It’s another Beyoncé album, which means a new batch of songs that, as far as modern pop music goes, are merely adequate. She’s been a solo artist for several years, but her best stuff came as a member of Destiny’s Child. Now, even with an endless supply of helpers on hand; Beyoncé has the money/power to recruit just about any producer or lyricist she chooses; she seems to be stuck in a musical rut. Hold Up, which smartly minimizes trap drums for a new age approach, is an early standout, but even it is plagued with banal lyrics. “Can’t you see there’s no other man above you,” the hook goes, “They don’t love you like I love you.”

If “They” means other women and she’s singing to her real-life husband, as verse two strongly suggests; in fact, her bitter sentiments carry on to the next couple of songs; it’s a serious case of trouble in paradise. If that’s the matter, I’d like to take this time to let Beyoncé know that I’m single, about the same age as she is and better looking than Jay-Z. Sorry songs like Sorry I’ll put up with all day, and All Night, for an invite to Red Lobster. That is to say that Beyoncé is beautiful, but her music is far from it. This album, like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, goes down fresh and slightly sweet but with a sour aftertaste.

my rating : 3 of 5

2016

 

Amazon Customer :

I agree that her best music came in Destinys child. In my opinion, they should never have split. It was all about making Beyonce a big star, but as we have seen from her solo work, that proved to be the wrong strategy.

Catherine Todd :

“I’d like to take this time to let Beyoncé know that I’m single, about the same age as she is and better looking than Jay-Z. Sorry songs like Sorry I’ll put up with all day, and All Night, for an invite to Red Lobster.”

OMG – ROTFL! Marcel, you MADE MY DAY! Best review ever!

new SxS :

Bye Michelle!