Beyoncé reveals alter-ego in ‘Sasha Fierce’
There’s something about Beyoncé’s powerful voice that grabs you and gives you chills from head to toe. She has grown as an artist since her days singing with her girl group Destiny’s Child. Now, her songs show her maturity as an artist. Her recently-released album “I Am…Sasha Fierce” is a two disc set with six heartfelt ballads on the first disc and five upbeat, sassy tracks on the second.
The sound of a keyboard is the backbone of the songs on the first disc. The first track, “If I Were a Boy,” can be heard on the radio almost every day. Desperation, disappointment and hurt can be heard in her voice. She states that if she were a boy, she wouldn’t do anything to hurt her partner because, as a woman, she knows how it feels to be torn.
In contrast, her second song, “Halo,” carries a message of emotional breakthrough as she belts her heart out. The song is uplifting and hopeful as she describes her emotional walls coming down because her spouse acts as an angel in her life.
Beyoncé seeks out her spiritual side with the fifth track as she sings her own version of “Ave Maria.” This song is the most beautiful track on the album because her voice gracefully rings out and makes the listener feel at ease.
The sixth track, “Satellites,” is much like the previous tracks in that it’s a ballad and it’s nice to listen to, but it lacks the conviction that the previous songs had.
The second disc shakes the listener from the calmness of the first. The first track on the second disc, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),” is reminiscent of something that a drill team might be performing. The upbeat tempo and the clapping sound create the effect of a possible anthem for single girls. It’s a fun song to listen to and empowers single ladies.
The third song on the second disc contains a pocket of sass. “Diva” is the only song on the album that, with the help of subwoofers, will blow your hair back due to the low bass undertone throughout the song. It’s a catchy song that draws attention to independence and female hustlers, who Beyoncé labels “divas.”
The last track on the second disc, “Video Phone,” is a sultry hip-hop song. Beyoncé plays the role of a tease as she appears available for satisfaction but is untouchable, projecting a “you can look but you can’t touch” aura.
The differences between each of the discs of Beyoncé’s album represent a split personality. Not many artists can sing ballads in different octaves and maintain a hip-hop sound for faster songs, but Beyoncé has risen above the high standards of both fans and music professionals to produce a great album.
Artist: Beyoncé Knowles
Album: “I am…Sasha Fierce”
Grade: B+
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December 3rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
good review…definite cop for me.