Ring The Alarm, it's not exacly Irreplaceable, but Suga Mama delivers!
Written: Nov 17 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: More mature as an artist, some killer songs
Cons: Kitty Kat. Why, B, why?!
The Bottom Line: Queen of narcissism, Beyonce Knowles is back celebrating herself. It's not the best B'Day I've been invited to, but it's definitely worth coming to.
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| Cartman_2k's Full Review: B'day by Beyonc? |
Bootylicious Beyonce Knowles is back. The self-absorbed diva has been getting on my nerves for the past few years, who hasn't seemed to be even slightly interested in flaunting her narcissism. Dangerously In Love was a good album, but it was lacking consistency, there wasn't anything holding the album together, and as much as one could want to find a concept, it was impossible. Some has said it was a tribute to.. well, love, but subjective as I am I don't see it.
Enough ranting. Mission one, let's cut right to the chase; B'Day was released on Beyonce's 25th birthday, 4th of September 2006. She's not denying herself. It's obvious that it's a tribute to herself, and all tracks are about her. It could have been bad, but luckily for Beyonce, she's quite fascinating.
Deja Vu was the first single off the album. It's similar to Crazy In Love in many ways; it's dirty, upbeat and is more hip-hop than R'n'B. It features her rapping beau Jay-Z, and it works good. But, the problem is, it's difficult listening to it without getting the feeling it's just a deja-vu of Crazy In Love, just a paler version. By all means, it's a good song, but with a refrain that doesn't stick and not many musical challenges, it falls a bit short.
Ring The Alarm is daring, experimental and rough. It's angry, the lyrics are frank and even though the song oozes of Beyonce's blingbling, it's quite nice. The structure of the song is quite original; and it's a stand out from most R'n'B trash nowadays.
Suga Mama and Get Me Bodied does what exactly what the album Dangerously In Love promised, but didn't fulfill - it's raunchy, but classy. Where DiL showed the softer sides of Beyonce, even though she tried hard, she finally succeeds here with these two songs. Suga Mama is thematically similar to Naughty Girl, but where Naughty Girl left little to the imagination, and ended up sounding a bit vulgar, Suga Mama is superb by letting the listeners interpret the song in the way they want. It has a southern, dirty beat, and it shows of Beyonce's talent just the way it should; not just for showing off her vocal range.
Resentment is quite simply the best ballad Beyonce has ever, and probably ever will release. Originally released by the the former oh-so spicy girl, Victoria Beckham, Beyonce sounds earnest and the listener feels that she's feeling the song in the way she should. The lyrics are wonderful, sad and honest at the same time. Way to go, B!
I only give you a hard time
'Cause I can't go on and pretend like
I haven't tried to forget this
But I'm much too full of resentment
Kitty Kat is the only real filler on this album. Honestly, if B is such a perfectionist, why did she put this song on the record? It's a midtempo "ballad", which just goes on and on forever, and you're just dying to push the FF button. Bah. Why, B, why?!
Irreplaceable is the real gem of the album. Beyonce has never been this far into pop territory before, but strangely, it shows her better than ever. It's the best getting-over-my-ex-but-i'm-not-bitter-i'm-better song released this year. It's bound to cheer you up, and the arrangement on the song is flawless.
So since I’m not your everything
How about I'll be nothing
Nothing at all to you
Baby I wont shed a tear for you
I won't lose a wink of sleep
Cause the truth of the matter is
Replacing you is so easy
Track Listing
Deja Vu (***)
Get Me Bodied (****)
Suga Mama (*****)
Upgrade U (***)
Ring The Alarm (****)
Kitty Kat (**)
Freakum Dress (****)
Green Light (***)
Irreplaceable (*****)
Resentment (*****)
I'ma ring the alarm, it's time for final verdict...
I was positively surprised by this album. It could have gone terribly wrong, or it could be a hit. Luckily it was the latter. Even though Beyonce still is too much of a material girl, and not afraid to show it, or sing about it for that matter, she's just gotten better. The album doesn't have as many instant hits as Dangerously In Love, but at the same time the quality of the album as a whole is a lot better. Beyonce has matured as an artist, the songs have better arrangements, and she sounds sure of what she's doing, and she's almost dropped showing off just for the sake of showing off. It's an album that will definitely be well liked by everyone who appreciates mainstream music, since it's a lot more accessible than her previous record. If she just focuses a little bit less on herself the next time around, there are no limits how good she can become.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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Epinions.com ID:
Cartman_2k
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Member: Happysexuberawesomekid a.k.a Minister of Disbelief!
Location: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Reviews written: 130
Trusted by: 217 members
About Me:
Am I back..? >:o)
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