After a gap of six years, Beyoncé has released one of the year’s most eagerly awaited albums. The first of a trilogy and her seventh studio album, Renaissance, is a triumphant celebration of the dance floor with a positive message.
Beyoncé explained to fans that recording this album gave her “a place to dream and find escape amid a difficult period for the globe.” In a period when not much else was moving, it gave me the freedom and adventure I needed. My goal was to establish a secure environment free from bias. a location where overthinking and perfectionism are not allowed. a location where one can yell, let off steam, and experience liberation. It was a lovely journey of discovery.
— BEYONCÉ (@Beyonce) July 29, 2022
The 16-track collection features contributions from The-Dream, Labrinth, Hit-Boy, Raphael Saadiq, No I.D., Sabrina Claudio, Syd, and JAY-Z in addition to the top 10 hits “Break My Soul.” “Move” features Grace Jones and Tems, while “Energy,” which was produced by The Neptunes and Skrillex and has a sample of Kelis’ “Get Along with You,” features Beam as a guest.
Drake contributed to the writing of the Boi-1da-produced song “Heated,” which Bey sampled from the greats James Brown (“Church Girl”), Nile Rodgers (“Cuff It”), and Donna Summer (“Summer Renaissance”).
Beyoncé’s uncle Jonny, whom she credits with being the “first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album,” served as the inspiration for the album, which was recorded over the course of three years during the epidemic.
She also acknowledged the people who helped pave the path. “Thank you to all the culture’s pioneers and fallen angels whose efforts have languished unacknowledged for far too long. This is an occasion to celebrate you.
And Bey is only beginning. Renaissance is the first act in a three-act play, she disclosed.
She said, “I hope you enjoy this song.” “I’m hoping that motivates you to let go of the jiggle. Ha! And to feel as special, powerful, and alluring as you are.”
