ALBUM REVIEW: Beyonce - “I Am.. Sasha Fierce” (Deluxe Edition)
Before I get started, it’s important to point out that this review is based on the deluxe edition, because frankly as the single-disc version, this project fails to achieve fulfillment.
Now, if you’ve been a fan of Beyonce’s, or even if you haven’t been, chances are you know who “Sasha” is. The sexy “creature of the stage” struts B exudes performing some of her biggest hits can be accredited to Knowles’ alter-ego but by her own admission, it’s not quite “her”. Six ballads (consecutive ballads) into the newlywed’s third studio album I Am… Sasha Fierce and we’re not as interested into this introspective turn as we might have thought we would.
“Halo” is a track that falls along with most of the first quarter of this collection into a softer adult-contemporary zone (think Whitney Houston or Celine Dion), which shows strongly. “Halo” was originally written for Leona Lewis after-all. “Disappear” is a gorgeous track with ranging, but soft vocals, that evoke sounds of B’s idol Barbara Streisand.
Mostly all of the writers on this project are white, save Babyface, and it shows through the project’s overall contemporary pop appeal. But don’t worry, the later portion of this album features enough 808’s, mixshow lingo, and designer references to make up for it. Top producer nods belong to Rodney Jerkins, Sean Garrett, and Jim Jonsin.
“Ave Maria” is a track that’s so corny it’s embarassing - not quite a remake, not quite a Lifetime special presentation. Click to it- you’ll understand.
“Video Phone” evokes the inner freaknick with lyrics like “if you like me in this position you can take it… on your video phooooone” while “Single Ladies”, aside from already heating up clubs, harks back to the independent theme Destiny’s Child wore proudly.
This projects two most-strongest tracks though are without a doubt “Diva” (which has virtually the same beat sequence as Lil’ Wayne’s “A Milli”, an obvious nod to her friend and collaborator) and “Radio” - two songs that are so dynamic in vocal arrangement and experiments in tribal house (more so the latter) that it makes you want to check your iPod again with the thought that you’ve shuffled to a new Rihanna track - an effort that I’m sure was completely strategic.
Bottom line if you’ve been looking for your chance to be a true voyeur into the private life of the new Mrs. Carter, here’s your chance. Just as the cover hints, you’re given a raw naked version of both Beyonce and Sasha– unfortunately not in even amounts.
It’s an imbalanced record at best, but still B’s best work thus far. A record that you’ll undoubtedly be hearing through 2009 in both the club and at a Pampered Chef party.
Poor Solange.
POSTED BY: DJ SidekickRelated Posts
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