call to the dance floor that stands out, with a tapestry of influences paying homage to pioneers of funk, soul, rap, house and disco.
"Unique / That's what you are / Stilettos kicking vintage crystal off the bar," she sings on "Alien Superstar," which samples Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" in a sonic ode to voguing, the stylized house dance that emerged from the Black LGBTQ ballroom culture of the 1960s.
That song closes by sampling a speech from Barbara Ann Teer, who founded Harlem's National Black Theatre.
On "Virgo's Groove" Beyonce gets raunchy with an unabashed sex anthem, adding a titular nod to her star sign -- the Virgo turns 41 on September 4.
Along with a smattering of deep house cuts as well as tributes to gospel, funk and soul, Beyonce's collaborators on "Renaissance" include Nile Rodgers, Skrillex, Nigerian singer Tems, Grace Jones, Pharrell and, of course, her rap mogul husband Jay-Z.
- Album leaks, Beyhive stings -
Beyonce has long bucked music's conventional wisdom, and is credited with popularizing the surprise album drop.
She later made waves by releasing "Lemonade" -- the groundbreaking work that chronicled her own emotional catharsis following infidelity within a generational and racial context -- first on cable television, and limiting its streaming availability.
Since "Lemonade" she's released "Homecoming," a live album and film featuring footage from her mythic 2018 Coachella performance, as well as the critically acclaimed song "Black Parade" -- which dropped amid mass protests ignited by the police murder of George Floyd.
That song saw the megastar, who first gained fame as a member of Destiny's Child, become the winningest woman ever at the Grammys with 28, and the gala's most decorated singer.
But for all her cultural clout and an indisputable throne in music's pantheon, Beyonce's songs have not seen the same commercial dominance as other contemporary global stars -- her last number one solo hit was 2008's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."
That's poised to change with "Renaissance."
The album's release saw Queen Bey return to music business as usual, deploying pre-sales, a lead single drop, a tracklist and polished social media fodder.
But it wasn't without a hitch -- in the days prior to the official release, the album leaked online.
Late Friday Bey thanked her hive for waiting, and added that "I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early."
"We are going to take our time and Enjoy the music," the megastar told her fandom. "I love you deep."
ETX Studio
Fri Jul 29 2022
![Beyonce sounds urgent call to dance on new album 'Renaissance' Beyonce sounds urgent call to dance on new album 'Renaissance'](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2016-09/81473070554_BeyonceKnowles.jpg)
Beyonce on Friday released her hotly anticipated album "Renaissance". - ETX Studio
![Young Robot Challenge dedah belia tentang bidang teknologi robotik Young Robot Challenge dedah belia tentang bidang teknologi robotik](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51720360689_TBAdamAdli.jpg)
Young Robot Challenge dedah belia tentang bidang teknologi robotik
Youth Robot Challenge 2024 anjuran Kementerian Belia dan Sukan menjadi platform perkongsian idea, pengetahuan dan pendedahan golongan belia dalam bidang teknologi robotik di negara ini.
![RUU Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan relevan untuk menyatupadukan masyarakat - RAM RUU Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan relevan untuk menyatupadukan masyarakat - RAM](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71720355959_RUUMufti.jpg)
RUU Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan relevan untuk menyatupadukan masyarakat - RAM
Rang undang-undang itu dilihat sebagai amat relevan dalam usaha menyatupadukan pelbagai latar belakang masyarakat di negara ini.
![MINDEF kaji semula SOP penugasan anggota tentera - Adly MINDEF kaji semula SOP penugasan anggota tentera - Adly](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71720354148_AdlyZahari.jpg)
MINDEF kaji semula SOP penugasan anggota tentera - Adly
Kementerian Pertahanan akan mengkaji semula prosedur operasi standard (SOP) dan menambah baik aspek keselamatan serta komunikasi anggota tentera semasa melaksanakan penugasan di lapangan.
![MAD terima RM50,000 menerusi peruntukan menteri - Hannah MAD terima RM50,000 menerusi peruntukan menteri - Hannah](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41720357063_HannahYeohVRadh.jpg)
MAD terima RM50,000 menerusi peruntukan menteri - Hannah
MAD menerima RM50,000 menerusi peruntukan menteri bagi terus memupuk minat dan penglibatan sukan berkenaan di peringkat akar umbi.
![Kehadiran ATM di Timur Sabah tingkat keyakinan, rancak ekonomi Kehadiran ATM di Timur Sabah tingkat keyakinan, rancak ekonomi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/61720354218_ATMSandakan.jpg)
Kehadiran ATM di Timur Sabah tingkat keyakinan, rancak ekonomi
Kehadiran pasukan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) di Timur Sabah meningkatkan keyakinan masyarakat setempat serta merancakkan lagi pembangunan sektor pelancongan, ekonomi dan sosial di kawasan itu.
![Teater Hikayat Hang Tuah antara tarikan Melaka Heritage Festival Teater Hikayat Hang Tuah antara tarikan Melaka Heritage Festival](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41720353476_ZaidiAttan.jpg)
Teater Hikayat Hang Tuah antara tarikan Melaka Heritage Festival
Persembahan Teater Hikayat Hang Tuah di Encore Melaka antara tarikan Melaka Heritage Festival 2024 yang dijadual diadakan di sekitar Banda Hilir pada 12 hingga 14 Julai ini.
Tumpuan Isnin – 08 Julai 2024
Ikuti rangkuman berita utama yang menjadi tumpuan di Astro AWANI.
'Jeff' dinobat siput terpantas dunia, menang Kejohanan Dunia Lumba Siput
Tahun ini, siput bernama Jeff dinobatkan sebagai pemenang, menang saingan akhir dengan masa 4 minit dan 3 saat. Begitupun, kepantasan Jeff tidak dapat memadam rekod yang dibuat pada tahun 1995 oleh seekor siput bernama Archie.
![Pentadbiran Prabowo-Gibran dijangka perkukuh industri sawit Indonesia Pentadbiran Prabowo-Gibran dijangka perkukuh industri sawit Indonesia](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81720368598_TBPrabowo.jpg)
Pentadbiran Prabowo-Gibran dijangka perkukuh industri sawit Indonesia
Kerajaan baharu yang akan dipimpin oleh Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka dijangka memperkukuh daya saing produk minyak sawit sebagai komoditi strategik untuk pasaran domestik dan antarabangsa.
![Kanak-kanak lelaki maut selepas terjatuh ke dalam tasik Kanak-kanak lelaki maut selepas terjatuh ke dalam tasik](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-01/61706067730_TBgarisanpolis.jpg)
Kanak-kanak lelaki maut selepas terjatuh ke dalam tasik
Seorang kanak-kanak lelaki berusia sembilan tahun maut selepas terjatuh ke dalam tasik dipercayai ketika sedang mencari lokan di Taman Tasik Teratai Fasa 2 Serendah, Hulu Selangor.
![Beyonce pecah rekod menang anugerah Grammy paling banyak Beyonce pecah rekod menang anugerah Grammy paling banyak](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-02/41675657122_Beyonce.jpg)
Beyonce pecah rekod menang anugerah Grammy paling banyak
Beliau juga merupakan artis yang menerima pencalonan paling banyak pada Anugerah Grammy ke-65, dengan sembilan pencalonan.
![Hotel mewah Dubai bayar Beyonce RM111 juta, bagi tetamu sikat salut emas Hotel mewah Dubai bayar Beyonce RM111 juta, bagi tetamu sikat salut emas](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-01/51674534900_TBBEYONCEDUBAI.jpg)
Hotel mewah Dubai bayar Beyonce RM111 juta, bagi tetamu sikat salut emas
Sebuah hotel terlajak mewah di Dubai, Atlantis The Royal baru dilancarkan dengan penuh gilang gemilang.
![Beyonce, Adele, Kendrick Lamar dominasi pencalonan Anugerah Grammy ke-65 Beyonce, Adele, Kendrick Lamar dominasi pencalonan Anugerah Grammy ke-65](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-11/41668586852_BeyonceAdeleKendrick.jpg)
Beyonce, Adele, Kendrick Lamar dominasi pencalonan Anugerah Grammy ke-65
Penyanyi Amerika, Beyonce mendominasi pencalonan Anugerah Grammy ke-65 selepas dicalonkan dalam sembilan kategori, umum Recording Academy.
![Monica Lewinsky minta Beyonce keluarkan namanya dari lagu Monica Lewinsky minta Beyonce keluarkan namanya dari lagu](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2018-02/41519766849_TBmonicalewinsky.jpg)
Monica Lewinsky minta Beyonce keluarkan namanya dari lagu
Dalam lagu Partition nama Lewinsky digunakan sebagai kata kerja bagi menggambarkan pandangan lelaki ke atas seorang wanita.
![Beyonce sertai TikTok, janjikan lebih banyak karya Beyonce sertai TikTok, janjikan lebih banyak karya](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-03/81615641977_Beyonce.jpg)
Beyonce sertai TikTok, janjikan lebih banyak karya
Keseluruhan katalog muziknya kini tersedia kepada pengguna TikTok untuk digunakan dalam kandungan mereka.
![Pereka fesyen Thierry Mugler meninggal dunia Pereka fesyen Thierry Mugler meninggal dunia](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-01/61642992802_ThierryMugler.jpg)
Pereka fesyen Thierry Mugler meninggal dunia
Mugler mula berjinak dalam arena rekaan fesyen pada era 1970-an dan mula dikenali dengan reka bentuk avant-garde yang dramatik.
![I Can't Breathe dinobat Lagu Terbaik Anugerah Grammy ke-63... ini senarai penuh pemenang I Can't Breathe dinobat Lagu Terbaik Anugerah Grammy ke-63... ini senarai penuh pemenang](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-03/61615779254_HER.jpg)
I Can't Breathe dinobat Lagu Terbaik Anugerah Grammy ke-63... ini senarai penuh pemenang
Anugerah Grammy Ke-63 berlangsung dalam suasana norma baharu dan disiarkan secara maya
![Taylor Swift, Beyonce lakar sejarah di Anugerah Grammy 2021 Taylor Swift, Beyonce lakar sejarah di Anugerah Grammy 2021](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-03/81615782328_grammyaward.jpg)
Taylor Swift, Beyonce lakar sejarah di Anugerah Grammy 2021
Taylor Swift menang Album Terbaik menjadikan Swift penyanyi wanita pertama yang menang kategori itu sebanyak tiga kali.
![Beyonce terima pencalonan Grammy terbanyak, termasuk 'Record of the Year' Beyonce terima pencalonan Grammy terbanyak, termasuk 'Record of the Year'](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-03/81615641977_Beyonce.jpg)
Beyonce terima pencalonan Grammy terbanyak, termasuk 'Record of the Year'
Pencalonan Beyonce itu adalah menerusi lagu 'Black Parade' dari album 'The Lion King: The Gift' yang ditujukan kepada komuniti kulit hitam.
![Anugerah Grammy 2021 ditangguh ekoran COVID-19 Anugerah Grammy 2021 ditangguh ekoran COVID-19](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-01/61609894939_Grammyawards.jpg)
Anugerah Grammy 2021 ditangguh ekoran COVID-19
Berita itu disahkan penganjur yang memaklumkan bahawa anugerah itu akan dianjak ke satu tarikh lain.