Beyoncé - Dangerously In Love And Not Afraid To Show It
Written: Jun 20 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: there are only 3 not good tracks on the whole album.
Cons: those 3 tracks.
The Bottom Line: She made me a believer.
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| cletta1201's Full Review: Dangerously In Love - Beyonce Movies |
My reaction to the news that Beyoncé was going to have her own solo album was mixed. Of course, I thought it was inevitable since Destiny’s Child has always been largely “her” group. Sure, it’s a trio – but B (as she is affectionately called) has always been the star. Kind of like Diana Ross - does anyone remember the other two Supreme’s names? Thought not. But I digress, while I think Beyoncé has a strong and beautiful voice – I wasn’t so sure that I would be able to sit through an entire album of her and her only and those tired vocal runs that she’s fond of and that grate on my nerves. I am however, quite shocked since ”Dangerously In Love” is surely an interesting disc.
Even more appealing is that “Dangerously In Love” is the album of someone who is trying to find their musical footing, likes to experiment and at times – is quite obviously in love. Honestly, I’m all for an artist making shorter albums where they confidently feel that every track is excellent and would be capable of being a single. Some of what makes “Dangerously In Love” a bit of a difficult listen is that it’s quite long at 17 tracks (16 a bonus) and a small number of tracks are just befuddling as to why they would be included on the album.
- The Album Breakdown -
”Crazy In Love” featuring the best emcee ever (yeah, I said ever) Jay-Z was a strong and very smart pick for the lead single. Not even because they’re the new “Bobby & Whitney” (although, for the life of me – I don’t know why anyone would want to be them) but because the song is not all that complicated, and on top of that there’s that magic recipe – add one-part hot vocals, one-part Jay-z, add water and stir for an insta-hit. It’s rare that having Jay on your single won’t guarantee that it’s a hit – although for the song at hand, I’m sure it was added just to add length to the song because there’s not much there.
”Baby Boy” featuring reggae star du-jour Sean Paul will probably end up being a single. It has a bit of a reggae foundation to it; the track has just enough R&P (rhythm & pop) edge to it, to not alienate those listeners. ”Be With You” finds B channeling the spirit of 70’s soul, as she does on much of the album. The song is funk-inspired, sexy and soulful – this is definitely the kind of music that lends itself to Beyoncé’s vocals.
”Me, Myself & I” is my vote for best track on the album. The production is simple and the vocals are flawless. You get to hear a different side of Beyoncé’s voice, no vocal runs – just a beautiful voice. And make no errors; she does have a beautiful voice. ”Yes” continues the string of successes for the chanteuse – the era moves to an early 90’s sounding R&B. The song isn’t anything complex, but it is there where the beauty lies.
”Signs” “features” Missy Elliot, who apparently has her hand in every damn album released in 2003. The song is a tribute to the zodiac, and besides Missy’s useless interjections – the song is very well produced and even though I would typically frown on a song about the zodiac signs – this one really works well. ”Speechless” might just leave you that way. Combining a funky guitar and a thumping drum and bass-line - there is no way to not appreciate what this woman is capable of doing, especially on this track. The song is breathy, sexy and very much a song from someone who has experienced a great deal of romance and seduction. The vocals are a bit reserved, yet strong and arousing all at once.
Luther Vandross lovers will delight in the remake of ”The Closer I Get To You”. Luther plays the peanut better to Beyoncé’s jelly and together – they really make this song work. The musical arrangement hasn’t changed much from the original, and that’s part of the song’s charm. That it’s kind of like getting a fresh coat of paint and not desecrating the original beyond recognition. ”Dangerously In Love 2” is essentially just “Dangerously In Love” from the Destiny’s Child ”Survivor” album, with only vocals from Beyoncé. Since that was my favorite track from that album, I think it sounds decidedly fresh here. I will say I prefer the Destiny’s Child version – but this one is nice in its own right.
I’m a firm advocate for the abolition of interludes, but on ”Beyoncé Interlude” she says “yesterday i tried to paint you, but the colors weren’t beautiful enough” and my heart heaved a sigh of love and a smile crossed my face. That lovely shout out to someone precedes the beautiful ”Gift From Virgo”. If I was a man, I would love for this song to be about me. Just a love song about being in love and wanting to spend all your time with your lover – it builds beautifully and has that 70’s soul guitar and feel to it.
If you care they also included ”Work It Out”, the Neptunes track that was on the Austin Powers soundtrack as well as the overplayed Bonnie & Clyde 03 featuring Jay-Z. But, if you let that play – you get a special treat in the bonus track that is a dedication to her father called ”Daddy” - here, her humility shows and it looks good on her.
There are really so few missteps on this album, and even the missteps are not that awful. ”Naughty Girl” sounds like a Prince reject, but it’s one of those songs that can grow on you like mold after about 20 listens. ”Hip-Hop Star” features Big Boi and Sleepy Brown is just wrong. It tries to “rock” too hard and just fails. Sadly, the vocals are okay – but the music is too much for it. ”That’s How You Like It” also features Jay-Z and has such a bubblegum, cheap feel to it – that you have to skip it.
- Final Thoughts -
I’m very pleasantly surprised by this album. My expectations were low, but my hopes were high and Beyoncé hit a homerun. For the few foibles that exist – this album is well worth its weight in musical gold. There are so few good R&B albums being released and I think Beyoncé has set a good standard for the rest of this year’s releases.
Recommended:
Yes
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cletta1201
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Member: Cletta The Great
Location: Northern Virginia
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