So much can be said about Miss Beyoncé Knowles. Her dancing triggers chain reactions in others to follow her moves. Her performances dazzle as she sashays across stages she owns. Her voice inspires and evokes more emotion than almost any other female singer in the business. With her third release I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé takes things to an entirely different level.
The name “Sasha Fierce” was invented by Beyoncé herself. According to her, ‘Sasha’ is her onstage persona. It’s a different character she takes on in front of the cameras and on stage. Most people thought that we were being introduced to Sasha, which is the complete opposite; we’re being introduced to the real Beyoncé.
I Am…Sasha Fierce is a concept album because it has two separate sides. The I Am… half of the album contains the ballads and the slower, more classical songs. This side is supposed to be closer to Beyoncé’s real personality. On the other side, …Sasha Fierce is the same fiery feisty diva we’ve seen in Beyoncé since her solo debut five years ago.
The singles have all been released in pairs; a track to go with each side of Beyoncé’s character. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” and “If I Were A Boy” were first to surface, giving us a taste of what was to come.
“Single Ladies” is a buoyant dance record that is sure to lift you out of your seat. It’s especially good for all the recently single women who’ve gotten crap from their exes because they’re moving on and exploring other men. The message is basically, “if you wanted me so much and if you’re gonna be so territorial then you should’ve given me a ring.” Beyoncé’s other first single “If I Were A Boy” adopts the concept of assuming the role of a boy (not a man) and learning how to treat a woman.
From here I’ll go to the rest of the …Sasha Fierce half. Perhaps the best record on this side besides “Single Ladies” is the hard-hitting bass track “Diva,” the second single. If there’s a better club record I’d like to hear it, because I’d beg to differ. It’s reminiscent of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli”; much more feminine but just as hood. If Lil Wayne is the “hustla,” Beyoncé is definitely the “diva, the female version.”
Also worth noting is the fast-flowing “Sweet Dreams,” which is magical in voice and beat. “Radio” is in line with “Sweet Dreams,” another song with lots of bass. In it, Beyoncé reminisces on how she grew up with her radio and how much she loves it. “Hello” is sure to earn listening ears with its classy tune and lyrical serenade of a young man who had her attention from the beginning. Unfortunately “Hello” is only available with the deluxe versions of the album, along with “Scared of Lonely.” The latter sort of sounds like it’d fit better on the I Am… half because of the theme, but we’re sure Beyoncé knew what she was doing.
No I Am…Sasha Fierce review would be complete without mentioning “Ego,” a guaranteed hit if Beyoncé releases it. It’s just a shame this track is only available on the deluxe versions. ‘Sasha’ definitely has a big ego on this record, and she shows it loud and proud with a sassy beat and strong vocals. Another worthy track is “Video Phone,” where technology helps B hook up with a boy toy.
The I Am… side shows us a totally different side of Beyoncé. On the sorrowful “Broken-Hearted Girl,” Beyoncé doesn’t threaten to start a fire and refuse to let her man go if he lets in another woman like B’Day’s “Ring The Alarm.” No, the real Beyoncé isn’t like that. Rather, she simply curls up in the corner like a ball and silently hates him to herself.
One will recognize the large number of love songs on this side, obvious in tracks like “Smash Into You” and “Halo.” The latter happens to be Beyoncé’s second single off of the I Am… half, and it couldn’t be a more heavenly track. “Ave Maria” also rings with religious themes and sings of unconditional love, falling in line well with “Halo.”
Two records that boast similar themes to each other are “Satellites” and “Disappear.” Each sings of a distant lover, where communication is at minimum for relationships. Those who don’t have the deluxe versions of the album will not have certain tracks, including “That’s Why You’re Beautiful” and “Smash Into You.”
Only those who purchased the deluxe version of the album from iTunes will have access to the slow and somber ballad “Save the Hero.” Beyoncé may be singing of herself, but at any rate it is about someone longing for refuge…from themselves. It’s too bad this one isn’t on the main version, it would move a lot of people. “Why Don’t You Love Me” is the equivalent of “Save the Hero” on the …Sasha Fierce half because it’s only available on iTunes.
If you’re a Beyoncé fan and you haven’t got I Am…Sasha Fierce, there really isn’t any point. The album wasn’t hyped up for nothing. It’s the Grammy winner’s third number one album, and it didn’t get there for no reason either. It will make you laugh, make you dance, make you sing, make you smile, and make you cry.
Beyoncé’s best work? Maybe. Just wait until this woman tours the United States.
The LG Blog 