The icon that is Beyoncé has released her long-awaited seventh studio album, Renaissance!
Said to be the first instalment of a three-part project, Renaissance houses sixteen songs from Beyoncé – including the already released hit “Break My Soul” – and features composer credits from JAY-Z, Drake, The Neptunes and more. While the project is mainly featureless, guest vocals come from Beam on “Energy”, as well as Grace Jones and Tems on “Move”.
Renaissance arrives six years after Beyoncé’s previous solo LP, Lemonade. The album was made over the course of three years during the pandemic.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” Beyoncé said when describing the album on Instagram. “It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom.
“It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
Take in Renaissance in full below after taking in the brief album trailer above!