Album #160: Beyoncé

By Beyoncé (2014).

=> Beyoncé on 1001albumsgenerator

I came in to this one expecting not to enjoy it, having never having listened to a whole Beyoncé album. I was wrong. I can see why she is the star that she is, even if this album doesn't really do it for me. I think I just assumed the Beyoncé's solo career would be an extension of Destiny's Child - and that's someone who has only ever heard Destiny's Child's singles, so it's a terrible take.

Enough dwelling on past mistakes. Part of the appeal of trying to listen to all 1001 of the albums on this list is the hope that some of my preconceptions will be proven wrong. This album is really broad and varied, with guest spots that fit without distracting from the main star. Even the tracks I didn't care for have a bassline or a lyric that elevates it about a lot of the other mainstream music albums from the same time.

The downside of the variety is that you can feel just how many hands were involved in making this album, and so you judge it by that. This is what happens if you can hire in the best producers and songwriters. The music I tend towards has less polish and finesse, and more space for mistakes and improvisation. But that's a nitpick.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐

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