« 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.
