Beyoncé
by Beyoncé
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Dec 13, 2013
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1750 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,482 out of 1750
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 1750
  3. Negative: 202 out of 1750

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  1. luisefrndz
    Aug 14, 2022
    10
    This album is revolutionary, not only in the release but the content and strategy behind it.
  2. Jellowpe
    Aug 16, 2022
    10
    You can hear real specific production and amazing vocals and lyrics ! Beyonce outdid jher self again in my opinion
  3. Mandara123
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Amazing album with great music!
    Beyonce show a deep aspects of herself that as never been seen on media. Dark and twisted in a beautiful way!
  4. AceYejii
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This album is perfect. Her vocals are amazing and this is such a cohesive album. Thank you Beyoncé for this masterpiece !
  5. naomexecomahive
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. . Slay Queen Slay Queen Slay Queen Slay Queen Slay Queen Slay Queen Slay Queen Slay Queen… Expand
  6. juancho017
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    El álbum que cimentó el título de leyenda para Beyoncé. Dejo de ser una artista más con muchos hits o que no deja de sorprender con sus vocales a pesar de hacer coreografías impresionantes. Si no que fue más allá, deslumbró visualmente, sorprendió en cuanto a marketing y cambio la industria musical con un álbum arriesgado al menos en su formato de lanzamiento y promoción, pero que estabaEl álbum que cimentó el título de leyenda para Beyoncé. Dejo de ser una artista más con muchos hits o que no deja de sorprender con sus vocales a pesar de hacer coreografías impresionantes. Si no que fue más allá, deslumbró visualmente, sorprendió en cuanto a marketing y cambio la industria musical con un álbum arriesgado al menos en su formato de lanzamiento y promoción, pero que estaba destinado al éxito por su contenido.… Expand
  7. Aleknowles
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Beyonce is a living legend of our time, undervalued for the great artist who is none like her
    The greats masterpiece
  8. Gsaf
    Nov 12, 2022
    10
    Esse álbum é magnífico, esse álbum é a própria perfeição! O melhor que já escutei até hoje. Poucos álbuns tem o poder de fazer a gente escutar todas as faixas seguidas, uma atrás da outra.
  9. harr1397
    Jan 7, 2014
    9
    I have always appreciated Beyonce as an artist, however, honestly I never looked to her for intellectually stimulating organic music. I figured we only had Janelle Monae achieving any greatness in the R&B/electronic realm. With this record I stand corrected. It is a beautifully expressive piece of work. It's not perfect, but hey it's pop at it's finest. This album will be rememberedI have always appreciated Beyonce as an artist, however, honestly I never looked to her for intellectually stimulating organic music. I figured we only had Janelle Monae achieving any greatness in the R&B/electronic realm. With this record I stand corrected. It is a beautifully expressive piece of work. It's not perfect, but hey it's pop at it's finest. This album will be remembered years after any of us are around. I really hope she continues to experiment because we need more artists willing to do more than make an extra dollar.… Expand
  10. dman0618
    Dec 13, 2013
    9
    The album keeps a lot of the simplistic yet cleverly engineered beats from her previous album 4, yet the production quality and tunes improve significantly, making it a much better effort. The best songs on the album are 'Haunted', 'Drunk In Love', 'Blow', 'Partition', 'XO' and 'Flawless'. Still, the real way in which BEYONCÉ outdoes itself is innovation: from the secret, non-promotedThe album keeps a lot of the simplistic yet cleverly engineered beats from her previous album 4, yet the production quality and tunes improve significantly, making it a much better effort. The best songs on the album are 'Haunted', 'Drunk In Love', 'Blow', 'Partition', 'XO' and 'Flawless'. Still, the real way in which BEYONCÉ outdoes itself is innovation: from the secret, non-promoted surprise release to the 'Visual album' concept to the fiercely bold lyrics and experimental craft, which is almost always enjoyable.… Expand
  11. Khombe
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    Its a good album. but of course with every album they are the letdowns or the songs that provide a poultry deliverance..But i love this album the songs,pretty hurts,XO,partitions,Mine,Drunk On Love,Flawless,Heaven,Haunted and Jealous are really good... so Queen B, just put the middle finger to all the haters well done
  12. camilosanchez16
    Dec 17, 2014
    9
    Cabe resaltar que Beyoncé ha sido capaz de hacer ver un album meramente experimental para su estilo como si desde el inicio de su carrera fuese una artista madura y una genio del R&B de la nueva era.
  13. andreslopez
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    OH MY GOSH i was like what the f***? Beyconcé is amazeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeng i really liked the album and the videos are so..BEYONCÉ haha she saved this year's music.
  14. post-prufrock
    Dec 24, 2013
    9
    If someone had told you in 2011 that the next Beyoncé release would be the most "independent" album of 2013, would you ever have believed them? I readily admit, such a comment would have elicited little more than a scoff from myself. Yet, a down-to-the-buzzer contender for album of the year, BEYONCE seems to rely more on DIY aesthetic than any other major release seen this year. Singles?If someone had told you in 2011 that the next Beyoncé release would be the most "independent" album of 2013, would you ever have believed them? I readily admit, such a comment would have elicited little more than a scoff from myself. Yet, a down-to-the-buzzer contender for album of the year, BEYONCE seems to rely more on DIY aesthetic than any other major release seen this year. Singles? Nope. Months-long promotional gimmicks? No press at all (lookin' at you, Yeezus/Reflektor/Shaking the Habitual). Touring? BEFORE the release of the album? Hell, yes ("I don't trust these record labels I'm touring", she sings on "Haunted"). BEYONCE is a vital assertion of individuality and artistic integrity from an ARTIST (and by this point, she has inexorably earned that title) whose royal status intrinsically invites stagnation.
    A decidedly experimental album, unconventionalities of pop music abound: extended intros, outros, spoken word interludes, movements, and any other indulgences present are earned over and over again. And despite a seemingly sudden awareness of her own illustrious status, the album is also her most emotionally frank, putting herself in a particularly vulnerable position. It's altogether a risk of gargantuan proportions and it pays off beautifully, somehow endearing Mrs. Carter-Knowles to her audience more than she already is.
    Though you probably won't find many of these songs with much radio time, the album displays an even broader range of styles and themes that we've come to expect from a typical Beyoncé album. Within BEYONCE, you'll find: explorations of her marriage (with Jay Z, who quests on "Drunk in Love"), both ups ("Blow", "Partition") and downs ("Jealous"), criticism of body image attitudes ("Pretty Hurts"), statements of supremacy ("***Flawless") and self-awareness ("No Angel), heartfelt farewells to lost loved ones ("Heaven"), odes to motherhood ("Blue"), and, of course, one big group-hug sing-along anthem that you swear could solve every major world problem ("XO"). And despite its grandiosity, it culminates with a general air of restraint (hear how spare that production is) and control (check how exclusive that guest list of producers and guest vocals is) with few exceptions, a feat no one other than the Queen Bey herself could carry out. Bow down, indeed.    … Expand
  15. AKreviewer
    Dec 22, 2013
    9
    This surprise self-titled release by Beyonce is arguably her best work. Beyonce has a voice that of her own signature connotation and no one can really impersonate her. She uses this to her advantage in this latest problem, exploring matters such as her baby daughter in soft drumming rhythms and crooning voice and lyrics. One of the best albums of the year, and an R&B venture that is aThis surprise self-titled release by Beyonce is arguably her best work. Beyonce has a voice that of her own signature connotation and no one can really impersonate her. She uses this to her advantage in this latest problem, exploring matters such as her baby daughter in soft drumming rhythms and crooning voice and lyrics. One of the best albums of the year, and an R&B venture that is a cut above the rest.… Expand
  16. MrEthan
    Dec 15, 2013
    9
    Aside from the use of the element of surprise, "BEYONCE" is a true musical experience from beginning to end. She sounds extremely confident, yet at the same time very vulnerable on the music presented on this album. Her beautiful vocals and the nearly perfectly executed production on the album makes it a very welcome surprise at the end of 2013. R&B lovers should definitely be here forAside from the use of the element of surprise, "BEYONCE" is a true musical experience from beginning to end. She sounds extremely confident, yet at the same time very vulnerable on the music presented on this album. Her beautiful vocals and the nearly perfectly executed production on the album makes it a very welcome surprise at the end of 2013. R&B lovers should definitely be here for this well composed record. Queen Beyonce might just have released her best project... so far… Expand
  17. WillySaunders
    Dec 13, 2013
    9
    The Best Surprise Ever... This album reached the people more than a publicid of 3 months, everybody got surprised and loved that surprise, No one could do better this than her! Very well done.
  18. yonce
    Dec 13, 2013
    9
    Really great album. It shows how diverse she truly is. She is able to belt a ballad and show restraint in more vulnerable songs. She can rap and dance, looking great doing it. As a whole, Bey's best album to date. I particularly love 'Yonce/Partition and Superpower.
  19. robcrusoe
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    Beyonce' fans all over the world have been waiting for her fifth album, and it doesn't disappoint. The theme of equality is apparent throughout the album. Beyonce' has one of the best voices in music, and uses it in many different ways. This is a true Hip-Hop/R&B album.
  20. AppleYoung
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    Este o seu melhor álbum, incrível como ela vem evoluindo musicalmente, eu temia o lançamento desse álbum, pois pensava que após o fracasso comercial dos singles do álbum anterior ela viria com algo mais comercial e decepcionante como fez com o I Am..Sasha Fierce que apesar de um bom álbum e de grande êxito comercial, o álbum mais fraco de sua carreira, ouso a dizer que genérico eEste o seu melhor álbum, incrível como ela vem evoluindo musicalmente, eu temia o lançamento desse álbum, pois pensava que após o fracasso comercial dos singles do álbum anterior ela viria com algo mais comercial e decepcionante como fez com o I Am..Sasha Fierce que apesar de um bom álbum e de grande êxito comercial, o álbum mais fraco de sua carreira, ouso a dizer que genérico e enjoativo. Porém com "BEYONCÉ", Beyoncé mostrou mais uma vez o motivo pelo qual a maior representante do R&B no século XXI. Não bom simplesmente por ser um álbum visual (eu mal vi os clipes), mas musicalmente perfeito, impecável. Queen B is back! Este o seu melhor álbum!… Expand
  21. rayofash73
    Dec 16, 2013
    9
    Only someone who has a really great feel for their work can release it with ZERO fanfare and such confidence and that comes from a lot of passion and hard work which is very evident here. My first Beyonce album but so totally worth it!!!
  22. Pitionchid
    Jun 23, 2014
    9
    Bee's historical album!
    and it's amazing that she tried colorful music and MV.
    especially I love "Ghost", "XO", "Mine", "Haunted", "Yonce" and so on...
    absolutely her revolutionary album!!!
  23. Abhattacharya27
    Mar 4, 2014
    9
    Welcome back " Queen B " Beyonce has really brought out honesty and boldness in this album, expressing her music in a very experimental way. You rock !!!
  24. philosophorse
    Mar 15, 2014
    9
    Her best yet. It is most certainly, most determined to be only about the music. It abandoned inspiring messages, marketing, and everything else to be able to make an album so perfectly woven together, it's simply a masterpiece. The crown jewel is Ghost, which uses such ambient and soft sounds, so quiet yet it speaks louder than any of her R&B songs. Good job, Queen Bee. Good job.
  25. elmir
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    Probably,Beyonce's the best album.No traditional R&B like in previous albums.A lot of genres in album-R&B,pop,dubstep,soul,hip-hop,chillwave,trap...Supports her title "R&B-diva".
  26. walterhenderson
    Apr 15, 2015
    9
    Not only did Beyoncé’s new album already break multiple records, including being the fastest-selling digital album of all time, but it also has changed the way artists will release music in the future. With absolutely no announcement or promotion ‘BEYONCÉ’ was unleashed to the public exclusively on iTunes, equipped with 14 songs and 17 music videos. What makes this ‘visual album’ so muchNot only did Beyoncé’s new album already break multiple records, including being the fastest-selling digital album of all time, but it also has changed the way artists will release music in the future. With absolutely no announcement or promotion ‘BEYONCÉ’ was unleashed to the public exclusively on iTunes, equipped with 14 songs and 17 music videos. What makes this ‘visual album’ so much more respectable is the fact that all this was created while Beyoncé travelled around the world on a sold-out world tour.
    With this revoluntionary release strategy, Beyoncé has shown other artists that they can take control of their work and don’t have to hype it up in order to sell. Word gets around fast on the internet, so releasing something digitally means that everyone will know about it soon enough. There is no longer any need to announce an album 5 months before its release, because it doesn’t take that long for consumers to catch on anymore.There is also the inevitable burden of “hype”. We have so many artists these days who advertise the hell out of their product and act as if it’s going to be amazing. So much hype just ends up creating too many expectations which hurts the artist in the long run. The same can be said for companies in other industries as well.
    And it’s not only Beyoncé’s release strategy that’s amazing, the music is great as well. The R&B diva who has always held it together finally lets go on this album and shows us emotion we’ve never seen before. On “Pretty Hurts”, the first song on the album, Beyoncé tells the story of a pageant queen hopeful who is faced with the burden of having to be big-chested and skinny. She sings, “Vogue says thinner is better,” on the Sia-penned track. And while the song was written by the same woman who brought us so many pop hits in the last few years, including Rihanna’s “Diamonds”, Beyoncé makes the song her own and doesn’t end up sounding like a Sia imitator as some others have.
    Beyoncé also gives us some blunt honesty on the record. We see this clearly on “Ghost”, a song Beyoncé wrote about being fed up with record labels and the same old game. “I’m climbing up the walls ‘cause all this **** I hear is boring,” Beyoncé states in the song before expressing, “I don’t trust these record labels, I’m touring.” Later in the song we hear Beyoncé telling us that she doesn’t expect to make a lot of money off this album, a sarcastic and ironic statement in that ‘BEYONCÉ’ has already sold over 800k copies worldwide after only three days of being released.
    It isn’t all political, however, as the album covers such a wide variety of topics and genres that its almost hard to digest properly on first listen. But with writing help from Miguel, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, and even Chairlift’s Caroline Polacheck, what was there to expect. There’s signs of funk, R&B, trap, alternative rock, and so many other genres throughout the album. This results in a body of work with so much mass appeal that it’s insane to say it won’t crossover to multiple formats. The only other influential Pop album I can think of that changed the game and was so appealing to different audiences was ‘Thriller’, and we all know how that turned out.
    Unfortunately, with such a strong statement of an album, there will be negative feedback. I’ve noticed some critics who’ve praised the album but ended up giving it a not so favorable score. It’s interesting that these publications are the same ones who give mediocre indie and rock albums 10s across the board. The problem with a lot of these critics is that they have a biased view on music and see Pop as inferior, so even if, just for example, Nicki Minaj came out with a better album than Muse, the latter would still get the higher rating just because it’s considered rock. Just because it’s a Pop artist doesn’t mean it’s inferior though, and Beyoncé has clearly earned that respect. Hopefully, as it all sinks in and people realize the brilliance, creativity, and hard work put into this project, some more traditional views will start to change.    … Expand
  27. nathanlinnett
    Jul 7, 2014
    9
    In my personal opinion, this is Beyoncé's 2nd best album, to I Am...Sasha Fierce. However I believe the overall messages of the songs are more powerful and emotive. The opening track, 'Pretty Hurts', discusses the importance of self confidence, and how trying to be beautiful and fit in to society's standards of beauty is so dangerous and harmful to us. The songs 'XO' and 'Blue' are alsoIn my personal opinion, this is Beyoncé's 2nd best album, to I Am...Sasha Fierce. However I believe the overall messages of the songs are more powerful and emotive. The opening track, 'Pretty Hurts', discusses the importance of self confidence, and how trying to be beautiful and fit in to society's standards of beauty is so dangerous and harmful to us. The songs 'XO' and 'Blue' are also personal, emotional ballads, to her husband and the latter to her daughter. In contrast, songs like '***Flawless', 'Partition' and 'Blow' still have powerful messages, yet use more upbeat dance production. An array of beats with the same recurring message. The only thing that stops it receiving a perfect 10 is the mashup of tracks like Yoncé & Partition or Ghost & Haunted. A process which I never found appealing. Still strongly recommend.… Expand
  28. rebeligado
    Nov 17, 2015
    9
    The Masterpierce, Bey pegou todos de surpresa com esse hinário conceitual.

    Faixas pra dançar: Partition, XO e Blow.

    Faixas Cult: Mine e Superpower.

    3º melhor dela.
  29. Panchogul
    Aug 7, 2022
    9
    No soy taaan fan de este disco, pero es indudable el impacto que tuvo, cambió por completo las reglas del juego.
  30. arcanjo
    May 29, 2016
    9
    Since its not personally my best I must recognize the incredible increase this album come in Beyoncés discography. First time she really improves and puts her experiments in a solid, self conscious way. Even though she puts some poppish songs, the album as a whole comes as alternative. and the visual album concept gives this album another life, since if we ever get tired of hearing it, weSince its not personally my best I must recognize the incredible increase this album come in Beyoncés discography. First time she really improves and puts her experiments in a solid, self conscious way. Even though she puts some poppish songs, the album as a whole comes as alternative. and the visual album concept gives this album another life, since if we ever get tired of hearing it, we can catch ourselves watching the videos and fall in love once again with the tracks.… Expand
  31. Lopesito27
    Jan 23, 2021
    9
    Beyoncé opens up about her sexual and emotional life while subtly experimenting with different production elements that were key for the change in R&B, but above all that, she seems to be enjoying every moment of it, which makes for a lot of gems. If you don't think this is the album with the most bops, you're just wrong. It's the album that made me fall in love with Beyoncé.
  32. RAUL13
    Oct 13, 2017
    9
    Muy buen trabajo Beyoncé, sonidos muy agradables de escuchar, calidad al máximo, así se hace
    Pretty Hurts: 10/10
    Haunted: 9/10 Drunk in Love: 8/10 Blow: 10/10 No Angel: 10/10 Partition: 9/10 Jealous: 8/10 Rocket: 7/10 Mine: 10/10 XO: 10/10 ***Flawless: 10/10 Superpoer: 8/10 Heaven: 10/10 Blue: 9/10 7/11: 8/10 Flawless Remix: 9/10 Drunk in love remix: 6/10 Ring off: 10/10    Muy buen trabajo Beyoncé, sonidos muy agradables de escuchar, calidad al máximo, así se hace
    Pretty Hurts: 10/10
    Haunted: 9/10
    Drunk in Love: 8/10
    Blow: 10/10
    No Angel: 10/10
    Partition: 9/10
    Jealous: 8/10
    Rocket: 7/10
    Mine: 10/10
    XO: 10/10
    ***Flawless: 10/10
    Superpoer: 8/10
    Heaven: 10/10
    Blue: 9/10
    7/11: 8/10
    Flawless Remix: 9/10
    Drunk in love remix: 6/10
    Ring off: 10/10
    Blow Remix: 10/10
    Standing on the sun Remix: 10/10    … Expand
  33. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 27, 2021
    9
    Would it be hyperbolic to say Beyoncé invented feminism? Well imma go ahead and no cap that,personally at least. Her self titled really is as personal as the name suggests:This is her. Not promoted at yet still having the biggest impact in music history.

    Opening with the motivational Sia penned ballad "Pretty Hurts" filled with the staple anthemic Knowles choruses she's perfected since    Would it be hyperbolic to say Beyoncé invented feminism? Well imma go ahead and no cap that,personally at least. Her self titled really is as personal as the name suggests:This is her. Not promoted at yet still having the biggest impact in music history.

    Opening with the motivational Sia penned ballad "Pretty Hurts" filled with the staple anthemic Knowles choruses she's perfected since "B'day". This just being the first of the karaoke ready ballads.

    "Haunted "is a slow burn catharsis attached to the unsettling hidden track "ghost " that comments on music,record labels and creativity. It's a brave well executed risk that adds nuance to Beyoncé thesis oscillating from quasi-spoken word to explicit sensuality. The shedding of the Madonna/Whore complex is perhaps an unintentional theme throughout the Lp brought to epic fruition on the sensual masterpiece of D'angelo proportions,"Rocket". A torch song to her husband Jay z doesn't leave anything to the imagination. "Drunk in Love" is a fkn epic sequel to "Bonnie &Clyde " hyped up to raunchier heights as if it's as "Drunk "as the songs title.

    "No Angel " a Caroline Polachek assist comes in at a high register punctuated with breathy vocals and smootg falsetto. "Partition " which sounds like a forebearer to "Lemonade " takes a martial sexual rendezvous,it's steamy and confident.

    The feminist manifesto "***flawless" features a perfectly placed Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie sample. By far the most notable song here featuring lines like "i woke up like this " that boast female empowerment without heavy handed cliches that marred "Run the World ". Drake appears in the slow "Mine ". There are no skips on this record all the risks taken were so successful they invoked copy cats and now sound commercial.

    With its sweeping highs are emotional lows. The insecurity of "jealous " seems pretty aware post Lemonade. The solemn "Heaven " mediates on a miscarriage and seems to reach acceptance preceding the maternal bliss of "Blue " which features Beyoncé daughter Blue Ivy.

    Arguably Beyoncé best record this album cemented her status as a musical icon, having immeasurable impact on culture.    … Expand
  34. NileSaint
    Mar 27, 2020
    9
    BEYONCÉ is timeless. You can say the same for Beyoncé's entire discography. It deserves universal acclaim just for its release alone. She really changed the music industry.
  35. benko13
    Nov 2, 2020
    9
    Game changing album in Queen B career. There are so many impacts from this masterpiece in the music industry; surprise release, visual album concept, changing the release date to Friday etc. are just some of them. Album is called "Beyoncé" because it shows who Queen B really are, in that album she made transition from a main pop girl to critically acclaimed urban artist who primely makeGame changing album in Queen B career. There are so many impacts from this masterpiece in the music industry; surprise release, visual album concept, changing the release date to Friday etc. are just some of them. Album is called "Beyoncé" because it shows who Queen B really are, in that album she made transition from a main pop girl to critically acclaimed urban artist who primely make R&B music. Lyrics and productions are just fantastic, with both covered so many themes (in lyrics) and genres (in music). Truly the masterpiece.… Expand
  36. CreatingReview
    Apr 6, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What an amazing surprise album. This is how you do it perfectly ! This is how you move the world and shook us all… Expand
  37. mdallag
    Dec 18, 2013
    8
    at the beginning i really though that was all about her strategy, but i was surprised by this album, which is definitely her best. it's different, more mature
  38. Brad_
    Dec 16, 2013
    8
    Ratings! It's not the male bashing/women empowering stuff we are used to hearing from Beyonce. Very good album. My only criticism is that certain songs like Superpower featuring Frank Ocean and Mine featuring Drake sound like the featured artists written works respectively and Beyonce just lends her vocals for the songs, puts it on the album and calls it her own.
  39. khutch
    Dec 19, 2013
    8
    She can cause many feelings here, sadness, love, happiness, aggression. And in all cases, in the highest and best way possible.
    Do not say it is the best cd I've ever heard, or even that it is the best of the year, but after that cd, Beyoncé showed he can do a little of everything, and what a pop star really is.
  40. asjklasjklas
    Jan 18, 2015
    8
    Beyoncé has at last experimented with the themes she’s continuously half-explored throughout her decade(+)-long career—feminism, sexual expression, self-empowerment—and overall, she has created her most erotic, overtly feminist, and sonically experimental record to date. The intros and interludes of audio snippets seeming to act out Knowles’ childhood experiences and the segments ofBeyoncé has at last experimented with the themes she’s continuously half-explored throughout her decade(+)-long career—feminism, sexual expression, self-empowerment—and overall, she has created her most erotic, overtly feminist, and sonically experimental record to date. The intros and interludes of audio snippets seeming to act out Knowles’ childhood experiences and the segments of speeches discussing society’s expectations of women (“***Flawless”) and why women can openly love sex (“Partition”), it’s a concept album through and through. Besides its accompanying visual experience, the dark, moody production trails PBR&B, electronic, and even ambient influences and its large array of producers—Ammo, Boots, Detail, Hit-Boy, Timbaland, etc.—and featured artists—Drake, Frank Ocean, and, of course, hubby Jay-Z—help her achieve her musical ambitions. The monumental “Drunk in Love”, the sultry “Partition”, the urban confidence of “***Flawless” featuring an insert from Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Beyoncé’s self-titled fifth studio albums further certifies her status as one of pop music’s most dominant divas and if her overnight release date without any prior promotion or singles isn’t evidence of that, let her musicianship and vocal capabilities speak for her themselves.… Expand
  41. chr1so
    May 11, 2014
    8
    Out of the few female R&B artists of note, Beyonce is the best going round & this album stamps her authority.
    Standout Tracks: Drunk in Love, Partition, Blue, Heaven, Superpower.
  42. Galletonn
    Jan 9, 2014
    8
    I just love it. This is the Beyonce that I like, it is such a good album, love the R&B mixed with Pop and Hip-Hop, it's incredible. Beyonce knew how to make this albums, it has a good variety and the lyrics shows the amazing artist that Beyonce is, a lot of songs that are excellent like "Pretty Hurts", "Partition", "Drunk in Love", "XO", and others; I like the message that she wants toI just love it. This is the Beyonce that I like, it is such a good album, love the R&B mixed with Pop and Hip-Hop, it's incredible. Beyonce knew how to make this albums, it has a good variety and the lyrics shows the amazing artist that Beyonce is, a lot of songs that are excellent like "Pretty Hurts", "Partition", "Drunk in Love", "XO", and others; I like the message that she wants to shows with the album, it's really good music.… Expand
  43. marcmyworks
    Jan 1, 2014
    8
    Beyonce shocked us all when she released her self-titled album without any sort of promotion or any indication she was working on her new record. This album is less commercial than her previous efforts but channels more soul and depth than a lot of her pop/r&b contemporaries.
  44. phenomgoodmusic
    Dec 17, 2013
    8
    Her best album so far due to a different style of production. Other artists and pass albums influenced the great experimental production, the lyrics, and the concept of this album; for example, "The Black Album" by Jay-Z and "Voodoo" by D'Angelo. This is the singer's most impressive album to date and one of the best critical acclaim albums of 2013.
  45. benmarper
    Jan 5, 2014
    8
    as a surprise album with no promotion it could've gone either two ways, which it ironically did, as breaking records in America and barely reaching the same chart position as her lowest charting album in the UK. However this is a valiant effort for someone hailed the queen when really people have had better success than her. the uptempo (blow, drunk in love, xo, partition) are great butas a surprise album with no promotion it could've gone either two ways, which it ironically did, as breaking records in America and barely reaching the same chart position as her lowest charting album in the UK. However this is a valiant effort for someone hailed the queen when really people have had better success than her. the uptempo (blow, drunk in love, xo, partition) are great but the down tempo songs leave me wanting something more to happen, and sometimes it feels like two songs have been stuck together with the awkward pauses, nevertheless a valiant effort, but maybe pushing the boundaries too far, i doubt the singles will chart high without promotion and videos already out there… Expand
  46. Muddsjr
    Feb 22, 2014
    8
    though the visual side to the album offers some background to each song, the album alone, without the videos is touching and enjoyable enough. There is an awful lot of language in there that might perhaps need some over-looking but otherwise Beyonce seems to have messages to deliver in her songs and they make the songs feel more vital and enjoyable. Beyonce has redefined her music, and shethough the visual side to the album offers some background to each song, the album alone, without the videos is touching and enjoyable enough. There is an awful lot of language in there that might perhaps need some over-looking but otherwise Beyonce seems to have messages to deliver in her songs and they make the songs feel more vital and enjoyable. Beyonce has redefined her music, and she has created without doubt the greatest album of her entire career in the music business.… Expand
  47. gustavomelo
    Jun 3, 2014
    8
    Great album! The videos, the songs, the surprise release ... I like the simplicity of the songs. Here Beyoncé sings about personal things like relationship between mother and child, death, sex (in a romantic way), relationship problems, etc..

    Highlights: Jealous, Pretty Hurts, XO, Flawless and Blow.
  48. ihavevocaloid
    May 30, 2015
    8
    Beyonce is Beyonce's best album to date, not only because it contains some of the best songs she has recorded in her career, but also because this is her first album where she shows a great deal of artistry (I guess Kanye West was right then...) She has always been a great vocalist, but she has never showed this much artistry on anything she has ever done before. This artistry lies in theBeyonce is Beyonce's best album to date, not only because it contains some of the best songs she has recorded in her career, but also because this is her first album where she shows a great deal of artistry (I guess Kanye West was right then...) She has always been a great vocalist, but she has never showed this much artistry on anything she has ever done before. This artistry lies in the combination between the often meaningful lyrics, great production, and the fact that she decided to make a video for each song (even though I didn't watch all of them). Now, to break down each individual element of the album. This album finds Beyonce at her most explicit lyrically - and usually does a great job of this. Some of the lyrics get repetitive sometimes, but the varying topics, ranging from the struggle of wanting to be pretty every day to showing off how flawless she is to loving Blue. And although sometimes she may prove to be very similar to other R&B artists, she solidifies her place as a very special diva and vocalist on this album. What really got me into this album, though, is the ambient production Beyonce uses on a great deal of the album. The often trendy, but still very interesting and original production, is one of the main reasons I gave this album an 8. If she had kept her production styles from her previous albums I probably would have given this a 7. And this is definitely an imperfect album with a few shining weak sports, but this doesn't stop it from being Beyonce's best and an album that shows the artistry of a vocalist. Grade: B+/A-. Highlights: "Drunk in Love", "Partition", "Jealous", "Mine", the "Flawless" portion of "Flawless". Worst song: "Superpower"… Expand
  49. LanaticMonster
    Jun 17, 2018
    8
    /Beyonce/
    1-Pretty Hurts - 10/10
    2-Ghost/Haunted - 10/10
    3-Drunk In Love - 10/10
    4-Blow - 9/10
    5-No Angel - 5/10
    6-Yoncé/Partition - 7/10
    7-Jealous - 6/10
    8-Rocket - 9/10
    9-Mine - 7/10
    10-XO - 10/10
    11-Flawless - 9/10
    12-Superpower - 4/10
    13-Heaven - 10/10
    14-Blue - 10/10
    Overall Cohesion: 8/10
    Lyrics Quality: 8/10

    Final Score: 8.2/10
  50. kedeeena
    Oct 21, 2017
    8
    Really liking many of the songs on this album, especially Yoncé, Flawless, Drunk in love and Partition. One of the greatest albums of 2013. Beyonce is really talented.
  51. andyn823
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    An impressive album by Beyoncé. This album, along with Lemonade, is one of the masterpiece of Beyonce's discography and it's also one of the masterpiece of the decade of 2010s. Listening to this album makes me feel very fierce, strong, confident and fun. Every songs of this album have different meanings and different messages, which makes me love this album. My favorite songs on this albumAn impressive album by Beyoncé. This album, along with Lemonade, is one of the masterpiece of Beyonce's discography and it's also one of the masterpiece of the decade of 2010s. Listening to this album makes me feel very fierce, strong, confident and fun. Every songs of this album have different meanings and different messages, which makes me love this album. My favorite songs on this album : "7/11", "XO", "Jealous", "Drunk in Love".… Expand
  52. sanyrub
    Apr 22, 2014
    7
    Beyonce seems to be going in the right direction. The album is not a masterpiece by any means, but it sounds more experimental than ever coming from her. One of Beyonce´s main problem as a recording artist is her lack of creativity (well, her writers lack of creativity) and she seems to be getting better on that front. Her voice keeps being in a good state (no Whitney Houston but you know,Beyonce seems to be going in the right direction. The album is not a masterpiece by any means, but it sounds more experimental than ever coming from her. One of Beyonce´s main problem as a recording artist is her lack of creativity (well, her writers lack of creativity) and she seems to be getting better on that front. Her voice keeps being in a good state (no Whitney Houston but you know, good for nowadays low standards). There is still an over abundance of raunchy songs, which have always been the main structure of her career. The best part of the album is the last, where all that disappears.… Expand
  53. lkaliba
    May 30, 2014
    7
    The album, while it was enjoyable, I didn't see it as the masterpiece everyone is making it out to be. The songs were catchy and unforgettable, but it wasn't different from any other Beyonce album that I've heard.
  54. NathanCabello
    Dec 16, 2014
    7
    (Already counting on the Platinum Edition) I can not understand all this love that people have for this album, it really is a good album, but not the best of Beyoncé, many his songs make me sleep and I can not hear whole, the lucky for you there are great songs that save the album.
    Highlights: Partition and Drunk In Love
    Lows: Superpower and No Angel
  55. josueralves
    Jul 13, 2015
    7
    Some songs are very good, others are boring . I love tour Mrs Carter, who was antecedent to this album , however this album promo tour with her husband of the singer, Jay Z , was a bore !
  56. cocorlt98
    Oct 18, 2017
    7
    Some song are good and catchy ! I think about Yoncé / Particion, Jealous, 7/11 or Flawless ! I really appreciate the message and the tune of Pretty Hurts ! And how forget the amazing Drunk In Love (btw the remix on the Platinum Edition is awesome) But I find the rest of the album is too soft, all songs are the same, none stands out !
  57. ranoovski
    Nov 4, 2016
    7
    Posh Beyonce album, on which she carefully worked. Album with a bunch of samples and steep hits. Well done! Best album of Beyonce. I love Flawless, 7/11, Partition and Mine
  58. greedybadidea
    May 29, 2020
    7
    Beyoncé's fifth solo album surely has a new sound as she attempts to create a sound that is unique to her voice and message. The major failure on this album has to come from the length of many songs and their features as well. The album seems very experimental and I need a perfected version of this record to fully appreciate what Bey is trying to give us with her latest project.

    Album    Beyoncé's fifth solo album surely has a new sound as she attempts to create a sound that is unique to her voice and message. The major failure on this album has to come from the length of many songs and their features as well. The album seems very experimental and I need a perfected version of this record to fully appreciate what Bey is trying to give us with her latest project.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. ***Flawless (feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
    2. Pretty Hurts
    3. Drunk in Love (feat. JAY Z)
    4. Haunted
    5. 7/11
    6. Partition
    7. Blue (feat. Blue Ivy)
    8. Blow
    9. Heaven
    10. XO
    11. Ring Off
    12. No Angel
    13. Superpower (feat. Frank Ocean)
    14. Mine (feat. Drake)
    15. Rocket
    16. Jealous    … Expand
  59. JulianaFelix
    Dec 22, 2013
    6
    O álbum me surpreendeu, mas não da forma avassaladora como ao público em geral. As tracks são de qualidade indiscutível, o trabalho da Beyoncé com certeza amadureceu, mas ainda não o considero o melhor.
  60. 0987
    Mar 20, 2014
    5
    Average album. I only like Pretty Hurts, Drunk In Love, Yonce and Blue. To be serious, other songs made me bored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  61. michaelmadonna
    Mar 18, 2014
    5
    Beyoncé surprises the world with her secret 5th studio album entitled Beyoncé but fails to win me over like she did on her previous attempts.

    I have been a fan of her's since i first heard Crazy in Love but really came on board with B-day and I am... Sasha Fierce which really impressed me with her ability to sing and write some of the best songs of the past decade. However she dipped    Beyoncé surprises the world with her secret 5th studio album entitled Beyoncé but fails to win me over like she did on her previous attempts.

    I have been a fan of her's since i first heard Crazy in Love but really came on board with B-day and I am... Sasha Fierce which really impressed me with her ability to sing and write some of the best songs of the past decade. However she dipped with 4, in my opinion. I found that the album was mediocre at best (apart from Run the world, I was here & Best thing i never had). Then with Beyoncé she has failed to get back on top. Don't get me wrong its a very good album but isn't up to her standard.

    Songs such as Partition, Mine, Blue & Heaven are all 5/5's are are the real highlights of this album. They are all amazing! Heaven particularly reminiscent of her I am work in particular Halo. However, Drunk in love, Rocket, Superpower, Yoncé & Flawless all prove to be rubbish! They sound very bad and are nothing like what this woman can make!! Flawless & Drunk in love are mediocre but ultimately are hyped up songs that end up adding to nothing more than average at best.

    Overall, it's a good album with some brilliant songs but it has its 'flaws' and is certainly not as good as her previous work.    … Expand
  62. PinkFriday
    Sep 6, 2014
    5
    O álbum BEYONCÉ foi uma surpresa para todos, quando foi lançado de surpresa no iTunes, e ele surpreendeu a muitos. Depois de ouvi-lo, formulei uma opinião própria: é um album mediano. Não que seja ruim. BEYONCÉ é um álbum com músicas lentas em sua maioria e também são muito compridas. Dangerously, I Am... Sasha Fierce e 4, em minha opinião, são bem melhores do que esse álbum.
  63. gingerpresident
    Jul 12, 2019
    5
    Beyonce is a very good performer, has a unique personality, voice and whatsoever... but critics just love her in a way that's too close to lick her booty rather than to actually judge her albums. This album was a big delusion for me, even if i appreciated her visuals.

    One word: OVERRATED.
  64. kowalski
    Dec 21, 2013
    4
    In the end, it's just another Beyonce album. Produced without flaws, sung without issues. It's perfectly boring and completely uninspiring; there were far better pieces of music released this year, but then again, none of them were by Beyonce.
  65. Gretchen
    Jan 4, 2014
    4
    Esperava um álbum muito melhor da Beyoncé, e ela lança este comprimido para dormir. Senti falta de músicas dançantes, há algumas músicas boas mas o resto não se aproveita. A melhor coisa do álbum mesmo o conceito.
  66. f3l1p3
    Sep 10, 2014
    4
    Gosto muito da Beyoncé,mas esse álbum não me agradou. O álbum foi um estouro na época,já que foi lançado de surpresa,então achei que seria um ótimo álbum,mas ele é apenas mediano. Existem músicas muito boas,como Pretty Hurts e XO,mas a maior parte do álbum não é boa. A Bey consegue ser melhor que isso.
  67. Charlymc
    Feb 2, 2015
    4
    A completely overrated album, few good songs, nothing impressive or good at all I think this is her most overrated album of all time, actually beyonce have better ones.
  68. derbas
    Dec 19, 2013
    3
    this album has been vastly overhyped in every possible way.she used a really clever market strategy to sell this product ..kudos 4 this she has a great team behind her..About the music she's experimenting a little more than her usual standards here but the fact that this record has a media of 85/100 on here is totally laughable ..with all the new alternative R&B movement coming out( thethis album has been vastly overhyped in every possible way.she used a really clever market strategy to sell this product ..kudos 4 this she has a great team behind her..About the music she's experimenting a little more than her usual standards here but the fact that this record has a media of 85/100 on here is totally laughable ..with all the new alternative R&B movement coming out( the weeknd, frank ocean, miguel, janelle monae, etc) beyonce wanted to keep up with the new trends( miguel and ocean actually wrote some tracks in this album)but at the same time she wanted to sell to the rihanna's and miley's markets.The result is a mediocre record with an over sexualized beyonce talking about blow jobs and about having sex with her husband in every possible way for at least 8 songs in the project ,all expressed with DREADFUL lyrics..like everyone could write those lyrics..really terrible! and her fake feminist ANTHEM inserted here, the sequel of indepedent women and single ladies is actually worse than the previous attempts.. that bow down verse inserted in a song with an actual speech made by a real feminist makes everything worse..( actually that verse was the original part of the song the speech was added later because she received a lot of criticism so she decided to insert a real feminist speech to try to make the track sound more feminist and improve it but it didn't happen)… Expand
  69. Juosan
    Jan 4, 2014
    3
    Intresting way to promote a production but lets be honest, we can not say the same about music. Just repetitive black-female power with hi-cost production from Beyoncé, nothing revolutionary or even well-writtened. Mainstream can do incredible stuff, but not when your resource for doing it is your previous musical failures merchandasing succes for having a fenomenal production. I reallyIntresting way to promote a production but lets be honest, we can not say the same about music. Just repetitive black-female power with hi-cost production from Beyoncé, nothing revolutionary or even well-writtened. Mainstream can do incredible stuff, but not when your resource for doing it is your previous musical failures merchandasing succes for having a fenomenal production. I really think Beyoncé biggest participation in this LP is her name at the cover. (sorry for ortography, im mexican)… Expand
  70. lovemetacritic9
    Mar 4, 2014
    3
    Beyoncé's voice is good, it's indisputable... Bút I tried much to listen the full album. It's so hard to feel such tunes. I hope she will return to her before style "single ladies"
  71. Jaelmanzo
    Feb 1, 2014
    2
    all songs are the same. This album has no vision. is boring, tedious and not at all innovative. people like it because it's beyonce, if he had published another artist, no one would like.
  72. Diskette
    Dec 22, 2013
    2
    I am not a hater, in fact I am a fan of Beyoncé since the beginning but I am sorry this album is so over rated There is no smash hit on it Not one single will make this album sell and I doubt it will sell more than her previous albums. 4 did not have a smash hit. Maybe End of Time would have been one but hey she never released it. 4 was her least sold album. This one, being veryI am not a hater, in fact I am a fan of Beyoncé since the beginning but I am sorry this album is so over rated There is no smash hit on it Not one single will make this album sell and I doubt it will sell more than her previous albums. 4 did not have a smash hit. Maybe End of Time would have been one but hey she never released it. 4 was her least sold album. This one, being very different from 4, is the same no smash hit, just a VERY FEW okay songs. She teased us with Grown Woman and Standing on the Sun which were very promising but they were wasted, leaked, never released and in the end scrapped from the album.

    Making a visual album is visionary and a first from a star of this magnitude but the videos themselves are overall boring. Pretty Hurts, Blow, Haunted, Xo and Heaven are good videos but the rest is garbage, vacation videos, street and hookers videos This album and especially the videos are over sexualized. Beyoncé's always been a classy diva. She never had to show her ass to succeed and that is what made her better than star skanks like Rihanna or Miley who show their asses on a daily basis. This is beneath Beyoncé. Why does she feel threatened by those skanks She was aggressive towards them in BOW DOWN and that is why people reacted so badly to the song Beyoncé, the classy Queen, can't and shouldn't be affected by them and this attitude isn't like the Beyoncé we came to know and love throughout her long and successful career. If feel like she is loosing herself and I am scared for the future.    … Expand
  73. QueenTeas
    Dec 27, 2013
    2
    Now that that faux shock has worn off, this album is garbage. Luckily, with the top producers like The Dream, Timbaland, Pharell, etc. It's easy to overshadow the mediocrity and nursery rhymed lyrics, but it's still not enough to make this a solid album. Beyonce is not one of those artists known for originality, being innovative, or creative, and while I'll give credit that she tried to doNow that that faux shock has worn off, this album is garbage. Luckily, with the top producers like The Dream, Timbaland, Pharell, etc. It's easy to overshadow the mediocrity and nursery rhymed lyrics, but it's still not enough to make this a solid album. Beyonce is not one of those artists known for originality, being innovative, or creative, and while I'll give credit that she tried to do something different, this is a no go. The novelty has definitely worn off, and won't be one of those albums that'll be played for years to come. But hey, since this generation is obsessed with videos, I guess you can look forward to that. Because clearly the material isn't good enough to stand on its own without visual imagery.… Expand
  74. ClodaghG
    Nov 27, 2014
    2
    As a seasoned R&B veteran who has long earned her stripes, Beyonce's fifth studio offering is disappointing in its lack of growth from previous albums and its unoriginal rehashing of tried and tested R&B tropes. Ms Knowles would do well to remember that sexier does not always equal better and hard work does not always deliver when the content is abysmally thought out to begin with. WhileAs a seasoned R&B veteran who has long earned her stripes, Beyonce's fifth studio offering is disappointing in its lack of growth from previous albums and its unoriginal rehashing of tried and tested R&B tropes. Ms Knowles would do well to remember that sexier does not always equal better and hard work does not always deliver when the content is abysmally thought out to begin with. While others laud her vocal technique and attention to detail, the lack of depth in this album makes it evident that Ms Knowles lacks basic understanding of music genres other than R&B and variations of pop. It is disheartening to know that this incomprehension does not matter when you have a fantastic production team, incredibly marketing savvy and a solid fanbase who will swear blind that pink is blue, just so that their 'Queen' may continue to reign.… Expand
  75. sjs626
    Feb 10, 2015
    2
    To say this album is ground breaking is far from the truth. Mixing electronic beats with R&B and overtly audible auto-tuned vocals its the same crap that basting on every radio and in every club for past several years. The vast majority of songs on this album all sound the same: shallow lyrics over extremely processed beats; I could barely make it through the entire album as the I keptTo say this album is ground breaking is far from the truth. Mixing electronic beats with R&B and overtly audible auto-tuned vocals its the same crap that basting on every radio and in every club for past several years. The vast majority of songs on this album all sound the same: shallow lyrics over extremely processed beats; I could barely make it through the entire album as the I kept hearing the same chords and vocal licks over and over again with a poor use and understanding of dynamics. I regret the time I wasted listening to this garbage.… Expand
  76. megavocalcritic
    Feb 23, 2014
    1
    A horrible album. I did not like any songs. The only decent song in this album was 'Drunk in Love', even then, it is average at best. Not a good album. This album fell below my expectations. Boo you, Beyonce.
  77. RosalindaSaab
    Jun 15, 2014
    1
    Ich hätte von beyonce ein besseres Album erwartet statt dieser Mainstream Electro-RnB, und Pop album......vorallem verstehe ich nicht wieso sie jetzt so viel Sex in dem Album hat, und einfach einen Feministischen vorwand dafür benutzt, sie hat es nicht nötig ihren Körper so billig zu präsentieren, sie ist nicht Miley, Rihanna oder Lady Gaga. Beyonce hat so viel mehr talent als die dreiIch hätte von beyonce ein besseres Album erwartet statt dieser Mainstream Electro-RnB, und Pop album......vorallem verstehe ich nicht wieso sie jetzt so viel Sex in dem Album hat, und einfach einen Feministischen vorwand dafür benutzt, sie hat es nicht nötig ihren Körper so billig zu präsentieren, sie ist nicht Miley, Rihanna oder Lady Gaga. Beyonce hat so viel mehr talent als die drei zusammen....aber sie hat anscheinend gemerkt das sich ihre alben nicht mehr so gut verkaufen, aber dan gleich auf Sexsells zu setzten???.......auch wenn einige Lieder gut produziert sind, so enttäuscht sie mich mit ihrem Album, das ist leider das bisher schlechteste von ihren 5 alben… Expand
  78. Teodoro
    Jun 20, 2014
    1
    Mais uma prova de que nem tudo que a crítica aclama,é bom.
    Talvez esse 85 no Metacritc sejam pelas vendas,que sim,foram altas,mas não compraram a qualidade desse album.
    Continuo achando que I Am...Sasha Fierce é seu único bom album.
  79. AlexSans
    Sep 16, 2020
    1
    No me gusto creo que sobrevarolan mucho la música de Beyonce regalando la tantos premios que se lo merecen otros artistas su álbum carece de mensajes y melodías relevantes siempre.
  80. Duke_Challenger
    Jan 6, 2014
    0
    Not impressed by this album at all. Every song is boring and unoriginal. I don't see a single hit song on this album. The only song I did like was "BLOW" which can't be played on the radio.
  81. RonneWesley
    Jul 17, 2014
    0
    OMG, this album sucks, is the same freaking kind of R&B, nothing change about influences or beats, it's all the same. Is so easy make money like this.
  82. ilikekpop
    Jan 31, 2014
    0
    I was told to listen to it because ITS SOOO GOOOD apparently, no beyonce album has bored me like this one, overrated crap imo. Everyone has become complacent towards her and its obvious
  83. buzzsut
    Feb 27, 2014
    0
    THIS IS THE WORSE ALBUM OF BEYONCÉ, WITHOUT THE WOOOOOOOOOOW THAT "4" AND I AM SACHA FIRCE SHOWS THIS ALBUNS SHOW A BEYONCE MORE VULNERABLE AND BORING
  84. thesupremekai
    Sep 10, 2014
    0
    Beyonce's new album Beyonce is just as bad as the rest of her manufactured corporate garbage. Beyonce does not write her own lyrics. Each of her songs are written by 2 to 7 different writers. She is listed as a co-writer even though she didn't do anything to give the song "credibility". This is the way it is with all pop artists. They are always credited as one of the writers even thoughBeyonce's new album Beyonce is just as bad as the rest of her manufactured corporate garbage. Beyonce does not write her own lyrics. Each of her songs are written by 2 to 7 different writers. She is listed as a co-writer even though she didn't do anything to give the song "credibility". This is the way it is with all pop artists. They are always credited as one of the writers even though they didn't anything. Beyonce's latest album is another prime example of label manufactured garbage. The record label executives made all the creative decisions. All Beyonce did was show up in the studio for 2 days to record songs written and composed for her by other people. That is all the effort she put in this album. I don't review albums based on the record label's contribution. I base my reviews on the artist's contribution. Beyonce didn't do anything. She is just as lazy as her sellout husband Jay Z. Jay Z and Beyonce represent everything wrong with today's music. People who enjoy this album have never heard music outside of billboard top 40 hits. There is a lot of good music out there but not on this album.… Expand
  85. brunomean
    Sep 7, 2015
    0
    horrible album, make me sleep, the only song that's good, is Pretty hurts, the others make me sick, please, back to sasha fierce, is your only way to be great again
  86. italoverdade
    Nov 11, 2015
    0
    nothing more than a handful of xerox, innovative nothing, nothing again the same old thing, it's not for nothing that always comes out in the media scandals with her name, she's all artificial and tries to portray a false feminism.
  87. perfectiover
    Jan 31, 2016
    0
    Horrible album. Beyoncé does nothing new except use the same R&B/Pop blend that she has been overdoing for the past couple of years. The gimmicky surprise release only adds to the desperation that Beyoncé needs from critics, along with the general public, and it comes off nothing more than just sad and pathetic. Beyoncé has really outdone herself with this one, not only did she make one ofHorrible album. Beyoncé does nothing new except use the same R&B/Pop blend that she has been overdoing for the past couple of years. The gimmicky surprise release only adds to the desperation that Beyoncé needs from critics, along with the general public, and it comes off nothing more than just sad and pathetic. Beyoncé has really outdone herself with this one, not only did she make one of the worst albums of all time, she completely destroyed her credibility as an artist.… Expand
  88. boucherilya
    Jul 25, 2017
    0
    Второсортная херня для больных на голову людей, преступников из гетто и одиноких, брошенных феминисток. с этим альбомом и началась у блядонсе открытая мания величия, хотя с чего это она появилась - не очень-то и понятно. Синглы жутко флопнулись, альбом кое-как бултыхался в биллборде, не считая первой недели - оно и понятно, не зря же ее называют певицей одной недели в одной стране - сшаВторосортная херня для больных на голову людей, преступников из гетто и одиноких, брошенных феминисток. с этим альбомом и началась у блядонсе открытая мания величия, хотя с чего это она появилась - не очень-то и понятно. Синглы жутко флопнулись, альбом кое-как бултыхался в биллборде, не считая первой недели - оно и понятно, не зря же ее называют певицей одной недели в одной стране - сша (откуда, собственно, и родом ее основная аудитория), на грэмми опозорилась, тряся своим целлюлитным задом и открывая рот под фанеру. только с туром и повезло - но и тут можно объяснить, откуда же такой спрос на это жуткое шоу. дело в том, что ее муж - гей зи, в прошлом занимался преступной деятельностью, а то есть - резал людей и насиловал несовершеннолетних. получается, что у него есть связи с точно такими же грязными людьми, как и он сам. ну и понятное дело, что деньги за такой позор своей женушки нужно было отмыть, вот он и нанял людей, чтобы те заставляли туда ходить других. а делать-то на таком мероприятии нечего, да и уходить нельзя - может караться смертью, но люди же умные, в отличии от этой семейки орангутанов - они нашли, чем заняться - ловить покемонов. И правильно делали, хоть время с пользой провели!
    Ставлю заслуженную и аргументированную оценку этой дряни - 0.    … Expand
  89. Flawlessbkg
    Jul 26, 2020
    0
    Beyoncé's self titled fifth studio album comes as a big surprise at a much needed time in music. This album is in a way a re-introduction (even to her hardcore fan base) to the new grown woman we now know as Beyoncé. Good luck with trying to categorize or label this album in one specific genre. It is however, hands down her best effort as of yet. Sonically this album is a masterpiece and…Beyoncé's self titled fifth studio album comes as a big surprise at a much needed time in music. This album is in a way a re-introduction (even to her hardcore fan base) to the new grown woman we now know as Beyoncé. Good luck with trying to categorize or label this album in one specific genre. It is however, hands down her best effort as of yet. Sonically this album is a masterpiece and… Expand… Expand
  90. cuzinho1
    Mar 19, 2021
    0
    Musically, it's the same kind of electro R&B with which radio is already awash--in large part because it's produced by the same small coterie of hip producers, with Timbaland appearing to take the most prominent role amongst the likes of Detail, Jerome Harmon, Pharrell Williams and Ryan Tedder.
  91. andreialismo
    Oct 14, 2022
    0
    Beyoncé break the rulles and give us the best album of 2013. Global icon, she breaks the internet and, after this, nothing are as before.
  92. ray32
    Mar 3, 2023
    0
    This album has it's highs and lows. Personally, Rihanna is way better and is the queen.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2013
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2013
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 14, 2014
    90
    At its dizzying zenith, Beyoncé is a loaded fusion of generosity and self-empowerment. or perhaps, more accurately, it finds self-empowerment in generosity.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Feb 11, 2014
    60
    It's this continued need to feed her multi-platinum beast that stops the album from being the post-modern wheeze it could have been. [Mar 2014, p.94]
  3. The 405
    Jan 23, 2014
    90
    Though there are a million details about BEYONCÉ to examine--from the release strategy to the visual aspect and more--the strongest ideas are still found solely in the music. She addresses topics like beauty, body image, miscarriages, jealousy, sexuality, marriage, motherhood and self-worth.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »