WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Beyonce - I Am... Sasha Fierce

 August 14th, 2009

Beyonce Knowles' latest album, I Am…Sasha Fierce encapsulates all facets of the R&B song bird we know and love. Disc one of the double compilation entitled I Am... reveals a more intimate side to Beyonce as she eloquently brings to light the many ups and downs of a committed relationship. Each track offers an intimate glimpse into the soul of a woman enduring various trials and tribulations. One unique twist to this album lies within the fifth track of the I Am… disc where Beyonce puts her outstanding opera training to good use while singing, "Ave Maria." The R&B spin to this traditional opera song exemplifies Beyonce's willingness to incorporate multiple musical styles and resonate with different audiences.

            In a drastic shift, disc two entitled Sasha Fierce portrays Beyonce as an independent, self assured diva in this contemporary world. The entire album seems to embody the slick and sassy façade of musical divas past, including Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin while maintaining a more edgy vibe that could be influenced in part by her Hip-Hop hubby Jay-Z. Though her vocal style remains marvelous on this album, the production quality is exceptionally remarkable as the producers draw from various musical genres, creating a well-balanced mix of R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, and believe it or not, techno music.

Yes…Beyonce… or should I say, Sasha Fierce, has done it once again, crossing musical boundaries and touching on an array of subject matters.  On I Am… she resonates with listeners who find understanding and solace through her music, as they trek through emotional tests and triumphs of their relationship, while Sasha Fierce exposes the self liberated, sex symbol who dominates sold out venues across the globe. It seems that Beyonce has out done herself again with this eclectic mix of music, but only time will tell how this album fares on the charts.

-Ashley Lindsay