Beyoncé's newest album, B'Day, was completed in a two-week stint so that it could debut Sept. 5, the same day as her birthday. While she certainly has accomplished a lot before her 25th (nine Grammies and several successful though not well-acclaimed movies), one can't help but think she should've spent a little more time on this album. After all, her musical talent is easily her strongest feature (or is anyone still crossing their fingers for a Pink Panther 2?).
While she had a brief reunion with Destiny's Child for their presumed final album, Destiny Fulfilled (get it?), she really made a name for herself with her debut album Dangerously in Love, which stole the show in the summer of 2003. B'Day, however, feels like a rushed copy of her last offering. Her work does not stray far from standard Beyoncé R&B fare and she only manages 10 songs in an era where 12-14 is the minimum. No one looks twice when Christina Aguilera drops 20.
While her CD might not have a great quantity of songs, it still presents as many quality songs as one would expect. Beyoncé sheds off the filler that other artists can't seem to get rid of. The album has respectable tracks, they just don't get any points for originality.
Beyoncé's first single, "Déjà vu," showcases her talent for crying out a nonstop chorus over a quick beat. This is interspersed with Jay-Z's rapping cameos. Sound familiar to "Crazy in Love?" Her lyrics in "Déjà vu" even feel recycled -- "Boy, I try to catch myself / But I'm out of control / Your sexiness is so appealing / I can't let it go oh." Is Beyoncé still battling mental problems due to the fact she's really into boyfriend Jay-Z? Or is this just déjà vu for her fans?
While she keeps up the craziness, Beyoncé does manage to find an original tune with her second single, "Ring the Alarm." Made up of Beyoncé's crazed screams and a blaring police siren, the song features enough great beats and catchy verses to make it a worthwhile listen. Especially since it's about a girl freaking out about her ex-boyfriend giving away her chinchilla coats, cars and beach house to his new woman -- and we've all been there.
"Irreplaceable" finds a perfect middle ground between her insane wailings and simple, yet catchy R&B. Both of which she can pull off equally well. Layered on top of a slow beat and calm chorus repetitions, Beyoncé's voice reaches new heights with a soulful melody.
In contrast, "Freakum Dress" is bound to become a new phrase describing the hottest outfit "every woman got" to keep her boyfriend's attention when it might otherwise wander -- nothing like keeping a relationship together with a slutty outfit.
While Beyoncé's signature remains giving every song her all, there is a major contradiction in only spending two weeks recording an entire album. She left her vacation after finishing work on her new movie Dreamgirls to hit the studio because the idea for the album came to her in a dream. Beyoncé tries hard, but B'Day feels like the result of over-extending herself. Its lifespan for dance parties will be limited.
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