„Renaissance“ has a score of 91/100 on Metacritic, indicating positive reviews, though some critics say it falls short of Beyoncé’s best work.
Beyoncé released her seventh studio album „Renaissance“ on July 29, 2022.
She described the club-inspired music as „a place to scream, release, feel freedom.“
Critics agree the album is „joyous“ and „playful,“ but some say it falls short of Beyoncé’s best work.
Beyoncé unveiled her seventh album „Renaissance“ to critical acclaim.
Released six years after „Lemonade,“ which has been described as her magnum opus, „Renaissance“ ventured into new sonic territory with a self-assured blend of New Orleans bounce, ’70s disco-pop, gospel, funk, and techno. In a statement released on her website, Beyoncé described the new album as „a beautiful journey of exploration“ and „a place to scream, release, feel freedom.“
„Renaissance“ has a score of 91/100 on Metacritic, indicating very positive reviews — though some reviewers say it falls short of Beyoncé’s best work.
Note: This article has been updated since its original publish date. Business Insider’s music team later named „Renaissance“ the best album of 2022.“Renaissance“ is more fun and carefree than much of Beyoncé’s catalog, taking a step back from personal and political revelations.
„Compared to ‚Beyoncé‘ and ‚Lemonade‘ — the prior two heavily centered on the singer’s feminism, intimate journey with her husband’s infidelity, and restoration of self after betrayal, ‚Renaissance‘ is all about joy.“ — Taylor Crumpton, Essence
„This is her most relentlessly upbeat and fun record yet.“ — Kyann-Sian Williams, NME
„Although there are sharp lines such as ‚them Karens just turned into terrorists‘ and musings on how Beyoncé embodies ‚this un-American life,‘ for the most part ‚Renaissance‘ finds its politics in Black joy.“ — Tara Joshi, The Guardian
„No vice is off limits, hedonism isn’t a thing, and everything in this place is better than what’s outside. ‚Lemonade‘ lacked this joy for obvious reasons, so hearing Beyoncé do her best impression of a Siren from ‚The Odyssey‘ is heartwarming, if only because her happiness is contagious.“ — Marcus Shorter, Consequence of Sound
„This is by no means the first time that she has switched things up, but it’s Beyoncé at her most playful.“ — Jumi Akinfenwa, StereogumThe album is both eclectic and cohesive, best enjoyed in one sitting — not on shuffle.
„The songs flow as a continuous mix, with beat-switches reigning supreme.“ — Tara Joshi, The Guardian
„The transitions between tracks are seamless, fully transporting the listener to Club ‚Renaissance.
