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

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  1. AdamZ
    Dec 11, 2008
    10
    Only one bad song (video phone) the I AM side is absolute genius...These are actual quality pop/ R & B ballads.
  2. VanessaJ.
    Dec 9, 2008
    8
    I love the album. I was pleasantly surprised by Beyonces "new" more sultry and Dido-like voice. Her rang, the long notes, the entire I AM side really impressed me. I can see how anyone looking for typical Beyonce styling would be disappointed though. Beyonce is singing like the grown and married woman she is. Its "The Best of Both Worlds."
  3. AloiseM
    Dec 9, 2008
    6
    The CD is a good attempt. I really like "Halo," "Radio," "Scared of Lonely"....some songs you can tell where very her for right now. Some, I wasn't sure were really talking about herself. You can tell the songs that really are about her and or just songs she sings...the songs that are reall are real good, her ballands on songs like "Hello" show that she can really sing in her way. I The CD is a good attempt. I really like "Halo," "Radio," "Scared of Lonely"....some songs you can tell where very her for right now. Some, I wasn't sure were really talking about herself. You can tell the songs that really are about her and or just songs she sings...the songs that are reall are real good, her ballands on songs like "Hello" show that she can really sing in her way. I thinks she really is growing as an artist, sometimes it seems as see wants to give fans to me instead of just be herself which...Sasha Fierce reflects...those are the songs that make you go "Oh, oh, oh, excuse me...go girl."… Expand
  4. PatrickM
    Dec 9, 2008
    10
    I think this album is amazing. The only reason people are knocking Beyonce is because she is at the top of her game and people love to tear someone down when they are in that position. The woman is unstoppable though. Her performance is the Single Ladies video is UNBELIEVABLE. The songs are absolutely rocking on I Am...Sasha Fierce. I think alot of the songs on B'day were a bit I think this album is amazing. The only reason people are knocking Beyonce is because she is at the top of her game and people love to tear someone down when they are in that position. The woman is unstoppable though. Her performance is the Single Ladies video is UNBELIEVABLE. The songs are absolutely rocking on I Am...Sasha Fierce. I think alot of the songs on B'day were a bit noisey and repetative and it sounds like she learned to control her vocal power to make her voice sound more beautiful. The best songs on I Am are Halo, Broken Hearted Girl and Ave Maria. On Sasha Fierce I LOVE single Ladies, Radio, Sweet Dreams and Ego. I would HIGHLY reccommend anyone buy this album and if she's performing performing near anybody PLEASE go to see her. It's the most amazing performance ever! She is a modern day legend and nobody should listen to any of the 'conspiracy theories' that are posted in other comments RE: album packaging!… Expand
  5. OB
    Dec 5, 2008
    1
    I couldnt bring myself to buy this CD. The funny thing about it is how she helped herself become number 1 on the Billboards last week. Did anyone see her all over the Talk Shows the past two weeks? Tyra Banks, Ellen, and I'm guessing that there is anywhere from 50-100 audience members. On both of these shows she bought CDs for the whole audience lol. What a joke. That's how she I couldnt bring myself to buy this CD. The funny thing about it is how she helped herself become number 1 on the Billboards last week. Did anyone see her all over the Talk Shows the past two weeks? Tyra Banks, Ellen, and I'm guessing that there is anywhere from 50-100 audience members. On both of these shows she bought CDs for the whole audience lol. What a joke. That's how she is number 1.… Expand
  6. Micheal
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    The Sasha side is automatically catchy and has great dance songs on it. People will have to listen to the I Am side to appreciate the great songs that are on that side because it's a little different sound for Beyonce. If I Were a Boy is already a hit. But the other songs that will be guaranteed hits for Beyonce are Halo, Smash Into You and Broken Hearted Girl. I also really like The Sasha side is automatically catchy and has great dance songs on it. People will have to listen to the I Am side to appreciate the great songs that are on that side because it's a little different sound for Beyonce. If I Were a Boy is already a hit. But the other songs that will be guaranteed hits for Beyonce are Halo, Smash Into You and Broken Hearted Girl. I also really like Disappear and That's Why You're Beautiful. Overall, the CD is great and one of the best the year. Only Beyonce is talented, creative and risk taking enough to do a CD like this. I totally believe that she'll be up for Album of the Year at the Grammy's this year. And deservedly so.… Expand
  7. AnhN
    Dec 1, 2008
    10
    I have always been a fan of Beyoncé, and this album is the best of hers to date! This is the first Beyoncé album ever that all the good songs are fully compiled in the album. In the 2 previous albums I like some songs and don't like some, but in I Am... Sasha Fierce I have to admit that I like ALL the songs! Beside the usual "Sasha Fierce" side that she has always shown I have always been a fan of Beyoncé, and this album is the best of hers to date! This is the first Beyoncé album ever that all the good songs are fully compiled in the album. In the 2 previous albums I like some songs and don't like some, but in I Am... Sasha Fierce I have to admit that I like ALL the songs! Beside the usual "Sasha Fierce" side that she has always shown us, the Beyoncé side is really different and worth to listen. I have no comment about her alter ego or the album being splitted into 2 sides, but the whole album. For the ones who are wondering if they should buy the Standard or the Deluxe: buy the Standard if you don't have money, and download the other tracks online if you are so excited. If you decided to go for it (like I do) then Deluxe is a good choice.… Expand
  8. KiraB.
    Nov 30, 2008
    5
    I Am thoroughly disappointed with this attemt at a classic album from Beyonce. To be the Queen she professes herself to B should have came with the A game and not this C sub par music. To say you recorded over 70 songs but give your fans 10 on standard and 16 on deluxe is awful. There was no need to make a dual disc when all the tracks could have easily fit onto one, even the deluxe I Am thoroughly disappointed with this attemt at a classic album from Beyonce. To be the Queen she professes herself to B should have came with the A game and not this C sub par music. To say you recorded over 70 songs but give your fans 10 on standard and 16 on deluxe is awful. There was no need to make a dual disc when all the tracks could have easily fit onto one, even the deluxe edition. And a deluxe is needed b/c of what . . .? Release it right the first time. Or better yet, go back to the studio and pour your heart and soul into your music like you did w/DIL, it won't sound the same b/c you've grown since then but at least it will have some substance. I purchased the deluxe and even still there's an album that has bonus songs ontop of that.!! 3 albums, but you made this for your fans. If you're going to have other ppl right your music for u at least get good ones, like the lady that worked with Christina and Pink not your cousin Angie. I wasn't ready for her to come back (even though she never left) b/c she hasn't been out of the spotlight long enough. Even Usher knew better than to try and compete w/JT was slayin us with FSLS. Her clock is ticking and she wants to start a family with her new hubby and is trying to satisfy her . I'm so fed up with this alter ego nonsense. Its gotten out of control. Sasha didn't need her own album: SL, SD, Hello, Scared of Lonely and maybe Radio. That's it and the I AM side is so boring I haven't listened to it straight through. Completely disgusted with this attempt. Wait til you experience some more of life.… Expand
  9. estelle
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    I personally love this album.at first i wasnt convinced but after listening to it 3-4 times i fell in love with this album. i think what can put people off is the fact that u have to change the cd. it would have been better if all the songs were on one cd. i like the fact that she reveals herself a bit more!!
  10. de
    Nov 28, 2008
    4
    I just finished listening to Beyonce's new album, "I Am...", and all have to say is 'what in the world Beyonce!!!'I felt that her first two albums were much better than this one. I was very disappointed... Now I did enjoy three of the songs on the CD, but the rest was a different story. The songs were sad and depressing, not what I expected. I felt that the CD was a waste I just finished listening to Beyonce's new album, "I Am...", and all have to say is 'what in the world Beyonce!!!'I felt that her first two albums were much better than this one. I was very disappointed... Now I did enjoy three of the songs on the CD, but the rest was a different story. The songs were sad and depressing, not what I expected. I felt that the CD was a waste of money. I don't suggest that you buy this CD, because if your expecting Beyonce's CD to be similar to her three singles out right now, it's not.… Expand
  11. DR.
    Nov 28, 2008
    6
    It's hard to sum up the existing musical legacy of Beyonce. I mean half the time, I don't know what she's thinking. She's said that she wants to be an icon and a legend...so it's kind of unfortunate that her "legendary status" can only be stamped on modern dead cert classics like Crazy In Love and Irreplaceable. You get occasional glimpses of Beyonce's genius It's hard to sum up the existing musical legacy of Beyonce. I mean half the time, I don't know what she's thinking. She's said that she wants to be an icon and a legend...so it's kind of unfortunate that her "legendary status" can only be stamped on modern dead cert classics like Crazy In Love and Irreplaceable. You get occasional glimpses of Beyonce's genius at work, but then it gets lost in a sea of medicore and forgettable creations. It's the same case for this double album. Regular Beyonce is actually pretty solid. IIWAB, Halo, Satellites and Ave Maria all stand out like elegantly wrapped gifts waiting to be explored. The spanner in the works is this so called Sasha Fierce side. In all honesty, most of the tracks on this disc sound like leftovers from B'Day. Sasha Fierce isn't terrible (though Diva and Video Phone are!!), but desperately lacking in creativity. Overall it is an inconsistent collection. Potential for a very good record is weighed down by a hasty collection of club bangers!… Expand
  12. Carol
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    The best album of 2008. I love If I Were a Boy, Halo, Broken Hearted Girl, Smash Into You, That's Why You're Beautiful, Single Ladies, Radio, Hello, Ego, Sweet Dreams and Scared of Lonely. She just has so many great songs on the album.
  13. Delspencerdeltorro
    Nov 26, 2008
    4
    The first disc is completely forgettable, but it's got some emotion, and a few high points. It's not bad background music. Lyrically, it's mostly duds. On this disc, the deluxe edition only offers more of the same. My understanding was that with such a slow first disc, the second disc would be a non-stop party, but the pace slows after the first song and when it does get The first disc is completely forgettable, but it's got some emotion, and a few high points. It's not bad background music. Lyrically, it's mostly duds. On this disc, the deluxe edition only offers more of the same. My understanding was that with such a slow first disc, the second disc would be a non-stop party, but the pace slows after the first song and when it does get back up, the quality sucks. The deluxe version adds a couple worthwhile songs and ends on a high point. This album should've been mixed together, and a lot of tracks should've been discarded. Out of the whole deluxe set (*excluding itunes bonus tracks) there's less than a half hour of good music anyway.… Expand
  14. DeniseM
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    I applaud Beyonce for taking a risk with this album. She has stretched herself far beyond what many people may have expected from her. Most impressively, she has done so without sacrificing her integrity and has managed to stay true to herself as well as her own unique vocal style. With this album she has demonstrated her versatility as a true artist and her veritable talent and she is I applaud Beyonce for taking a risk with this album. She has stretched herself far beyond what many people may have expected from her. Most impressively, she has done so without sacrificing her integrity and has managed to stay true to herself as well as her own unique vocal style. With this album she has demonstrated her versatility as a true artist and her veritable talent and she is only 27! Times are changing, music has evolved and will continue to do so. Those who crucify her for stepping outside of her so-called "urban" genre that many are comfortable with are refusing to acknowledge the fact that she is a true artist who must continue to develop and push the envelope. She is one of the greatest and most talented artists of our time. In fact, those female musicians/performers who have soared throughout time, such as Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Janet, Mary J. Blige and evenually Alicia Keys, are those who have continued to challenge themselves by taking risks, displaying creativity and their own unique flair! Perfect they are not, but who said that "art" was synonymous with "perfection"? In my book, a true musician is first and foremost an artist. Go head B!!! Dust them hatas off, girl. Can't wait 'til the next one.… Expand
  15. RoseS.
    Nov 25, 2008
    4
    I felt Beyonce's latest release lacked a lot of integrity and personality compared to her first several solo albums. "If I Were a Boy", "Radio", "Single Ladies" are all decent tracks, but the rest of the album seems to come across with generic ballads, seemingly in disconcert with her moniker of "Sasha Fierce", and varying in overall song quality throughout the two-disc set. Pity I felt Beyonce's latest release lacked a lot of integrity and personality compared to her first several solo albums. "If I Were a Boy", "Radio", "Single Ladies" are all decent tracks, but the rest of the album seems to come across with generic ballads, seemingly in disconcert with her moniker of "Sasha Fierce", and varying in overall song quality throughout the two-disc set. Pity because she sports a great vocal, but doesn't quite carry the conviction to make these songs work as well within her given scope.… Expand
  16. Tony
    Nov 25, 2008
    1
    This "concept album" is absolute garbage. The first CD is so sappy, boring and bland that it is painful to listen to the whole thing without a long break. The only somewhat tolerable song is "If I Were A Boy", which the Beyonce marketing machine shamelessly stole from someone else. CD2 is slightly better, but again pretty standard fare. And if you ask me, it's a complete ripoff of This "concept album" is absolute garbage. The first CD is so sappy, boring and bland that it is painful to listen to the whole thing without a long break. The only somewhat tolerable song is "If I Were A Boy", which the Beyonce marketing machine shamelessly stole from someone else. CD2 is slightly better, but again pretty standard fare. And if you ask me, it's a complete ripoff of Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad" CD, except executed less successfully. I mean the similiarities are too obvious to ignore. This album just proves to me that Beyonce is not only looking to profit off those blind enough to fall for this "Deluxe Edition", but also proves that she is nothing but an empty, shallow shell of an artist with a good PR team and a lot of brainless devoted fans. She sure lost me as one though.… Expand
  17. MeekJ
    Nov 25, 2008
    1
    I'm extremely disappointed. I feel like her company scammed hard working fans going through a difficult time. You mean to tell me that they could not put 11 Songs on 1 Disc. Give me a break the only two good songs on the album are Like a boy/ Put a ring on it. I was a die hard fan; but I'm starting to re think my loyalty. Has she really been loyal to us the fans??? She gets I'm extremely disappointed. I feel like her company scammed hard working fans going through a difficult time. You mean to tell me that they could not put 11 Songs on 1 Disc. Give me a break the only two good songs on the album are Like a boy/ Put a ring on it. I was a die hard fan; but I'm starting to re think my loyalty. Has she really been loyal to us the fans??? She gets married and hides it but the world knows. She goes on 106 and park the day her album released not wearing her ring and the host seemed like they were walking on egg shells at fear they might ask her about her marriage/no marriage to Jayz .I understand her wanting her privacy but you can't have both. You can't be this super Icon wanting to be in the public eye and be recognized as a superstar. and then act as if your so shy and so private. B-day was alright but I am Sasha Fierce is garbage in content as well as scamming the fans by putting out a so called double CD. I'm done with her I'm rollin with Rihianna… Expand
  18. ShannaD.
    Nov 22, 2008
    9
    I feel that it is definitely her best album thus far! U have 2 cds to fit the mood ur in! I think that ppl who say the I am.. CD is boring, has to in no doubt be very young- Unfortunately that includes the majority of her fan base. But the ppl in the 25 and up age range should definitely appreciate the maturity and growth of this album!
  19. DreamaM.
    Nov 21, 2008
    3
    I used to like Beyonce. Now I have very negative feelings about her motives with this record and do not feel I could support her again. The standard edition is garbage. The deluxe is okay. I am so glad that I was able to listen before I purchased it. But you noticed how they had the standard edition and deluxe edition mixed in together for listening on the myspace page, so you don't I used to like Beyonce. Now I have very negative feelings about her motives with this record and do not feel I could support her again. The standard edition is garbage. The deluxe is okay. I am so glad that I was able to listen before I purchased it. But you noticed how they had the standard edition and deluxe edition mixed in together for listening on the myspace page, so you don't have a clear idea as to the fact that the standard one is lacking...everything. They were blended together as if they were all one record. The only really good songs are If I Were A Boy and Halo, which she didn't even write. She stole the first one. What a joke. This was a gimmick and strictly about fooling everyone into buying the deluxe. With the economy the way it is, they figured, everyone will buy the $8.99 standard edition to save money, and the diehard fans likely will. Once they realize it's garbage and get that "where's the rest of it" feeling from the record (they arranged it that way), they will go out and get the deluxe, thereby ultimately spending at least $24 on her. Beyonce, you are rich enough. Why rip off your loyal fans, especially in these hard times? It's not even about making good music, its about making money by any means necessary. That is very wrong and I will never support you again. I downloaded the few songs I liked because you won't be ripping me off. I saw past the gimmick and so have many others, but unfortunately not enough. This is the beginning of your downfall as an artist. You have shown your true colors. You've gotten complacent, thinking you can release garbage and your stans will buy it anyway, and they will. But you have to live with lying and cheating to make your millions. Your loyal fans will support you because they love your past work. They can help make you rich with this (whatever it is that you are trying passing off as music). I won't help them.… Expand
  20. Nyah
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    It's easy to see that Beyonce has got a lot of hits on the Sasha Fierce side. Anyone of those songs could be a single. On the I Am side, we haven't heard Beyonce in this context before, so it takes some getting used to. But when you really start to listen to that side, you see how excellent it truly is. My favorites on that side are If I Were a Boy, Halo, Broken Hearted Girl, It's easy to see that Beyonce has got a lot of hits on the Sasha Fierce side. Anyone of those songs could be a single. On the I Am side, we haven't heard Beyonce in this context before, so it takes some getting used to. But when you really start to listen to that side, you see how excellent it truly is. My favorites on that side are If I Were a Boy, Halo, Broken Hearted Girl, Smash Into You and That's Why You're Beautiful. Those songs are all so beautiful and would be massive hits. If people don't understand the greatness of those songs now, they soon will. I applaud Beyonce for her creativity and risk-taking. That's what makes her one of our greatest artists.… Expand
  21. th
    Nov 21, 2008
    5
    This cd is sub par. The slow jams were nice but nothing really memorable as so with the fierce side. Dont doubt that she will still go platinum because of her name. I can see this been re- released to get those sales up.
  22. AveryW.
    Nov 20, 2008
    2
    Nice try. Sometimes Beyonce's shallowness is so thorough it's almost like depth.
  23. MissyM.
    Nov 20, 2008
    5
    The ballads went to European for me. Changing the disc is a waste of time for me. I am still a fan but I honestly only like 4 songs on the album. 1 from Disc one and 3 from Disc 2. Stick with you..Disc 2...
  24. MaxG.
    Nov 20, 2008
    9
    I think that this album is something she put a lot of effort into because there are catchy songs all over the album. She has obviously also grown vocally.
  25. TinoT.
    Nov 20, 2008
    8
    I am one of the biggest fans of Beyonce at first the albulm was a disappointment because I hadn't expected her to bring out such songs and such sounds but once I sat down and listen to the full albulm it grew on me and Now I actually think this is her best work ever. She shows she has no boundaries esp. in I am... she reveals a side of her that is more intriguing and makes me want to I am one of the biggest fans of Beyonce at first the albulm was a disappointment because I hadn't expected her to bring out such songs and such sounds but once I sat down and listen to the full albulm it grew on me and Now I actually think this is her best work ever. She shows she has no boundaries esp. in I am... she reveals a side of her that is more intriguing and makes me want to know more… Expand
  26. Igor
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    The best female CD of 2008! I hate the name, but the tracks are really great! Awesome job!
  27. AlexW.
    Nov 19, 2008
    7
    It just seems like Beyonce is trying too hard these days to be ahead of the pack. I miss her music when it seemed effortless ("Me, Myself and I," "Get Me Bodied"), and she was fierce without having to remind us she is in the album's title. Honey, we know. That being said, the album has some great standout tracks: "Halo," originally written for Leona Lewis (who really deserved to sing It just seems like Beyonce is trying too hard these days to be ahead of the pack. I miss her music when it seemed effortless ("Me, Myself and I," "Get Me Bodied"), and she was fierce without having to remind us she is in the album's title. Honey, we know. That being said, the album has some great standout tracks: "Halo," originally written for Leona Lewis (who really deserved to sing it) by Ryan Tedder, is great. "Smash Into You" is one of the better ballads, while "Radio" is a great dance track that Rihanna would probably kill to record (although it wouldn't have half the personality of Beyonce's version). Although it has a number of certain hits, I wonder if unlike B'day, these songs are not songs you warm up to but rather songs you get sick of quickly?… Expand
  28. JarrellC.
    Nov 19, 2008
    5
    I am shocked at how bad this album is. It took her two weeks to record B'Day and she worked on Sasha Fierce for almost a year. With that said, B'Day is much much better than Sasha Fierce. The only decent songs (and when I say decent I am trying to be nice) are "Single Ladies" and "Radio."
  29. PeterP.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    Beyonce broke out from her boundaries.. and she deserves credit for that.. especially by making an album this good.
  30. Lily
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    The best album of 2008. Beyonce keeps expanding the sound of R&B and pop music. She continues to show why she is the most talented and creative artist of her generation.
  31. MichelleS.
    Nov 18, 2008
    5
    I am a hardcore Beyonce' fan and I am dissappinted at her new CD to say the least. It has been too long since B-Day came out and I was looking for her to bring it...again. She has never let me down and I didnt think she ever had the capabilities of doing so but Ms. Sasha Fierce this was a mess. There was a lot of hype for no reason. The music is good but the majority of the lyrics I am a hardcore Beyonce' fan and I am dissappinted at her new CD to say the least. It has been too long since B-Day came out and I was looking for her to bring it...again. She has never let me down and I didnt think she ever had the capabilities of doing so but Ms. Sasha Fierce this was a mess. There was a lot of hype for no reason. The music is good but the majority of the lyrics and the way the CD came together as the final product was very sub par. I should have purchased it from my neighbor as a burned copy!… Expand
  32. JoeB.
    Nov 18, 2008
    4
    Let's see, 1) Beyonce: one of the biggest artists in the pop world, check 2) All the best people and facilities at her fingertips-check, 3) One of the best voices in the industry-check, so what happened? EGO happened baby! Lot's of it. Here's the thing, who gives a shit about Beyonce's alter ego? Answer - Nobody. Who wants crazy beats with wild vocals doing things Let's see, 1) Beyonce: one of the biggest artists in the pop world, check 2) All the best people and facilities at her fingertips-check, 3) One of the best voices in the industry-check, so what happened? EGO happened baby! Lot's of it. Here's the thing, who gives a shit about Beyonce's alter ego? Answer - Nobody. Who wants crazy beats with wild vocals doing things nobody else can? Answer - Everybody. Depth and introspection do not suit Beyonce Knowles, she is not a "Lennon" type artist. It's actually quite sad to see someone who is supposed to be at the top of their field crawling around the AM radio bathroom floor looking for Shania Twain fans.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 2, 2011
    50
    While an interesting concept, neither CD contains enough strong material to match up to either of her previous releases, and at times, the constant barrage of R&B cliches and adult-contemporary production make it sound like Beyonce is rapidly transforming from hot, hip pop goddess to your standard bored diva.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    I Am...Sasha Fierce does offer two compelling sides of the singer.
    Read full review
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