Renaissance
by Beyoncé
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jul 29, 2022
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 3470 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,997 out of 3470
  2. Mixed: 84 out of 3470
  3. Negative: 389 out of 3470
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  1. Deathcow
    Oct 13, 2022
    6
    Even if you put aside the near-theft of other artists' work and the cultural appropriation, you are still faced with bloated group of songs that are varied between themselves but overlong and repetitive within each individual song. Unlike the true masterpiece Lemonade, this is an album with nothing to say. A lot of Renaissance is bad, the rest is fairly evenly divided between mediocreEven if you put aside the near-theft of other artists' work and the cultural appropriation, you are still faced with bloated group of songs that are varied between themselves but overlong and repetitive within each individual song. Unlike the true masterpiece Lemonade, this is an album with nothing to say. A lot of Renaissance is bad, the rest is fairly evenly divided between mediocre and good, almost none is great.… Expand
  2. CriticByNight
    Aug 20, 2022
    6
    I get that she is really experimenting new sounds blended with queer disco vibes. However, lyrics are weak. "I am too classy for this world". "Must be the cash cause it ain't your face" really dissappointed me. I expected more from her beside her singing about how bougee rich classy powerfull independent boss she is. Like we know it. You are Beyonce. I wanted her to show more vulnarability
  3. Manson_fan25
    Jul 30, 2022
    4
    I was extremely excited for this album as I loved lemonade, despite not liking all the songs I could still appreciate the songwriting and construction. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for this one, now I love the alternative style of electronic music and sounds but this album was an utter mess and the lyrics are garbage for the most part. Extremely underwhelming. Hopefully the otherI was extremely excited for this album as I loved lemonade, despite not liking all the songs I could still appreciate the songwriting and construction. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for this one, now I love the alternative style of electronic music and sounds but this album was an utter mess and the lyrics are garbage for the most part. Extremely underwhelming. Hopefully the other volumes of this album series is better than the first.… Expand
  4. jjlmio
    Aug 1, 2022
    6
    I'm starting with the fact that Bey has my total respect and admiration, but when it comes to this album I'm conflicted.
    First, this album was cleverly crafted as a whole body of work. Bey is an album artist. You can tell by the finesse each transition has. There is complete and utter attention to detail that should be applauded. That is why I'm giving it a 6.
    Put simply, this album    I'm starting with the fact that Bey has my total respect and admiration, but when it comes to this album I'm conflicted.
    First, this album was cleverly crafted as a whole body of work. Bey is an album artist. You can tell by the finesse each transition has. There is complete and utter attention to detail that should be applauded. That is why I'm giving it a 6.
    Put simply, this album sounds like a compilation of every musical challenge of Ru Paul Drag race. I despised her talking/mumbling/rap. The lack of singing was LOUD.
    These are the weakest lyrics Bey has ever come up with. "Category, sexy **** I'm the bar, Alien superstar". She is trying so hard to sound eloquent by using tricky words to say the simplest empowerment ideals.    … Expand
  5. Billy_Johnson
    Aug 1, 2022
    4
    Overrated white people music to be played in the background, what do you expect tho its beyonce
  6. berkae
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    The album is cohesive, lyrically rather simple, musically it's okay. Overall it's not super disappointing, but this is not the energy of a Self-Titled album or passion we could hear on LEMONADE. It's a lot, and usually not with good results. Was it way over-hyped? Yes. Is this something I will listen to in a week? No. Will it be a success? Probably yes, because Beyonce. Let's hope otherThe album is cohesive, lyrically rather simple, musically it's okay. Overall it's not super disappointing, but this is not the energy of a Self-Titled album or passion we could hear on LEMONADE. It's a lot, and usually not with good results. Was it way over-hyped? Yes. Is this something I will listen to in a week? No. Will it be a success? Probably yes, because Beyonce. Let's hope other acts are better.

    1. I'M THAT GIRL - 3/10 - not a fan of the instrumental at all, also once I finished listening to it I forgot what I've listened to.
    2. COZY - 7/10 - solid, I like the energy here. Would listen again probably.
    3. ALIEN SUPERSTAR - 6/10 - I like the chorus, verses not only sonically but lyrically sound like RuPaul's reject. I think I would listen again for the chorus.
    4. CUFF IT - 8/10 - funky, funny, it was just a great journey here!
    5. ENERGY - 4/10 - I don't hate it, but it's a solid skip for me on this album.
    6. BREAK MY SOUL - 2/10 - I honestly hate this song so much from the day she released that. And I thought this is the worst I heard on this album. The instrumental is extremely annoying, and the lack of energy in her voice is sad. I feel like this is in the Top 10 only because it's Beyonce and we were waiting 6 years for a proper single. Yet, here we are - we got Break My Soul.
    7. CHURCH GIRL - 5/10 - lyrically it's okay, but it's another skip for me. It's not bad, just preferences.
    8. PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA - 5/10 - as above. But longer.
    9. VIRGO'S GROOVE - 8/10 - As a Virgo myself, I see myself spinning on the rollerblades in the club lights. Great track! Positive, funny, full of energy, amazing piece of work.
    10. MOVE - 3/10 - this track is a mess, aggressive vocals, boring music, absolutely skip.
    11. HEATED - 3/10 - I was happy when it ended. Skip.
    12. THIQUE - 2/10 - I listened to it, but absolutely forgot about that.
    13. ALL UP IN YOUR MIND - 7/10 - strong, fun, dance-y, this is something I would like to hear on the radio.
    14. AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM - 7/10 - it's pretty good, I like the beat, sonically it's giving. Chorus is nice. Solid track.
    15. PURE/HONEY - 6/10 - and again, we have a fun track(s), with raunchy lyrics, and fun beat. I wouldn't say it's as good as VIRGO'S GROOVE, but it's a solid track.
    16. SUMMER RENAISSANCE - 7/10 - the sample usage is perfection, the beat is extremely fun, and you immediately want to dance. I'm not a fan of the bridge and the ending tho.

    TOTAL: 83/160 | 5/10    … Expand
  7. Cruelsummer20
    Jul 29, 2022
    6
    Using the F word every five seconds seemed excessive at times, and it felt like she was just talking in rhythm rather than singing, which is what’s missing on here for me
  8. BillieMercury
    Jul 29, 2022
    6
    Edit: So this album is surprisingly growing on me already. Some of the songs I was on the fence about before, but liking now are "Virgo's Groove" (shockingly) and the closing track. Still not fond of the lyrics, but I'm really trying to ignore it and just let the production make up for it.

    - - - - - - - Alright, B7, the album we've all been waiting for. Let's get the negatives out    Edit: So this album is surprisingly growing on me already. Some of the songs I was on the fence about before, but liking now are "Virgo's Groove" (shockingly) and the closing track. Still not fond of the lyrics, but I'm really trying to ignore it and just let the production make up for it.

    - - - - - - -

    Alright, B7, the album we've all been waiting for.

    Let's get the negatives out of the way first. With most of the songs, I absolutely love the production, so it's the lyrics that are the biggest problem here, for me personally. To be fair to Bey, not everyone is going to have an issue with this, but I really didn't like the overtly sexual lyrics, especially given that their quality oftentimes wavers. The expletives themselves are fine (in fact, the Princess Loko sample in "I'm That Girl" is one of my favorite elements in the entire album, and I'm pretty sure my soul left for a moment when she said the world is going to be painted kitty pink.), I simply prefer to stay clear of very sensual songs. Even with the subject matter, however, improvements certainly could have been made regarding the lyrics. While it's a dance record, and the lyrics of course don't have to be as deep as, say Lemonade, there's not much of an excuse for literally half of "Plastic Off The Sofa" consisting of the word "baby." There are other times where the vocal delivery seemed a bit off as well for some reason.

    Now, the positives. :) The vogue ballroom sound is the biggest highlight here, without a doubt. It's talented, brilliant, incredible, show-stopping, and can be put into a blender. Along with that, Bey managed to avoid what seems like the most common problem when artists try ballroom/house, which is everything sounding like the same song. I noticed other reviews mentioning that it does sound repetitive, but I don't think so. It must also be noted how much different this is from all her other albums, so much respect to her for still trying new things after all these years.

    Something tells me that I'll appreciate Renaissance as a independent body of work a lot more once the trilogy is complete, but, overall, I would say this album is a total vibe, even if it takes some time to get cozy with it. I hope this helps!

    Favorites on first/second listens: "I'm That Girl," "Heated," "Thique," "Pure"
    Least favorites so far: "Church Girl," "Plastic Off The Sofa," "Virgo's Groove"    … Expand
  9. thiagomassaque
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Unique, flawless, needed. Beyoncé's new album is the masterpiece we all been waiting for.
  10. PPPYYY
    Jul 30, 2022
    6
    Não foi oq eu esperava, não quebrou minhas expectativas. Eu esperava algo bem maior vindo da Queen B. E também aparetemente esse álbum não é nada comercial igual as pessoas pediam.
  11. Estherzinha
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    THE ÁLBUM OF THE YEAR! POWER, ART, EXCELLENCE! I LOVE HOW BEYONCE CAN INSPIRE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH YOUR MUSIC! THANK YOU B! RENAISSANCE IS EVERYTHING
  12. yonceitt
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    beautiful album, beyonce is a wonderful singer. love this era so much, the lyrics is exciting
  13. PotterheadGleek
    Jul 29, 2022
    6
    I don't know why I feel the Beyonce fans will dislike this, but whatever.
    The album is an example of the postmodern term "pastiche" which is the selection of previous artistic work to create something new. I mean even on the Wikipedia page of this album you can see all the sampled songs used in the songs.
    Do I like it? Some songs are great, some... Not so much. But it could be a grower,    I don't know why I feel the Beyonce fans will dislike this, but whatever.
    The album is an example of the postmodern term "pastiche" which is the selection of previous artistic work to create something new. I mean even on the Wikipedia page of this album you can see all the sampled songs used in the songs.
    Do I like it? Some songs are great, some... Not so much. But it could be a grower, FYI Break my soul sounds a lot better in the album than alone. I like the cover tho, which is a representation of Lady Godiva.    … Expand
  14. Joaldel2
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Beyoncé viene fuerte con este disco. Temas movidos, pegadizos, bailables y que no van a dejar a nadie indiferente.
  15. AryamaanUp
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Almost 6 years after the amazing Lemonade, Bey releases Renaissance, an album which isn't bad or inferior, but it just doesnt fit. Vocally, the queen remains a queen, an extremely great singer and vocalist, but otherwise, the production isn't very appreciatable.
    Furthermore, the album sounds rather repetitive and a sort of monotony after Break My Soul. Lemonade couldn't be topped, true,    Almost 6 years after the amazing Lemonade, Bey releases Renaissance, an album which isn't bad or inferior, but it just doesnt fit. Vocally, the queen remains a queen, an extremely great singer and vocalist, but otherwise, the production isn't very appreciatable.
    Furthermore, the album sounds rather repetitive and a sort of monotony after Break My Soul. Lemonade couldn't be topped, true, but Bey could've done better mostly because she is an amazing artist and a phenomenal musician, and albeit I don't exactly hate the experimentation, I feel Renaissance is a rather forgettable album, a sort of poor buildup to what might be an amazing act 2!    … Expand
  16. sja112
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    This album is a work of art. This album is giving me an actual album listening experience. Every song grows with time. With earphone all different sounds in the ears are out of this world. Production is on fire.
  17. Fabrialbertini
    Aug 3, 2022
    5
    Amazing! Worth all the wait. Queen of the world aaaaaaaa.The Donna sample snatched my weave
  18. Luis96
    Aug 23, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album won't be memorable in the next 10 years.Some great tracks but over very poor… Expand
  19. gbielgb
    May 11, 2023
    5
    boring! repetitive! raw! beyonce's new album features a dance record that makes an impact only on the single tracks :( i tried listening other times and just found it CLOYING (doesn't compare to taylor swift saying "me-e-e!") but it made me so tired
  20. idroJ2-2
    Aug 3, 2022
    6
    Beyonce manages to create an atmosphere that pays tribute to music from the 80s and 90s, but there comes a point where the album becomes timeless.
  21. bussylikecola
    Aug 3, 2022
    4
    This album really is a hit or miss; you'd have to love that kind of genre for you to enjoy it. I found the tracks nice but a bit repetitive. Interested in seeing act 2 of renaissance.
  22. dibissximenes
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    The supernova is back, and she is bringing the ballroom! Catch the gloves and the fans! Queen Bey is here, so let’s dance
  23. kiramanfrim
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Simplesmente um ESPETÁCULO! Uma das únicas vezes que escuto um álbum e DE PRIMEIRA amo todas as músicas!
  24. Ellenlucena2022
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Mais uma vez Beyoncé provando ser a maior e mais perspicaz artista viva, um álbum delicioso que se ouve em um piscar de olhos e deixa o gostinho de quero mais.
  25. Nobretiago97
    Jul 29, 2022
    6
    Amazing álbum, with those samples, vocals, beat.
    One of the best 2022's álbum
  26. Jmkcc
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    The album is a 10. When you listen you have to go in with the mindset of “I’m goin to the club”
  27. AngieWambui
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Renaissance blew my mind from the first song, truly iconic and legendary! What a time to be alive!
  28. Damifers
    Jul 29, 2022
    4
    Si, podemos sentir el espíritu de liberación y las vibras dance a través de todo el album; pero en últimas Beyonce nos presenta más de lo mismo. Ya la hemos visto triunfar desde hace dos discos atrás con estos mismos derroteros líricos y culturales, lo cual convierte el acto de escuchar a la artista en una actividad redydante.
  29. Roseanereis
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    The álbum of the year. Beyoncé gave us Excellence as always. I can say it's her best álbum!
  30. Lsmbit
    Jul 30, 2022
    5
    Álbum incontestável. Beyoncé renasceu, trazendo o universo fantástico da era Disco Music. São músicas que não são apenas para dançar, mas também apreciar em casa, no lazer, na academia, etc. Digno de Grammy!!!
  31. Axeminis
    Aug 5, 2022
    5
    I loved the album but I didn't love it since it doesn't sound like Beyonce if it doesn't sound like an album that has elements of reggaeton. The only song I liked was Break My Soul since it has an excellent video clip. But I think the record could have been better
  32. androcchio
    Aug 30, 2022
    6
    It's ridicoulos, her seventh solo outing finds Beyoncé at her very Sasha Fiercast, dropping F-bombs like loose change, straddling lovers like a dominatrix, strutting around a loud, bass-filled space carved out in great part by queer music-makers of colour, an arena explicitly dedicated to Black joy and sensual pleasure.
  33. natalipistan
    Aug 21, 2022
    6
    No es un mal disco, pero no me hizo sentir satisfecha al terminarlo. Sus letras dejan mucho que desear pero su producción es grandiosa.
  34. JoelG
    Nov 24, 2022
    5
    The arrangement is really cool, and the album feels like one long journey, but that's also a negative. In the process to make the album sound and feel that way, a lot of potential was wasted, and a lot of the songs degraded mainly because of that kind of production.
    I understand that this is a dance album , and it's honestly a really good one, but just as an album, it's very repetitive,    The arrangement is really cool, and the album feels like one long journey, but that's also a negative. In the process to make the album sound and feel that way, a lot of potential was wasted, and a lot of the songs degraded mainly because of that kind of production.
    I understand that this is a dance album , and it's honestly a really good one, but just as an album, it's very repetitive, and honestly boring after a few tracks. Too predictable. I wish we had more intimacy and seriousness.
    The Intro and Outro are great and once again have this really satisfying arrangement.
    PURE/HONEY, CUFF IT, BREAK MY SOUL are the best songs in the album, with the most creativity in the making of them.
    Beyonce's vocals are great, and the songwriting is very decent as well.    … Expand
  35. Rfields1979
    Aug 14, 2022
    4
    The creativity is Amazing!!!! I hear something new every time I listen. You can listen to track 1, all the way to the end. That’s how Amazing this album is!
  36. Jababy
    Aug 20, 2022
    5
    Experimentally one of the best albums to date by the artist. Truly showcases her ability to stay current and solidify her QUEEN BEY title!
  37. snntiag0
    Aug 20, 2022
    5
    hmmmmmmmm I mean... It´s not bad but all the songs are pretty the same with good transitions but hate not to difference the songs. Tho I love the production It´s like I´m hearing one song all the timee....
  38. MaxymalnyMax
    Aug 20, 2022
    5
    Good production, unfortunately it is not for me, maybe in the future
  39. Emiliogdn30
    Aug 23, 2022
    4
    Vi nada demais. Pra mim os críticos só babam por causa do jabá. Músicas sem letra, repetitivas.
  40. Lucksilv
    Aug 21, 2022
    5
    Album perfeito. Completamente coeso, viciante. Com referências da música house, dance, afrobeat, rnb. Amo
  41. logantownes
    Aug 21, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is the greatest piece of artwork in 2022, Beyoncé is the greatest artist of all time, she put in a whole lot of work for this album, is also a number one album, with the number one song break my soul… Expand
  42. Case5274
    Nov 4, 2022
    6
    I don't get the big deal about this one. The production is brilliant. It sounds really good. But there's not one song I think that's a classic. The lyrics might appeal to a lot of people but it's called music for nothing. I don't hear any melody or hook that stucks in my mind.
  43. Flowy
    Jan 23, 2023
    6
    Good production and creativity. Just don’t think there’s any songs that people are going to go back to years later.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Album of 2022
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Mojo
    Sep 21, 2022
    80
    A continuous mix of hedonism, virtuosity, scholarship and, as one of her disco antecedents would have it, Good Times. [Nov 2022, p.84]
  2. Uncut
    Aug 31, 2022
    80
    Beyoncé's seventh solo album is a flawlessly structured feast. [Oct 2022, p.25]
  3. PopMatters
    Aug 9, 2022
    90
    Renaissance derives its meaning through its diverse soundscape, which, due to Beyoncé’s astute curation, becomes a statement about letting the music speak for itself.
    Read full review
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