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Beyoncé was relieved to hear how many fans waited until Renaissance’s actual release date instead of listening to the leaked version.
Renaissance is the seventh studio album dropped by Beyoncé, released at midnight July 29, 2022. It marked her first solo studio release after Lemonade 2016, and is the first of a music trilogy project.
Quoting her statement:
“So, the album leaked, and you actually waited until the proper release time so you all can enjoy it together. I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t thank y’all enough for your love and protection. I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early. It means the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you for being patient. We are going to take our time and enjoy the music. I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy. I love you deep.”
The album was critically acclaimed and shared widely on social media. The lead single for Renaissance was “Break My Soul”, dropped on June 20, 2022. It reached the top 10 of the singles chart on several countries and a peak of number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Renaissance is considered upbeat, joyous and eclectic, drawing inspiration from disco and house music styles, and presents themes such as sex, self-worth and hedonism.
Fans were overjoyed, sharing fan art, pictures of their deluxe vinyls, and praise for the album. One Redditor shared a post:
“Idk what it is but this album just sounds so damn good. Very sonically satisfying, I hear everyone praising alien superstar and rightfully so. But /Honey is particularly addictive and very Prince inspired. I LOVE it.”
On the other hand, disability charities and activists called Renaissance ableist and offensive due to the use of the word “spaz” in the song “Heated’. The word had been used in the past as a derogatory term towards people with cerebral palsy.
The slur is considered ableist and Beyoncé confirmed the same day that it would be removed from the song. The word “spaz”, as used “Spazzin’ on that ass / Spaz on that ass”, is synonymous with going crazy or fighting in African American Vernacular English.
Some of the songs featured in the album include: Pure/Honey, Break My Soul, Virgo’s Groove, Thique, Heated, and many more. Fans chose Beyonce’s Renaissance as This Week’s Favorite New Music.
And this is just Act 1. We can only expect Queen Bey to drop masterpieces in the coming years of the trilogy.
