[BeYonce's Album Review] That's Why She's Beautiful

Commentary & Critique

by

Xem VanAdams

As I vowed to myself that I would NOT participate in the I AM...BEYONCE/I AM...SASHA FIERCE

'Media Blitz', I am compelled to review this third, solo, studio LP from our reigning Songstress of R&B.

Over the past month, we have been saturated in the essence of Beyonce's lead singles, SINGLE LADIES, as well as, IF I WERE A BOY. Both tracks have Re-Introduced Beyonce to the POP Music Scene, as a woman who takes full advantage of her Sensuality, Dance Training and Cross Culture-Market Appeal. She has PROVEN that it doesnt take as much TALENT as it does Intelligent MARKETING SCHEMES, to garner an overload of public and industry attention. Beyonce Knowles has once again, FOOLED a Fan-Following into proclaiming her as the Quintessential 'ICON' of our generation; NEVERMIND the FACT that FIFTY PERCENT of her songs are painted with lyrics that are more suitable for the albums she released when she was living her tender, poignant, teenage years. HOWEVER, through a juxtaposition of Dual MEDIA Personalities and a plethora of Cross-Genre sounds, Beyonce HAS, INDEED, comprised a Two-Disc LP that is WORTHY of Critical and Commercial Recognition.

Initially, I wrote this album off as yet another, Hap-Hazzard attempt at a Self-Proclaimed, Industry 'LEGEND' taking for granted her Fan-Base and True Artistry. While I STILL dont Hail Beyonce as the SUPREME TALENT that so many other Reporters, Critics and Associated Press Commentators claim her to be, I DO, as always, commend her for her ability to APPEAL to broad audiences.

I commend her for following in the footsteps of Diana Ross, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cher and other GAY and Mainstream ICONS, by challenging the mainstay of her Sound. I APPLAUD Beyonce for exploring the ramifications and boundary modes of the industry, and allowing this third, solo LP to push the lines of categorization. What she has achieved on this album is the ability to envelop the listening pleasures of those who appreciate Folk, Soft Rock, Acoustic, Hip-Hop, Country, Pop and R&B Music, alike.

While MANY Blacks have had a DIFFICULT time absorbing her Dare-To-Be-Different approach to reaching TRUE LEGEND STATUS on this album, I have found a liking to the Less-Than-Publicly-Adored tracks.

As Im typing this review, I am listening to what has become my FAVORITE SONG on the I AM....project. THAT'S WHY YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL is an illustration of Poetic and Melancholic Genius. From its Folk/Acoustic blend of soft guitar riffs and melodic chords of circumstance, to its bland, forged and layered lyrics, the song is by far, the BEST SONG on the album.

Creatively, Stylistically, Lyrically and Rhythmically, THAT'S WHY YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL Soars FAR and BEYOND the cliche' antics that comprise, RADIO, DIVA, VIDEO PHONE and SINGLE LADIES. Though those four tracks were written, recorded and placed on the album to entertain and satisfy the Immature ears of those who claim to be 'Music Lovers', Beyonce embodies WomanHood, Growth and Maturation on the Beautiful compositions of DISAPPEAR, HALO, AVE MARIA and SATTELITES.

The blend of Femininity, Strength and Empowerment that evokes from the lyrics that create the tracks that the 'URBAN MARKET' is IGNORING, are the TIMELESS SINGLES that will live on to DEFINE the Promise of Beyonces mainstay in mainstream, American Music.

As I have Criticized BeYonce on MANY occassions for the lack of depth and conviction that framed past singles, SUGA MAMA, FREAKEM DRESS, GREENLIGHT and GET ME BODIED, I cant help but to praise her array of Vocal and Melodic prowess on her redemption tracks, BROKEN HEARTED GIRL, SMASH INTO YOU, HELLO and SCARED OF LONELY. As an artist and an Honest Judge of all that creates the Artistic Grace of our Media Conglomeration, I am placing my STAMP OF APPROVAL on Beyonce's Stand-In Sanctions.

She has given 'The Girlz' and 'The Kidz' their 'Satisfy The Fans' Potion with the MAJORITY of the 'I AM SASHA FIERCE' side of her Dual Disc. Its the rare essence of the 'I AM BEYONCE' collection that will continue to frame her career in the Lights of those women who are awarded LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT accolades for their contributions to American, Pop Culture.

On a Scale of 1 to 5 Stars, Our African American Ingenue of Cross-Over Sound and Electric, Stage Performance earns 3 and 1/2 Stars from XEM VanAdams.

I can not give her PRAISE and ACCOLADES for her constant deliverence of Cliche', Conventional,

'Walkin In Da Club with My 6 Inch Stilleto Heels- Lookin Fine- Music Pumpin In Da Background' lyrics. I can, However, pay Homage to the lyrical content and rhythmic satisfaction that cements Beyonce in a Frame of Popular, Adored, Musicianship. I will NEVER DENY the Diamond Shine of Beyonce's Performance, WOW Factor. Im simply DIGGING Beneath the Surface of her Physical, Gay-Glamorized Appearance, and peering into the Soul of a STAR who Truly comes ALIVE on the pieces of the album that too MANY are IGNORING.

In order for this album to $ell BEYOND the 700,000-750,000 units that its SURE to push this week, alone, Beyonce MUST Release, HALO, RADIO, DIVA and DISAPPEAR; whether I like the lesser, or Not.

In a Perfect World, THATS WHY YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL would be a Smash-Hit Success. I have already created the Video Treatment in My Creative Mind.

It would Behoove you ALL to also take a LISTEN to one of BeYonce's most Prized, BONUS Tracks as well,

WHY DONT YOU LOVE ME.