Beyonce
I Am… Sasha Fierce

Beyonce’s alter ego is revealed in this latest masterpiece, I Am …Sasha Fierce; the personality that many have grown to admire since she made the transition from girl band member to influential, if a little clean-cut, idol.

Previously guarded and intensely private, the album attempts to unveil the torrents that run beneath her public image, within the strutting sensation that is Beyonce Knowles. While it fails to reveal anything exceptionally ground breaking, this album should be taken for what it is; a rare insight into the real Beyonce. A soft edge emerges in the soulful tracks, entwined with racy beats and heartfelt lyrics.

The underlying message appears unclear initially, but seeps out after a few tracks. The fearlessly independent diva we see projected in the media is clearly not the only side to Miss Knowles. There are moments in life when she falters. ‘Broken-Hearted Girl’, ‘Scared Of Lonely’ and ‘Smash Into You’ all display evidence of her weaker self, someone open hearted and fearful. The lyrics are sincere and fiercely personal at times, with her music appearing to be an outlet to her vulnerabilities.

As an artist renowned for her dedication, passion and work ethic, Beyonce is currently in the midst of a UK tour. You can’t knock her ability as a recording artist, that’s for sure, even if it proves to be underwhelming in comparison to her electric live performances. Her aura and choreography are undoubtedly two of her most prominent attributes, but in fairness, strip away the booty shaking and mesmerising stage antics, and you’re still left with an extraordinary vocal range. This girl has a voice that resonates power, strength and unwavering self-belief, so it’s interesting to see what lies beneath that dazzling and spirited exterior.

I Am …Sasha Fierce kicks off with the feisty familiar beats of ‘Single Ladies’, beginning with the anthem of the summer for many an independent woman. Taking a step back from her former humble persona, ‘Ego’ unearths her tough self-assurance, because after all, she has the goods to back it up. It has to be said, ‘Diva’ and ‘That’s Why You’re Beautiful’ make less of an impact, demonstrating dull melodies and words that fail to further inspire. ‘Video Phone’ is a bleak indication of the times, during which, the usually respectful songstress sings of being recorded naked. It feels out of place among the classics that surround it, crossing the line from honest to ‘too much information’.

Regrettably, save ‘Why Don’t You Love Me’ and ‘Ave Maria’, the album takes a downward spiral into predictable ground. Perhaps we have to come to expect too much from Miss Knowles. She’s certainly raised the bar for fellow artists, something I’m sure Kanye West would only be pleased to tell you. Her soul isn’t exactly laid bare, but it offers a glimpse.

I Am …Sasha Fierce (platinum edition) is out now via Island Records

By Jenna Endres