Beyonce's new album worth celebrating

Music Report

By: Amber Holubec

Posted: 9/12/06

In Beyonce's second solo album, one determined woman with a powerful, inspirational voice results in unstoppable greatness. Celebrating life to the fullest, Beyonce expresses her strong heartfelt emotions with relatable lyrics, dance worthy beats and, of course, her man, Jay-Z. What's not to like?

Already established when it comes to making a well-built album, Beyonce set herself in seclusion during the album's production, laying out tracks in secret. Maybe all artists should follow a similar mindset if it would help them to produce an album like this one.

Beyonce begins "B'day" with "Déjà vu" and "Upgrade U," and each track features incredible rapping courtesy of Jay-Z. Although the tracks start with 20 second talking intros, the bass, embracing vocal holdouts and horns make up for it. Like "Upgrade U," "Get Me Bodied" incorporates handclaps that set amazing rhythms and tempo changes that the listener can't help but nod along with. Chances are that any individual with ears has heard Beyonce's fierce single, "Ring the Alarm" (RTA). By far, RTA is one of the best tracks "B'day" has to offer. The powerful screaming intro "Ring the alarm / I been going too long / But I'll be damned if I see another chick on your arm" and aggressive beats sets the tone for the remainder of the song.

"Kitty Kat"(KK), with its questionable title, will have listeners wondering what the song is all about. Though it's the only track without a talking introduction, due to a lack of memorable moments throughout the rest of the song, it could have used one.

"Freakum Dress" helps restore the greatness that was lost in KK with its unique structure. The build up to the chorus invites excitement with multiple increases in tempo and pitch. Words almost can't describe how wonderfully Beyonce concludes her album, bringing the listener back down to earth with slow, emotional tracks, taking the album full circle.

"Irreplaceable" has something to offer every listener. Not only is it great for women to sing along with and relate to, but the message Beyonce is sending is definitely worth listening to. The overall tone is ear pleasing, and the harmonics work nicely with the soft R&B melodies.

If there was ever a doubt about purchasing Beyonce's "B'day" album, let it be said, there shouldn't be. Beyonce delivers her whole heart, pouring out influential lyrics, making it relatable to all her listeners. The entire album is worth buying, wearing out and buying again.