After a six-year wait, Beyoncé’s new album Renaissance is finally here, and it’s made for the dance floor.
“To all of my fans: I hope you find joy in this music,” Beyoncé wrote in a letter to fans this week. “I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
She recorded the 16-track album throughout the pandemic, explaining that it helped her find escape during an extremely difficult time. And now that it’s finally being released into the world, it’s her hope that it will provide release. “My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment,” she explained. “A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”
So, does it live up to the hype? What’s the best song? Are there any big surprises? Members of the Complex staff came together to share our first-listen thoughts on Beyoncé’s Renaissance. Dive in below.