I Am...Sasha Fierce
by Beyoncé
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2008
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    I Am...Sasha Fierce does offer two compelling sides of the singer.
  2. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    My advice is to skip directly to disc two, though I'm happy to report that the typically melismatic Mrs. Jigga shows a shocking degree of vocal restraint on the ballads.
  3. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    75
    There are three good songs on this 11-track artifact, and deeply vapid though the split-personality bit is, the trick of dividing the album into two CDs does leave a 17-minute dance disc that can be played without gastric distress by any purchaser who isn't picky about diva gangstaism or videophone porn.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Mar 8, 2011
    70
    She's not there yet, but the effort is fascinating, and hopefully she will keep on this path.
  6. Billboard
    70
    It's the classic, more timeless R&B songs on the I Am portion of the album that seem like a much-welcomed stretch for the singer.
  7. Boston Globe
    70
    For the most part, it works well and sounds fresh.
  8. Rolling Stone
    70
    Though some of the slow songs have thoroughly memorable tunes, the lyrics are full of bland self-affirmation and saggy lines....But the "Sasha" disc boasts Beyonce's most adventurous music yet.
  9. Vibe
    70
    Ironically, it's the more tame (and nameless) persona that's the most intriguing, commanding and sexual.
  10. Hartford Courant
    70
    The ballads are nice enough, in a syrupy, overwrought way. But slamming dance songs have always been Beyoncé's strength, so it's no surprise that the "Sasha Fierce" half of the album is the better showing.
  11. The A.V. Club
    67
    The two halves wouldn't necessarily sound better shuffled together--both are pretty uneven.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2008
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 714 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 533 out of 714
  2. Mixed: 80 out of 714
  3. Negative: 101 out of 714
  1. Ido
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    Amazing album. The "I Am" side is perfect, there is no one with voice like the one she has.
    Halo is one of the most beautiful songs that I ever heard.
  2. Plamen
    Aug 6, 2012
    10
    Really diverse and cohesive. The 'I Am...' side is filled with sensual, meaningful and emotional ballads where Beyoncé reveals all herReally diverse and cohesive. The 'I Am...' side is filled with sensual, meaningful and emotional ballads where Beyoncé reveals all her fears and insecurities. The 'Sasha Fierce' side, which is filled with fierce uptempos, shows us the other side of Beyoncé - her alter ego Sasha Fierce.… Full Review »
  3. darryltrini
    Jun 10, 2011
    10
    I Am... Sasha Fierce is one of the best pop/r&b albums in recent years. She is really a living legend. She has the entire package. She is oneI Am... Sasha Fierce is one of the best pop/r&b albums in recent years. She is really a living legend. She has the entire package. She is one of the very few to give you vulnerability, as evident in songs like "Satellites," "Scared of Lonely," "Smash Into You," among others, and at the same time give you sassy and commanding Beyoncé, that we all love, or should I say Sasha Fierce? Overall this album is EPIC. Her best to date. Standout tracks: Halo, Smash Into You, If I Were a Boy, Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It), Sweet Dreams, Ave Maria.… Full Review »
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