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BuzzJack Music Forum _ R&B and Hip-Hop _ 'Lemonade' • Sixth Album
Posted by: Apricot Apr 3 2015, 12:31 PM
It seems the 'BEYONCE' era is coming to an end, and so let's start the hype train for Bey's sixth solo album.
There's rumours doing the rounds of a collaborative album with Jay Z. I'm not sure how I feel about that. On one hand they have some great collabs together (i.e. Drunk In Love, Crazy In Love, On The Run etc.), but on the other hand I think it would be quite disjointed.
But what do you want from Beyonce with her next album? Another visual album? A more pop album than 'BEYONCE'?
I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Posted by: Davidson Apr 3 2015, 01:25 PM
I think the joint album is almost confirmed isn't it not?
Producer Detail said this when interviewed on the Grammy Red Carpet: "I'm working with a couple of new projects that I don't want to unveil, and then me and Beyoncé and Jay Z are actually doing something together this year. When you think of Jay and Bey together, you think 'album.' You should already know." Asked if that album was going to arrive this year, the producer diplomatically replied, "In my imaginary mind, I will work to say it's true."
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/grammys-2015/6465695/beyonce-jay-z-album-2015
I think it was only a matter of time and can imagine it being a massive moment in R&B music history. Tbh, I would be very excited for it as they have done some great stuff together and any new Bey music I will always stan over. My worry is that Jay's raps for me seem to have gone down-hill lately, his lyrics and flow are really nothing on his hay-day. Then again, Kanye got the best out of him with 'Watch The Throne' and with Bey really experimenting with her sound and creating the best music of her career lately, I would certainly hope she would too.
Posted by: Nelly. S Apr 3 2015, 01:54 PM
For me, the album will be either incredible or absolutely terrible, I'm having my fingers crossed it is the former!
Posted by: Apricot Apr 3 2015, 01:57 PM
Producer Detail said this when interviewed on the Grammy Red Carpet: "I'm working with a couple of new projects that I don't want to unveil, and then me and Beyoncé and Jay Z are actually doing something together this year. When you think of Jay and Bey together, you think 'album.' You should already know." Asked if that album was going to arrive this year, the producer diplomatically replied, "In my imaginary mind, I will work to say it's true."
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/grammys-2015/6465695/beyonce-jay-z-album-2015
I think it was only a matter of time and can imagine it being a massive moment in R&B music history. Tbh, I would be very excited for it as they have done some great stuff together and any new Bey music I will always stan over. My worry is that Jay's raps for me seem to have gone down-hill lately, his lyrics and flow are really nothing on his hay-day. Then again, Kanye got the best out of him with 'Watch The Throne' and with Bey really experimenting with her sound and creating the best music of her career lately, I would certainly hope she would too.
It wouldn't say that's confirmation but I guess it means it's very likely to happen. Any new Beyonce this year would be amazing, whether it's a joint album or not.
Posted by: Acoustic Apr 3 2015, 03:15 PM
I'm assuming it'll be similar to the Jay and Kanye album, joints tracks and with features too. I'm here for it.
However, I'm hoping for a few solo Beyoncé songs too.
Posted by: *Tim Apr 3 2015, 04:48 PM
Bring back Sasha Fierce!
Posted by: Davidson Apr 5 2015, 10:51 AM
Posted a video on Tidal of her singing a new song 'Die With You' acoustically. Possibly from album 6? Anyway, whatever it is for, it is lovely and those vocals are stunning.
Posted by: THEO. Apr 5 2015, 04:18 PM
Such a gorgeous song and performance of it! She wrote it for her and Jay's 7th wedding anniversary (yesterday) so I don't think it will be included on any album unfortunately. I can see performances like this becoming a recurring thing by artists with TIDAL's attempts at breaking the market incoming.
Posted by: Apricot Apr 5 2015, 05:30 PM
She sounds great, I'm not surprised it's only on TIDAL.
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 5 2015, 05:32 PM
Really want something similar to Sasha Fierce with this album
Posted by: April Jul 1 2015, 08:20 PM
Let's hope TIDAL does not exist anymore for this album release.
Posted by: Nelly. S Jul 1 2015, 08:33 PM
I swear to god if she releases exclusive tracks to Tidal (ie. Rihanna), I will scream.
Posted by: Cameron Jul 1 2015, 08:39 PM
Even Madonna gave up on Tidal
Posted by: April Jul 1 2015, 08:43 PM
That's because they ruined her video premiere 
Posted by: liamk97 Jul 20 2015, 03:29 PM
Wasn't a particular fan of her last album, singles aside, although I can appreciate everything it was and it's obviously going to be a huge challenge to follow it up.
I think a collaborative album with Jay-Z would have big demand but I hope there's some Beyonce-lead songs and, more importantly, something really killer like 'Crazy in Love' was.
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE Jan 21 2016, 12:57 AM
Dunno where to put this... but I can see why she turned down the Sia song 'Footprints'... It doesn't feel v. Beyonce to me.
Posted by: Cameron Mar 23 2016, 10:23 PM
https://twitter.com/musicnews_shade/status/712765970251706368
This is not a drill.
Posted by: HarryEzra Mar 24 2016, 07:03 AM
This is not a drill.
x Infinity the hype is real
Posted by: burbe Mar 31 2016, 01:20 PM
I probably don't believe this because it says the release is 1st April but...
Adele and Mariah Carey features!!!
Posted by: SeanGrey Mar 31 2016, 01:27 PM
If Adele features on this I'll be VERY pleasantly surprised.
Posted by: burbe Mar 31 2016, 01:33 PM
It could happen. We know they're both huge fans of each other! I just can't imagine them singing on the same song unless it's a ballad.
Posted by: Joe. Mar 31 2016, 01:37 PM
Sounds fake to me. I can't imagine adele on a song called Lemonade taste. I'd love the Mariah collab to be for real though.
Posted by: SeanGrey Mar 31 2016, 01:39 PM
Unless it's another Send My Love or Rumour Has It type track
but like Joe said I can't imagine her on a track that is titled Lemonade Taste!
Posted by: Froot. Mar 31 2016, 01:43 PM
Are any of these 'leaked' tracklists correct? 
Wasn't there one for the deluxe edition of BEYONCÉ?
Posted by: JoeyJeppssonWall Mar 31 2016, 01:50 PM
Yup, just looked back and found this 
Posted by: HarryEzra Mar 31 2016, 02:43 PM
Hmm Im not buying it tbh I dont think its real 
Posted by: Davidson Mar 31 2016, 04:07 PM
a few instrumental snippets have been released called 'melo' and 'brand' and they aren't on the tracklist so i'm calling fake:
Melo - https://ipliveassets.azureedge.net/melo_edit.mp3
Brand - https://ipliveassets.azureedge.net/brand_video_edit.mp3
anyway yaasss at something happening. can see it being released april for sure anyway.
Posted by: Davidson Mar 31 2016, 04:10 PM
if you press and hold your mouse down for a few seconds long enough you can hear them with some official new visuals here too:
http://www.ivypark.com/
PLEASE drop tomorrow
Posted by: Davidson Mar 31 2016, 04:15 PM
wait a minute. as you keep pressing the date 4/14/16 keeps on coming up, is that album date??
obviously i know IVY PARKS is her new clothing line so i'm trying to not get my hopes up in case it is just the date that is officially released but knowing how the PR machine for her works, she could well drop an album and a clothing line for topshop in the same day? after all she is promoting the new clothes line along with the release of new instrumentals from the album. maybe it is all coming together on the 14th, less than two weeks before the start of the tour?
would make perfect sense...
Posted by: burbe Mar 31 2016, 05:43 PM
tbf the fake 'leaked' document from last time at least had the date correct, so maybe this album will at least be coming tomorrow/next Friday. Either way, I think the album will be coming in the next few weeks - it makes sense.
Posted by: HarryEzra Mar 31 2016, 05:52 PM
Lets hope so
Posted by: SeanGrey Mar 31 2016, 07:18 PM
There was an article on Popsugar (I think?) that speculated the album would be on the 4th.
Edit: Just found it, it's farfetched but still.
http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/When-Beyonce-New-Album-Come-Out-2016-40671419
Posted by: Cameron Apr 1 2016, 06:55 AM
Very excited for this. I am hoping all the speculation is somewhat true because I am desperate for new Bey music
Posted by: burbe Apr 16 2016, 04:18 PM
The plot thickens...
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 16 2016, 04:20 PM
Just saw this posted on twitter excite as to what it is
Posted by: Liаm Apr 16 2016, 04:37 PM
I've seen it is "supplementary" to the album and B6 is coming next week but how many times have they said that now? Anti teas.
Posted by: burbe Apr 16 2016, 05:05 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if it were released next week since the tour starts the week after and now this TV thing is airing.
Posted by: Cameron Apr 16 2016, 05:07 PM
Bring it on.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 16 2016, 05:10 PM
http://www.breatheheavy.com/beyonces-new-visual-album-disguised-as-project-lemonade/
There were articles about 'Project Lemonade' being a film to go along with the album as early back as February.
It's coming y'all 
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 16 2016, 05:25 PM
There were articles about 'Project Lemonade' being a film to go along with the album as early back as February.
It's coming y'all
Posted by: Cameron Apr 16 2016, 05:59 PM
I am so excited for this. I really loved the unexpected surprise of B5 so I hope B6 slays my existence.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 16 2016, 06:16 PM
'Beyoncé' has honestly become one of my all-time favourite albums since it's release so she definitely has a lot to live up to with it's follow up.
I think judging on 'Formation' the standard won't slip 
Posted by: Davidson Apr 16 2016, 06:21 PM
https://twitter.com/HBO/status/721391653781692417
Either more info, another preview or the premiere of a music video on HBO tomorrow
Also listed on HBO's schedule as being 2 hours and 20 minutes long
Posted by: burbe Apr 18 2016, 01:59 AM
Beyonce: The Horror Edition is coming! 
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 18 2016, 06:37 AM
Omg
Posted by: Davidson Apr 23 2016, 10:20 AM
So excited to see what's coming tonight 
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:11 AM
yaaassss reggae bey
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:20 AM
this is incredible
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 01:21 AM
omggggg help this song on now is sfg
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:25 AM
omg this weeknd song sounds life changing
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:26 AM
like so so so massive
edit: that was the weeknd wasn't it? my stream is lq right now as the good one i had was taken down and the sound is distorted
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 01:30 AM
edit: that was the weeknd wasn't it? my stream is lq right now as the good one i had was taken down and the sound is distorted
Same but yeah from Twitter, it is him *.*
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:32 AM
i was so in love with the sound of that.
everything is sounding so unbelievably great. i need hq in my life right now.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:33 AM
what kind of country-esque camp fire bop
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:50 AM
OMG
'Freedom' sounds like the best song she has ever done. OMG OMG OMG
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 01:56 AM
I used my free subscription
I might just get a month and cancel it, I didn't realise they did £9.99 plans now! I don't want to sleep until I properly hear it
edit: never mind I got a new free subscription with my old email lmao
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:56 AM
Official tracklist:
1. Pray You Catch Me
2. Hold Up
3. Don't Hurt Yourself (feat. Jack White)
4. Sorry
5. 6 Inch (feat. The Weeknd)
6. Daddy Lessons
7. Love Drought
8. Sandcastles
9. Forward (feat. James Blake)
10. Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
11. All Night
12. Formation
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 02:00 AM
Which song is this?
Going to listen to the whole album later today but want to listen to this one now!
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:02 AM
I think it was probably Daddy Lessons as it came after The Weeknd song. TIDAL is being so slow loading for me so I haven't listened yet
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 02:03 AM
Yeah Tidal's not loading for me either
I hope my free trial is still working, don't remember when I started it!
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 02:05 AM
Going to listen to the whole album later today but want to listen to this one now!
Yeah it's Daddy Lessons, I've got the album on now, it took a while to load but Tidal is OK now I've loaded it!
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 02:05 AM
Is there a way to get the free trial without filling in card details?
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:06 AM
Finally up and running and listening right now.
This is so exciting
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:16 AM
'Don't Hurt Yourself' is giving me 2016 'Ring The Alarm' vibes. So f***ing good. THAT PRODUCTION.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:25 AM
'6 Inch' has to be a single immediately.
It is already one of her best songs ever. An absolute triumph.
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 02:26 AM
Please someone PM me as soon as this leaks, I need this! 
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE Apr 24 2016, 02:29 AM
What a release.
Posted by: LushLife Apr 24 2016, 02:33 AM
Freedom is everything.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:36 AM
So in love with 'Daddy Lessons'. I love how within the first six tracks she has already covered R&B, reggae, rock and country.
Genres mean nothing to the queen.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:43 AM
'Freedom' is making me so emotional with how massive it is.
Possibly one of the most monumental musical moments I can remember in recent years. I know it sounds ridiculous but I honestly think it is the best thing in her entire discography from just one listen.
This is too much
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 02:46 AM
FREEDOM JESUS H CHRIST THAT'S IT I'M DONE
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 02:49 AM
Omg no apparently the album is a TIDAL exclusive forever :/ :/ :/ :/
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 02:50 AM
Streaming wise I take it?
Bitch, I need to buy this immediately
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 02:59 AM
Bitch, I need to buy this immediately
I bloody hope so
That I could deal with as long as we could buy it.EDIT: Hits Daily Double (pretty reliable afaik) has said the Tidal exclusivity is just a 48 hour thing.
Posted by: Liаm Apr 24 2016, 03:16 AM
After two full listens:
08 Pray You Catch Me
09 Hold Up
10 Don't Hurt Yourself
08 Sorry (a bit repetitive otherwise would be 9)
09 6 Inch
11 Daddy Lessons (this is giving me SO much life, it's very Carrie Underwood, not just because it's country but down the melody and some of the way she sings <3)
06 Love Drought
09 Sandcastles
05 Forward
11 Freedom (EPIC, this is a surefire smash if it's a proper single)
07 All Night
10 Formation
Love Drought and Forward are the only ones I'm feeling, the latter is just a short interludey thing though I guess. And yes I am having two 11s soz
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 03:25 AM
08.0 Pray You Catch Me
08.5 Hold Up
10.0 Don't Hurt Yourself
09.0 Sorry
10.0 6 Inch
10.0 Daddy Lessons
09.0 Love Drought
09.0 Sandcastles
09.0 Forward
11.0 Freedom
09.5 All Night
10.0 Formation
Not even kidding. I think I may even prefer this to self-titled and that is my fourth favourite album of all-time.
I don't know if I am getting too caught up in the excitement. I don't even know what to do with songs like 'Freedom', '6 Inch', 'Daddy Lessons' and 'Don't Hurt Yourself' tonight. I think I better get to my bed and try and take all this in with a clear and less tired head in the morning.
Posted by: River Lea Apr 24 2016, 06:01 AM
6. Daddy Lessons
7. Love Drought
8. Sandcastles
This is the best part of the album for me, my favorite being 6 Inch.
Posted by: Cameron Apr 24 2016, 06:06 AM
Need to listen to this after work, can't wait for get new Beyoncé in my life !
Posted by: .MIKE. Apr 24 2016, 07:22 AM
Well... I think she's just out beyonce'd us! 'Lemonade' is literally LIFE right now.. Genuinely didn't think she was going to be able to improve on the last album.. I think she might have (although it is early to say).
08 Pray You Catch Me
09 Hold Up
08 Don't Hurt Yourself
10 Sorry
08 6 Inch
10 Daddy Lessons
10 Love Drought
09 Sandcastles
09 Forward
10 Freedom
10 All Night
10 Formation
The videos/visual is pretty spectacular... June cannot come quick enough #formationtourmanchester
Posted by: Atonement Apr 24 2016, 07:24 AM
Just had my first listen and while it is definitely better than anything she released pre-Beyoncé I don't think it's as good as 'Beyonce' itself. But I hope/expect it might grow! 'Formation' is still a tune and I love the production on 'Sorry' for instance (actually production on all the tracks is sublime). I did expect more from the The Weeknd collab and that's a shame since I love him.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 10:06 AM
Wynter Gordon co-wrote 'Don't Hurt Yourself', 'Sorry' and 'Daddy Lessons' and co-produced 'Sorry' as well.
Finally getting some recognition, being drafted in to help out this masterpiece
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 24 2016, 10:36 AM
I need to listen to this asap
Posted by: Scene Apr 24 2016, 11:03 AM
It genuinely hurts that I can't listen to this. No way am I paying for a Tidal subscription though.
Posted by: Cremey Apr 24 2016, 11:10 AM
WOW. She just gets better and better doesn't she?
All the visuals are incredible. So much more impressive and important than those for the self-titled. Really is a piece of art.
Will need to give the whole album a good listen before forming an opinion really, but it already seems like her best to me.
'Don't Hurt Yourself', '6 Inch' and 'Freedom' sound like the immediate standouts. 'Formation' still up there with the best for me for sure. Hearing the production used for the credits at the end..
As an album it actually reminds me of 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' in some ways. High praise.
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 12:00 PM
Daddy Lessons omfg
Listening to this now! (and not on the hell site of Tidal 
)
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 12:09 PM
The lyrics of 'Sorry' are so incredibly damning to Jay.
See if he really did get with "Becky with the good hair"
Posted by: Scene Apr 24 2016, 12:28 PM
)What? Please PM me a link.
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 24 2016, 12:37 PM
Me too
Posted by: Regina Apr 24 2016, 12:52 PM
And me.
Posted by: Cameron Apr 24 2016, 01:10 PM
And me please , Sam
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 01:38 PM
Sent
Easily the album of the year, just over half way through and not one track below 9/10 yet!
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 01:53 PM
Today I am in total awe at how monumental this whole thing is. Watching the hour long visual is a must as the poetic spoken word parts really tie the whole thing together in a way that makes it all so much more poignant.
I can't remember the last time a massive artist released an album so personal and let it all out in the open like this. I really thought that we would get a really political album from Bey (which I would have loved btw) but instead she did the complete opposite and let us into her private life and her own personal heartbreak with both the songs and the visuals. I love the fact she laid herself so bare and the music is all so much better for it. Truly is a work of art, I don't think any other album has ever captured the essence of woman scorned like Lemonade does.
The only issue I have now is that I am not sure why 'Formation' is tagged on at the end. I think they must have only added it on due to the great reception it recieved because it doesn't really go with the albums message; the topic just seems like too far of a jump from what she appears to be trying to say about her relationship with Jay and her family throughout. I suppose it could fit in with the messages about strong black motherhood and the regaining of power that seem to be coming through in the visual album but that is the only way I can fit it in the narrative. It says a lot when my main issue with an album is the inclusion of a song that I consider a 10.0/10.0 though.
This really has cemented her as one of the all time greats in my eyes
Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Apr 24 2016, 01:55 PM
09 Pray You Catch Me
10 Hold Up
10 Don't Hurt Yourself
09 Sorry
10 6 Inch
11 Daddy Lessons
09.5 Love Drought
11 Sandcastles
06 Forward (interlude)
10 Freedom
10 All Night
09.5 Formation
I wasn't even that big of a fan of her self-titled debut as well. This is absolutely INCREDIBLE Already probably the best album of the year
Just wow.
Posted by: Jade Apr 24 2016, 02:11 PM
Can you PM me the link too please? <3
Hyped from the Tidal previews~
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 24 2016, 02:34 PM
08 Pray You Catch Me
10 Hold Up
09 Don't Hurt Yourself
09.5 Sorry
10 6 Inch
11 Daddy Lessons
09 Love Drought
10 Sandcastles
07 Forward (interlude)
11 Freedom
10 All Night
10 Formation
Posted by: Joe. Apr 24 2016, 02:37 PM
There are moments, but I'm not gripped by anything the way I was with Formation, as of yet. Hoping for some growers.
Posted by: Joe. Apr 24 2016, 03:12 PM
Am I in the minority in thinking All Night is the best song here? (Not including Formation)
Posted by: Jade Apr 24 2016, 03:12 PM
'Don't Hurt Yourself', 'Freedom' and '6 Inch' (as well as 'Formation' ofc~) are all so so good. I think the rest will require some growing time.
Wish the James Blake collab could've been a bit longer instead of an interlude their voices sound lush together.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 03:22 PM
'Pray You Catch Me' is hitting me so hard rn after being my least favourite last night.
It is so beautiful.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 03:53 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/lemonade-is-beyonc-at-her-most-profane-political-and-personal/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
5 star reviews already coming in for this masterpiece.
Posted by: princess_lotti Apr 24 2016, 04:36 PM
INCREDIBLE.
Posted by: Cameron Apr 24 2016, 04:51 PM
So So Good! Daddy Lessons is my favorite right now. 6 inch is also a standout. ***Flawless Queen.
Posted by: troylovesmusic Apr 24 2016, 05:34 PM
This Album is incredible I didn't think she would top her last album but I think she might of with this album so many standouts on it !
Posted by: Andr00w Apr 24 2016, 06:01 PM
Could I have the link too please, dying for this ;o
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 06:15 PM
If 'Freedom', 'Daddy Lessons' and '6 Inch' aren't all singles at some point I will be thoroughly pissed off.
Some of her best ever.
Posted by: Slick Apr 24 2016, 07:09 PM
Please could somebody send over a link so that I can listen to this. I am SO hyped <3
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 24 2016, 07:29 PM
This whole project is so ambitious and experimental; she has started to release music that is absolutely living up to her status! Such a diverse body of work. The visuals are stunning, and I loved how personal and raw the monologues were in the film. My favourite songs so far are Don't Hurt Yourself, 6 Inch, Daddy Lessons, Sandcastles and All Night.
An administrator at The Beyhive, who have been a reliable source in the past, has stated that the album may be on sale on Monday and possibly with more songs.
Posted by: Cameron Apr 24 2016, 07:36 PM
All Night is sublime.
Posted by: SeanGrey Apr 24 2016, 07:49 PM
Don't Hurt Yourself IS
Posted by: troylovesmusic Apr 24 2016, 08:10 PM
Goes on iTunes at midnight according this http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/25/arts/music/beyonce-lemonade-tidal-itunes-apple.html
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 24 2016, 08:15 PM
YAAAASSSS
I NEED A PHYSICAL RELEASE TOO
Posted by: LushLife Apr 24 2016, 08:16 PM
Brilliant decision to put it on iTunes.
Hopefully iTunes advertise the hell out of her.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 24 2016, 08:17 PM
Kind of want to wait and find out if there will be a physical release as I would love to have a physical version of this.
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 24 2016, 10:02 PM
http://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=300774
The exclusion of Spotify, and other services with freemium tiers, for streaming is the latest manifestation of Sony's windowing efforts to limit free access, following the success with Adele's 25, which was kept off streaming services except for single "Hello" and achieved astronomical sales.
Tidal has experienced a huge bump in visibility of late, as Bey's splashy album drop (with attendant HBO opus) follows the explosion of interest in Prince's music following his untimely death. Tidal also has an exclusive on streaming of Prince's prodigious catalog. Indeed, since Lemonade was served, Tidal has become the most downloaded music app in the U.S., surpassing Pandora and Spotify, and one of the top apps worldwide.
How this big spike will translate into subscriptions remains to be seen, but the streaming field looks different now than it did just a few days ago.
Meanwhile, reports also say Lemonade instantly became one of the most pirated albums on torrent sites like The Pirate Bay. This follows a similar surge in piracy for another Tidal exclusive, Kanye West's The Life of Pablo. Will the album's availability as a legal download (unlike Pablo) stem this tide?
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 24 2016, 10:11 PM
WE JUST GOT TO LET IT BE, LET IT BE, LET IT BEEEE, LET IT BEEEEEEEE BAAAABYYYYY
HEY BABY, WHO THE @$%& DO YOU THINK I AM????????
Posted by: MrLoverboy Apr 24 2016, 11:35 PM
Pray You Catch Me is the perfect openening song. LOVE it.
Masterpieces:
All Night (!!!!!!)
Don't Hurt Yourself
Pray You Catch Me (could have been longer tho)
Really good
6 Inch
Sorry
Freedom
Good
Hold Up
The rest I don't like. Maybe they'll grown on me later
Posted by: MrLoverboy Apr 24 2016, 11:40 PM
No, All Night is the one I can't stop thinking about after listening to this. Just INCREDIBLE. I hate Formation tho, so All Night is the masterpiece for me in this.
Posted by: Liаm Apr 25 2016, 04:27 AM
Still not on iTunes even though it's midnight US time, this better not have all been false and it's actually a permanent Tidal exclusive 
The only confirmation I've seen is that Tidal has the exclusive streaming rights perpetually, which actually I did expect, so hopefully it might be released in 48 hours as originally stated! Argh.
Posted by: Hayzayy Apr 25 2016, 07:30 AM
I fail to "get" the superlatives given to this album, I've given it a few listens and for me it's definitely not as good as "Beyoncé" (which was a great record). A lot of the songs sounds really boring and not what I would expect from a Beyoncé record.
"Formation" and the songs with Jack White and The Weeknd stand out at the mo but that's mainly due to the features.
Tracks like "Daddy lessons", "Pray you catch me" and "Sandcasttles" are a total waste, I'm not here for country Beyoncé or acoustic songs.
I'll give it a few more listens but it's not what I expected from a record called "Lemonade".
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE Apr 25 2016, 08:55 AM
'Sandcastles' is practically her best song.
'6 Inch' needs to be sent to radio asap.
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 25 2016, 09:34 AM
It's on iTunes.
No sign of the rumoured deluxe edition yet.
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 25 2016, 09:37 AM
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EPOY1AQ?ref=spkl_1_1_2475906702&qid=1461576512&pf_rd_p=2475906702&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_s=desktop-auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=022GCT9DWSNR1GR2N84R&pf_rd_i=lemonade
Physical copy is out 6 May according to US Amazon. Nothing on UK Amazon yet.
Posted by: Cameron Apr 25 2016, 01:24 PM
The album is now on iTunes!
Posted by: LushLife Apr 25 2016, 02:01 PM
The dragging of jay Z though *.*
Imagine if she ended the relationship at the end of the album? What a queen.
Posted by: Karma Apr 25 2016, 02:06 PM
Are there plans to add this to apple music and spotify?
Ryan Tedder said it perfectly, this is 2016. It should be everywhere.
Posted by: Joe. Apr 25 2016, 02:07 PM
I assume if it's on iTunes it's on apple music? I don't have apple music so can't check...
Posted by: Cody Is The Name Apr 25 2016, 02:51 PM
I am HERE for this Jack White collab!
Posted by: mr_pmt Apr 25 2016, 03:14 PM
The production on this is good, it's interesting and it's nice to see her still artistically evolving... but some of these tracks do drag and I found myself zoning out. I also wish her diction was better (but that's always been a niggling issue with her).
'Freedom' is definitely the best here.
Posted by: vibe Apr 25 2016, 03:16 PM
Not her most instant album some of the songs are very whimsy and therefore s little repetitive and annoying .
I'm sure it will grow on me .
Freedom is the stand out track so far .
Posted by: liamk97 Apr 25 2016, 03:29 PM
Is it similar in sound to BEYONCE or is it literally the way its been released that is similar?
Posted by: Karma Apr 25 2016, 03:30 PM
You'd think so, but sadly not.
Freedom is stand out for me so far too.
Posted by: Euphorique Apr 25 2016, 04:23 PM
Not as good as Sasha, 4 or self titled. But there are some jams here, Sorry and 6 Inch are my favs.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 25 2016, 04:31 PM
It is closest to BEYONCE out of any of her albums but I would say it is far more experimental with delving into different genres than the previous record. I can't really say it's similar as it is another artistic progression from that point and she definitely doesn't try and replicate it in any way, which I love.
I feel like everyone claiming it isn't as good as the previous records needs to watch the album film with it and experience it the way she intends it to be experienced. It becomes so much more than just a collection of songs and instead becomes a narrative about heartbreak and finding hope and faith again in a situation where you feel you have none. It just makes you appreciate just how much of a triumph this whole record is.
Posted by: Aaliyah4Eva Apr 25 2016, 04:56 PM
Loving this already, the Lemonade visual works well I like all the speech linking the videos etc , I actually prefer some of the tracks with the video it makes the track more stand out for me then when its just on own
10 Pray You Catch Me
09 Hold Up
11 Don't Hurt Yourself
10 Sorry
10 6 Inch
09 Daddy Lessons
08 Love Drought
09 Sandcastles
08 Forward (interlude)
10 Freedom
08 All Night
09 Formation
Posted by: Davidson Apr 25 2016, 04:59 PM
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/beyonce-lemonade-20160425
This has got to be going for somewhere in the 85-95 region on Metacritic now surely
Can't wait to see what Pitchfork give her. 'Beyoncé' got an 8.8 but I can see them giving this a 9.0+, fingers crossed.
Posted by: Scene Apr 25 2016, 06:01 PM
05 Pray You Catch Me
08 Hold Up
08 Don't Hurt Yourself
10 Sorry
10 6 Inch
10 Daddy Lessons
04 Love Drought
06 Sandcastles
03 Forward (interlude)
10 Freedom
08 All Night
10 Formation
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE Apr 25 2016, 06:29 PM
Sasha Fierce is so overated it's unreal
Posted by: MrIndependent Apr 25 2016, 06:33 PM
http://www.metacritic.com/music/lemonade/beyonce/critic-reviews
94 on Metacritic with 10 critic reviews in so far! The Navy and haters are doing the most to downgrade her user score; so hilarious.
Posted by: Regina Apr 25 2016, 06:43 PM
Freedom might be my new favourite Bey track. SO GOOD.
Posted by: Liаm Apr 25 2016, 06:51 PM
Ryan Tedder said it perfectly, this is 2016. It should be everywhere.
Tidal will have the streaming rights forever they said, but they said that about Kanye's The Life Of Pablo and it eventually went to Apple Music at least
I'd rather it was everywhere too but at least I can buy it on iTunes, I use Apple Music so it's seamlessly tied in luckily, I would have been very annoyed if they hadn't put it up for sale on iTunes and left it on Tidal
Posted by: Scene Apr 25 2016, 07:31 PM
I can definitely see why Lemonade has been getting raved about these last few days - the visual + the music together is really powerful. That said, I still don't think Beyonce has truly nailed an album yet. There always seems to be quite a few duds on each which is a shame because the good tracks are just getting better and better (shout out to 'Daddy Issues', 'Formation' and 'Sorry').
Posted by: Cremey Apr 25 2016, 07:46 PM
'Hold Up' named best new track by pitchfork ❤️🍋
#thatdiploimpact
Posted by: Davidson Apr 25 2016, 08:12 PM
'Hold Up' seems to be getting a hella lot of love. It is the most cherry-picked after 'Formation' as well, but I am not really getting it. After listening non-stop for almost 48 hours, it is probably the one I am finding myself going back to the least, along with 'Love Drought'. It is really catchy and I love the reggae vibe but it is maybe just a bit too bright and breezy compared to the stuff around it; I feel like the vitriolic nature of both 'Don't Hurt Yourself' and 'Sorry' capture the woman scorned emotional stage that bit better than 'Hold Up' does, for me.
Having said that, I can kind of see them making it the first single now, and it is still an 8.5/10.0. It is just because this album is so so incredible.
Posted by: Jonjo Apr 25 2016, 08:39 PM
This is one of those albums that I'm going to enjoy for about a month, but then not really care for it much in the long run etc.. It's great that she's finally found her "sound" and found what really works for her as an artist and is FINALLY managing to live up to the mass hysteria that surrounds her somewhat. On first listen through though and currently on 'Sandcastles' and nothing is worth a "10" for me and more that they are all more or less 8 out of 10 etc.. I'm liking the album. Just not "loving" it. But it's Beyonce, so I was never gonna be "fully" into it.
I really don't understand why I don't take to her much at all, but I just think a lot of the time, other people do what she does just as well, but are never rated much at all and I fail to see why, when Beyonce does the same and gets high praise from practically everybody?
Posted by: Davidson Apr 25 2016, 10:28 PM
I'm interested to hear who you think does what she does just as well?
I really don't see who else out there could have pulled off something as huge as Lemonade.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 25 2016, 11:59 PM
Apparently she isn't picking any singles and is sending all 12 tracks to radio
Posted by: LushLife Apr 26 2016, 03:32 AM
It's expecting that 'Lemonade' will open up with sales between 500,000 - 600,000 in the United States and she will become the first ever artist to get 6 consecutive debut number ones. A little bit of me still wishes that we had more pop as I Am Sasha Fierce had some absolute bops on it, I also wish we had a Ryan Tedder ballad on here, although I don't think a pop / tedder ballad would fit on the album unless there's something on the deluxe.
06 Pray You Catch Me
08 Hold Up
09 Don't Hurt Yourself
08 Sorry
10 6 Inch
10 Daddy Lessons
05 Love Drought
09 Sandcastles
05 Forward (interlude)
11 Freedom
08 All Night
10 Formation
I'm seriously stanning 'Formation' hard right now, hoping that it's added to Spotify to ensure that Bey manages to get a top five single from this campaign.
Posted by: Josh. Apr 26 2016, 08:53 AM
This is fantastic really, can't believe she's gone and dropped another visual album on us After five listens, I'd rank it her third best behind I Am...Sasha Fierce and BEYONCÉ but definitely loads of room for growth. I absolutely love the artwork too, even her hair is enough to make me go full loon, it's my favourite of all her artworks actually, it just looks so fierce.
08.5 Pray You Catch Me
09.0 Hold Up
09.5 Don't Hurt Yourself
09.5 Sorry
08.0 6 Inch
08.0 Daddy Lessons
07.5 Love Drought
07.0 Sandcastles
06.0 Forward (interlude)
09.5 Freedom
09.0 All Night
09.0 Formation
Not ready to say which is my absolute favourite yet hence no 10s but I'm absolutely adoring the Jack White collab which I wasn't expecting. Sorry and Hold Up are bops too and Freedom/Pray You Catch Me are really gorgeous too. Only Sandcastles and Forward that haven't properly hit me yet.
Posted by: Karma Apr 26 2016, 09:13 AM
Same because Beyonce is such an incredible singer, performer & dancer - nobody does it as well in my opinion...
Posted by: 💯 Apr 26 2016, 10:55 AM
Forward >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Not a very instant album but some songs have potential to easily grow on me.
Posted by: Virginia's Walls Apr 26 2016, 11:13 AM
Where can I hear/ see this?
Posted by: Virginia's Walls Apr 26 2016, 11:14 AM
OMG she's doing a new Beyonce!!
Posted by: Jonjo Apr 26 2016, 11:31 AM
I really don't see who else out there could have pulled off something as huge as Lemonade.
I don't know what I've written as I'm on my phone, but hopefully even if you don't agree, you see what I'm trying to get at haha.
Posted by: Karma Apr 26 2016, 12:49 PM
Freedom clear stand out for me. LOVE.
I can understand why she isn't sending one song in particular as none are really radio-friendly songs.
Freedom is probably the closest to a radio-friendly song?
Maybe Hold Up too as thats doing incredible well!
Posted by: Joe. Apr 26 2016, 12:56 PM
I feel like everyone is sleeping on 'All Night' it's utterly beautiful and already one of my favourite Bey-ballads. How it's pretty much the lowest of the cherry-picks I have no idea. Especially when 'Hold Up' is probably the most irritating track.
Posted by: liamk97 Apr 26 2016, 01:15 PM
Thanks, I feel like this may be an album I can appreciate for what it is, for what it's trying to achieve and for the interesting production but not one that I can particularly say I'm a fan of. I imagine there's also much less 'commercial' tracks, in which BEYONCE at least had the likes of 'XO' and 'Drunk in Love', although not that this factor seems to be stopping the whole album from slaying chart-wise!
I'll have a listen to the previews on iTunes and try dig out any rips lurking on the internet for any tracks I find interesting, but I'll keep my expectations limited to what I said above.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 26 2016, 01:38 PM
I am possibly one of the biggest Tinashe stans on this whole forum but I am not really getting it. 'Aquarius' is one of the best R&B albums I own but I don't see her as someone who could ever be in contention for the spot that Bey is in. It's like if Aaliyah was alive today she would be trying to achieve something completely different to what Beyoncé and I couldn't imagine comparing them, just because they are both mostly R&B. Beyoncé to me has the potential to be the living legend of our time, the way that Michael and Prince did before. Her singing, dancing and performance ability is unmatched. On top of that, with these last two albums she has pushed the boundaries of album releases and has created conceptual albums that really are more than just a selection of songs put together, especially with 'Lemonade'. Although Tinashe is certainly one of the most talented people out there and is one of my favourite artists she still has a lot to prove and has a lot more room to grow. On top of that, she is nowhere near the best singer out there and no-one can deny that Beyoncé is one of the finest vocalists of our time (if not the best).
Posted by: Jonjo Apr 26 2016, 02:49 PM
Well, yeah, I guess. I do think she could release an album like 'Lemonade' (at least sonically and thematically) and it'd go completely unnoticed. But I dunno. I think my main problem is that something just really irks me about Beyoncé . I just dont feel she cares about things as much as people are led to believe/she likes people to believe (although this album seems different on that front - at least with the messages and themes in the songs), despite being very talented. I appreciate she's doing new things right now and she's finally got the sound right, but I still dont think it's "wow". I just think she's quite arrogant in a very similar way to Chris Martin and it just doesn't wash with me
Sorry, I'm just rambling now. This is album is good though, so I'm not taking that away from her. 'Freedom' is great!
Posted by: Atonement Apr 26 2016, 02:57 PM
The reviews are too much really... this album is good but in no universe is this worth a 94/100 score. Bye.
Posted by: Joe. Apr 26 2016, 02:58 PM
Yeah, it's not the masterpiece some people are calling it. There are aspects of pretentiousness and while there are enough good tracks to keep me happy, there's still too much filler for people to be saying it's her best.
Posted by: Karma Apr 26 2016, 03:00 PM
Oh its definitely not her best and definitely not a masterpiece, but a bold statement and an attempt to stay relevant & do something different to what she has done before, which she's successfully done. I love Bey, so glad to see her doing so well.
Award shows next year are going to be so good!
Posted by: Davidson Apr 26 2016, 04:18 PM
I am very much on the 'masterpiece' group on this one.
I just think everything is so well thought out and considered right down to the last tee. I love how it is both personal and political and really delves into exploring both sides of her, as well as letting us into all of her different emotional states throughout the album. I can't remember the last time a big album from a major power achieved all of that. All of that topped off with one of the most stunning visuals I've ever seen to a piece of music.
Already better than 'Beyoncé' for me and I claimed that to be in my top 5 albums of all time.
Posted by: Joe. Apr 26 2016, 04:30 PM
I do actually agree with you on all of above regarding its merits and I can certainly see how it's called a masterpiece - especially with the accompanying movie. It's the actual music itself that lets it down for me. Amazing moments, but some of the songs fall completely flat for me.
Posted by: vibe Apr 26 2016, 04:35 PM
Beyonce can do no wrong it seems.
The reviews are a joke .
This album is not groundbreaking at all .
Posted by: Davidson Apr 26 2016, 05:35 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/25/beyonce-lemonade-jay-z-infidelity-emotional-project-depths
love everything about this article, really stunning look at what this album means in regards to black womanhood.
Posted by: SeanGrey Apr 26 2016, 05:59 PM
Award shows next year are going to be so good!
I didn't think of that until I saw a really funny post from a Beyoncé fanpage on Twitter about Adele and B at the Grammy's next year
Posted by: Regina Apr 26 2016, 06:41 PM
SO glad someone mentioned this, going back to that one more and more today.
Posted by: Davidson Apr 26 2016, 11:00 PM
So Radio 1 have gone and stuck the entire album on their playlist
Amazing.
Posted by: Jonjo Apr 26 2016, 11:13 PM
Insane! Interesting strategy! At least people dont have to bother with subscribing to Tidal
Posted by: Davidson Apr 26 2016, 11:27 PM
It has been clear for a while she is over trying to be a singles artist, getting chart hits. If she wanted that she could have had a #01 with 'Formation' a couple of months ago.
It is clear she has been on a mission with these last two releases to try and make people take in and appreciate the album as an art-form again, so I think this strategy may well work out for what she wants to achieve. As much as I would love her to get high chart peaks and make sure the era goes on for a long period of time, it doesn't appear to be on her agenda and I can understand why.
Posted by: Karma Apr 27 2016, 08:33 AM
http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38531/title.azealia-banks-goes-in-on-beyonce-lemonade-says-she-sold-her-soul
What a surprise...Azealia has something to say.
Posted by: liamk97 Apr 27 2016, 01:55 PM
Just listened to the Radio 1 show where they played it in full and I've enjoyed this album a lot more than I was expecting! It hasn't totally delved into being artsy fartsy; she's remembered that melody is key and there's several songs that could work as singles/are commercial. '6 Inch', 'Daddy Issues' and 'Formation' are my favourites, with 'Don't Hurt Yourself' and 'All Night' being really good too, then others which I think could grow on me. It's an album that gets better throughout.
Also, I can confirm this sold 25.6k on its first day in the UK and 17.4k on its second, with a current total of 43k.
Posted by: burbe Apr 27 2016, 04:35 PM
Why did she drop this while I'm on holiday? I've had a brief listen and it sounds so good!
Posted by: HausofKubrick Apr 27 2016, 05:28 PM
I have now listened to this twice and I can say that I really, really like it. It's an incredibly personal album (which is also one of its faults - it's quite hard to properly relate to something that is written so personally and for such a specific case but there is enough else on there to help me to look past that).
Did anyone else have NO idea about the fracture in their relationship though? I had no clue and so when listening to it I was shell-shocked at what she was saying. It made it all the more powerful for me I guess.
It is in NO WAY better than 'BEYONCÉ' though but then I really find a lot of difficulty comparing albums that have been out a few days vs albums I have replayed for months and months or longer so i'll hold my judgement until later. But yeah, 'BEYONCÉ' for me is a once in a career type moment and one of the best urban albums ever so I doubt this will ever match or better that.
This basically sums up my thoughts too ~
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE Apr 27 2016, 06:30 PM
How do you playlist an entire album? Different hour, different song?
Posted by: J▲hq Apr 27 2016, 07:29 PM
The first two songs I found 'OK' but nothing special, Don't Hurt Yourself I didn't particularly like (the Jack White bits were the best). 6 Inch was the best up until that point but then Daddy Lessons topped it (the major standout ). Found Love Drought rather boring, Sandcastles was OK, Freedom and All Night sounded like two of the best and I've never liked Formation.
Maybe 4 songs I could take from this and keep going back to with the first two having potential to grow I guess. I appreciate what she's doing, how personal it is and how 'different' it is but as an album to listen to I'd much rather put "4" on repeat (plus songs like XO and Drunk In Love).
Posted by: Cremey Apr 27 2016, 10:38 PM
The ultimate Beyoncé album would be an album of 'Dance For You's 😍
Posted by: Joe. Apr 28 2016, 10:38 AM
Beyonce stated that 'All Night' is her favourite off Lemonade last night. While you all stick to Freedom and 6 Inch, least someone is with me.
Posted by: Joe. Apr 28 2016, 08:36 PM
08.0 Pray You Catch Me - Works nicely on the movie, and is rather touching but I wouldn't go back to it much on its own.
09.0 Hold Up - Finally grown on me, after finding it irritating.
05.0 Don't Hurt Yourself - I find this one rather jarring
10.0 Sorry - Huge jam and I love the video for this.
09.5 6 Inch - Similarly anthemic as Sorry, but not quite as good.
04.0 Daddy Lessons - I can't get on board with this one at all, the sound just doesn't work.
06.0 Love Drought
06.0 Sandcastles
06.0 Forward (interlude)
07.5 Freedom - Great, but hugely lifted by Kendrick
10.0 All Night - Utterly beautiful. Filled with sorrow but hope.
11.0 Formation - Still one of the best things I've heard from Beyonce in absolutely ages.
Posted by: Liаm Apr 29 2016, 12:03 AM
All Night is growing on me a hell of a lot, I think the mixture of hurt and hope really makes it one of the most fitting songs on the album for the themes, it's almost moving on, at least trying to move on and hoping to move on.
Posted by: dandy* Apr 29 2016, 10:26 PM
So I downloaded this because there was sod all else out to bother listening to... and I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying it, it's such a 'grown up' album, like everything I'd want from an old fashioned soul diva who would release an album in this era - when did she get this good?
Posted by: Atonement Apr 30 2016, 09:48 AM
I had my suspicions after the elevator incident and then they seemed to try too hard to act like nothing happened. Him cheating doesn't surprise me. The thing that surprised me however is that she stayed with him. I didn't expect that!
December 13, 2013!
Posted by: liamk97 Apr 30 2016, 12:24 PM
I don't really understand why she's stayed with him if he did cheat considering she's clearly not gotten over it if she's released an album party about it. Surely their relationship can never truly move on if that damage can't be repaired?
Posted by: NellyEverySundae Apr 30 2016, 01:25 PM
Maybe this was her way of getting over it? Making an album about it? When you listen through the album, the sound becomes softer and I'm pretty sure 'All Night' is celebrating her relationship with Jay-Z. Maybe I'm overthinking it but I think one of the plots of the album is overcoming that strain in her marriage.
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE May 1 2016, 02:54 AM
Perhaps the affair is her singing in her mother's mindset?
Posted by: LushLife May 1 2016, 03:34 AM
I'm guessing it's because of Blue Ivy.
It wouldn't surprise me if they break up in the next five years though which I'm fully expecting, I've got NO IDEA how ANYONE could cheat on Beyonce, Jay Z was always pushing his luck being with someone as hot as Beyonce.
Posted by: Joe. May 1 2016, 09:54 AM
I really enjoy the meaning behind All Night. I like that through the anger, paranoia and depression of the rest of the album she finds forgiveness at the end, even though I wouldn't usually condone going back to a cheater. Something about the beautiful video with all the different couples, and Beyonce walking through the ruins really touches me. And the 'How I've missed you my love' really resonates with me.
Posted by: Slick May 1 2016, 11:00 AM
After a few listens, I think I definitely prefer 'BEYONCE' to 'Lemonade'. I really enjoy 'Don't Hurt Yourself', 'Hold Up', 'Freedom' and of course 'Formation', but the former album has SO many moments and a handful of songs I would consider some of her absolute best (even though it did take me quite a long time to come round to it.)
I respect what she's doing as an artist, releasing music she wants to release rather than trying to achieve mainstream success. If Beyonce can't do it, who can?
Posted by: Joe. May 1 2016, 11:09 AM
I know many will find this a bit of a weird comparison as music-wise, they're very different. But I find the way Beyonce is progressing as an artist quite similar with the way Madonna did. After Madonna's first decade of more straightforward hits, she entered the 90s and really started to become more personally expressive and experimental, yet still pulling it off and managing critical praise and lots of public interest.
Posted by: liamk97 May 1 2016, 12:17 PM
That's absolutely what came to my mind too. BEYONCE and Lemonade are like the Erotica of our time (just with MUCH less controversy of course) in terms of stepping out of the comfort zone of both the artist themselves and of the public's, experimenting with less overtly commercial sounds and focusing on a specific concept for the album in attempt to make a solid body of work that takes you on a journey and makes you think, rather than just a collection of songs stuck together.
I'm glad you made the point first because I was thinking of saying something but didn't know how to put it or whether it would just sound ridiculous!
Posted by: Liаm May 1 2016, 12:29 PM
Yeah I thought this, or just a "character", like the album is telling a story that just isn't hers, whoever it is. However, All Night sounds SO genuinely sincere <3 I agree with the sentiment that it's been a huge grower. If it is actually her, it is her relationship and decision to make, and perhaps making this, letting out all her anger and other feelings allowed her to deal with it in a better way. Of course they won't be the same, and personally I couldn't stay with a cheater, but who knows? I think that's another part of the album's magic and power for me - if it is her it was so shocking! If it's not, then it's still so powerfully convincing that it's so impactful in another way.
Posted by: 💯 May 1 2016, 02:09 PM
I finally watched the film to this album and oh god that was mind-blowing! Not gonna pretend she's the first person doing this one story throughout the entire album with videos thing but it was so well-thought out and made! All the things I wanted to say we're already probably said here so I won't bother.
The album is a visual masterpiece. Audio is yet to grow on me but with so much meaning and emotion injected into songs via videos, it will be hard for me to ignore the effect now.
Posted by: Jack May 1 2016, 10:36 PM
Living for this album, not as good as 'Beyoncé' for me but that would always be tough to beat.
Is anyone else getting sick of that shitty meme on Facebook saying 'When everyone's talking about Beyoncé's new song but you can't relate because your music taste isn't pure shit' with a screwed up Lana Del Rey face. Yet these are the same people who listen to Lukas Graham and Mike Posner but that's none of my business.
Posted by: Joe. May 1 2016, 10:42 PM
Is anyone else getting sick of that shitty meme on Facebook saying 'When everyone's talking about Beyoncé's new song but you can't relate because your music taste isn't pure shit' with a screwed up Lana Del Rey face. Yet these are the same people who listen to Lukas Graham and Mike Posner but that's none of my business.
I luckily don't have trash like that on my Facebook.
Posted by: HausofKubrick May 2 2016, 11:06 AM
I hadn't really made this comparison before, but it does sort of correlate when I think about it
The urban Madonna if you will ~ (obviously still too early to compare - Madonna was still just getting STARTED at this point in her career and has continued to last for decades after, so we'll see how Beyoncé is doing in another 10/15 years and if she's still bringing it in with 'Hung Up' type smashes)
Posted by: Scene May 2 2016, 11:55 AM
While I'm all for conceptual albums, I'm not completely bought that this is an album as great as many people are making it out to be. I think the thing I'm having trouble digesting is when people refer to it as "personal". For an artist whose image has been carefully crafted since her Destiny's Child days, I can't really find any of her music personal. This whole controversy over whether or not she's alluding to Jay Z cheating on her is just a PR masterclass. Maybe I'm speaking out of turn but I don't think the infidelity themes came from Beyonce trying to express her true feelings on the record. I think it is more to do with creating hype and hysteria. In short, I just think this album is more business-minded rather than creative-minded.
It's a good album though but BEYONCE is better and didn't take itself too seriously.
Posted by: Jake May 2 2016, 01:31 PM
another incredibly strong record, exploring new territory both in sound but lyrics-wise also. the bluesy new orleans production works really well across the record.
it's wonderful to see the artist she has evolved into; to be so artistically strong-minded and just really GOOD. so much thought and time is put in in every sense (and it was last era), it's beautiful to see someone truly care so deeply about what they put out there both visually and musically.
Posted by: Liаm May 2 2016, 01:34 PM
Is anyone else getting sick of that shitty meme on Facebook saying 'When everyone's talking about Beyoncé's new song but you can't relate because your music taste isn't pure shit' with a screwed up Lana Del Rey face. Yet these are the same people who listen to Lukas Graham and Mike Posner but that's none of my business.
omg I would unfriend them ALL. I hate people who will only listen to what's spoonfed to them by the radio ad nauseam.
Posted by: ♦ ketalina ♦ May 2 2016, 06:43 PM
as if lana del rey is that good LOL
Posted by: Regina May 3 2016, 05:35 PM
Daddy Lessons got the Dixie Chicks treatment in Manchester *.*
Posted by: burbe May 3 2016, 07:24 PM
This gets stronger with every listen! Such a great offering from her again. Since self-titled, she's just gone to another level!
Posted by: liamk97 May 3 2016, 10:05 PM
Actually really impressed with this album and I've not even watched the film yet or studied the lyrics. 'Formation', 'Daddy Issues', '6 Inch', 'All Night' and 'Sandcastles' make up my Top 5 in that order, but 'Don't Hurt Yourself' and 'Freedom' are both great too and the rest of the album is enjoyable as well. Has made me want to listen to her other albums in full and see which I prefer.
Posted by: Tyler May 4 2016, 04:17 PM
Masterpieces:
All Night (!!!!!!)
Don't Hurt Yourself
Pray You Catch Me (could have been longer tho)
Really good
6 Inch
Sorry
Freedom
Good
Hold Up
The rest I don't like. Maybe they'll grown on me later
Agreed completely with this post, but I don't detest any of the tracks on the album. Also add 'Formation' to the good category.
I'm not a Beyoncé fan at all (I respect her work ethic and her abilities, I'm just not that keen on the majority of her music)' but I have to give her props on this project. The visuals are stunning and it's her first album I actually enjoy more than 1-3 songs. Never thought I'd say this but, go on then Beyoncé!
Posted by: Scene May 4 2016, 06:57 PM
I knew the male speaking part in 'Formation' reminded me of something!!
Posted by: MrIndependent May 5 2016, 12:22 PM
HMV were selling physical copies today. I got mine!
Posted by: burbe May 9 2016, 08:20 PM
Daddy Lessons is such a grower and it's so catchy! Probably my favourite on the album now!
Posted by: HausofKubrick May 10 2016, 03:51 PM
At this point in 'BEYONCE's release it was still growing on me at an exponential rate and I was continually falling in love with bits of it. 'Lemonade' peaked on the first, maybe second listen and isn't really growing anymore. It's still a mightily solid album but 'BEYONCE' had subtle moments of dark genius that you only discovered over time, this doesn't really have that affect.
She's on a roll and it's harsh to compare it to the other one but right now given the choice I'd much rather give 'BEYONCE' another listen over this. It's also why I'd never personally claim it to be her best album or one of the best ever on the day of release because albums need time to settle.
Posted by: Scene May 10 2016, 04:07 PM
She's on a roll and it's harsh to compare it to the other one but right now given the choice I'd much rather give 'BEYONCE' another listen over this. It's also why I'd never personally claim it to be her best album or one of the best ever on the day of release because albums need time to settle.
I completely agree with you. When I first listened to Lemonade, I think the hype clouded my judgement a lot. It's a great "project" and the visuals and music are brilliant combined but taking the visuals away takes the shine away for me. I especially agree with your point regarding how BEYONCE has, as you articulately put it, "subtle moments of dark genius". The production on that album was fantastic - particularly on tracks such as 'Partition', 'Blow' and 'Drunk In Love'.
Posted by: MrIndependent May 17 2016, 02:07 PM
Sandcastles and especially Love Drought are underrated. I need an instrumental of Love Drought, amazing production; and the chorus on that song is particularly beautiful, such a stunning melody.
Posted by: Joe. May 17 2016, 02:15 PM
I love Lemonade, but there is a real lull between Daddy Issues and Forward, it picks up again for Freedom. But All night, Sorry and 6 Inch are the only ones I really keep going back to (as well as Formation). Songs like Pray You Catch Me and Sandcastles are splendid but don't work as well outside the context of the film.
Posted by: MrIndependent May 17 2016, 03:48 PM
In regards to the comparisons between Lemonade and BEYONCE, I think that the visuals from the former are absolutely stronger than the music videos from the latter. Musically, the songs on Lemonade are more varied and explore a wider range of styles than those on BEYONCE, but I think the self-titled effort is more consistent throughout in quality. But both albums are pretty much career highlights; it's amazing how much she grew with her last two albums (and also with 4, to a lesser extent).
Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ May 21 2016, 10:32 PM
Unpopular opinion alert: No matter how much I love her last couple of albums, 4 is still her best.
Posted by: Riser May 22 2016, 03:07 AM
Posted by: Mackenzie May 22 2016, 11:28 AM
4 ranks her second best for me, right behind Lemonade.
Posted by: AaronTM May 24 2016, 10:07 AM
"4" is definitely a very good album, it's almost like a completely different Beyoncé two the last two albums, but it was definitely her best album up until that point.
I'm yet to see the visual for this album, but I'm very much enjoying it musically. It's a very eclectic mix of styles, but I think the themes running throughout somehow make it feel like one of her most cohesive records? My favourite is changing all the time, my top 8 on the record are all very tight and the other 4 are good but not quite up there.
7.5 Pray You Catch Me - I love the desperation in the vocal on this song
09 Hold Up
9.5 Don't Hurt Yourself
10 Sorry
8.5 6 Inch
07 Daddy Lessons - Probably my least revisited, except Forward, good but not my style
09 Love Drought - This is really under rated, it feels really personal and sad yet hopeful
7.5 Sandcastles
6.5 Forward - Doesn't really work as a stand alone song, probably should have been an extended outro for "Sandcastles"
10 Freedom - Anthemic! Good to see something uplifting amongst the album
09 All Night
10 Formation
Posted by: 💯 May 24 2016, 06:28 PM
I don't know what you all are on. Forward is perfect in the context of the album and is essential for the transition between Sandcastles and Freedom.
Posted by: AaronTM May 24 2016, 09:25 PM
That's kind of what I meant - you wouldn't exactly listen to "Forward" by itself, you'd only listen to it as an outro to "Sandcastles" or perhaps as an intro to "Freedom". As a rule I dislike interludes - in this digital age they irritate me. I don't mind if an interlude helps with the flow of the album (as this one does), but I wouldn't consider it to be an individual track - just make "Sandcastles" a bit longer!
Posted by: Karma May 25 2016, 10:27 AM
I was hoping we'd hear a full version of Forward on James' album love it.
Posted by: Davidson Jul 6 2016, 05:43 PM
An article I wrote when applying for a job as music reviewer for the Glasgow Guardian on 'Lemonade' generally and why 'Daddy Lessons' has become my favourite track (in case anyone is interested).
Not only was ‘Lemonade’ self-assured in its release strategy but seemed to possess the purpose and intent needed to move Beyoncé from pop-princess of the moment into somewhat of a critic darling, acclaimed for her progression and ambition. Released during the sombre week which saw the mass mourning of Prince, The Independent bravely led with the tagline “Sometimes it feels like Beyoncé is determined to pick up the mantles of both Prince and Nina Simone”. ‘Lemonade’ was about much more than giving her husband a public slap round the wrist. The narrative of woman scorned and the subsequent road to redemption offers the star at her most vulnerable. With one fell swoop the album shattered Beyoncé’s image as the overly controlled ‘perfect’ popstar who refuses to give so much as a public interview. ‘Lemonade’ aimed to dig deep and show the chart’s other big-hitters that they should not be afraid to go personal.
“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman” booms the voice of Malcolm X merely a quarter of the way through the visual album. Beyoncé takes it upon herself to use her own personal relationship issues to give voice to the marginalised, the oppressed and the group who are never expected to speak up. Instead of suffering in silence Beyoncé joins hands with her fellow black women. No longer shall they accept their destiny: to be neglected, unprotected and disrespected, even by those supposed to love and care for them more than any. Beyoncé comes to the realisation that her experience of betrayal is nothing new. This betrayal is shared and passed down from generation to generation. Instead, in Beyoncé’s own words, “the curse must be broken”. From the album’s starting-point Beyoncé is on a mission to be heard, whether it be by through the distorted rage-filled vocals of the Jack White assisted ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ or by proclaiming her ability to break from the societal debasement of black womanhood in the powerful ‘Freedom’. ‘Lemonade’ not only acts as profound personal statement but even more importantly acts as a statement of incredible political intent.
At the time of the album’s release songs such as the previously mentioned ‘Freedom’ and ‘Hold Up’ were held up (no pun intended) as being illustrative of the unveiling of both Beyoncé’s personal and political self. Vital in progressing and developing the narrative, they often became cited as highlights of 2016’s most ambitious album thus far. However, according to publications such as Pitchfork, the album was not without a small lull, coming in the shape of Track 6 ‘Daddy Lessons’. Deemed the “least interesting chapter sonically”, the country-inspired track was written off as nothing more than the pop/R&B star playing dress up in Carrie Underwood’s clothing. Whilst discussing the album track-by-track with friends comments surrounding the song’s deviation from the branded Beyoncé sound and judgements about the level of authenticity found in ‘Daddy Lessons’ were among the most memorable. Although catchy, ‘Daddy Lessons’ didn’t appear to hold the poignancy or impact of the tracks surrounding it, at least for many. With this realisation it dawned on me that there was a serious possibility that ‘Daddy Lessons’ would become the forgotten gem of ‘Lemonade’.
‘Daddy Lessons’ acts as indispensable to the narrative arc of ‘Lemonade’. Not only does it allow us an intimate insight into Beyoncé’s relationship with her father (their turbulent relationship was well documented in the press during his time as her manager) but it also informs Beyoncé that the disloyalty felt at the hands of her husband can be universalised in a way that speaks to all black women. “Am I talking about your husband, or your father?” she poses for consideration before asking her father’s advice on Jay’s infidelity. This comes in the wake of revelations of the domestic abuse suffered by her mother, prompting the fatherly advice of avoiding “men like me” to act as lyrical forewarning and the conclusion of ‘Daddy Lessons’. It is in this moment that the cross-generational narrative of ‘Lemonade’ is borne and Beyoncé’s political mission is given real legitimacy.
Although sonically removed from both her previous work and also the tracks surrounding it, ‘Daddy Lessons’ is Beyoncé at her most sure. The days in which Beyoncé’s identity was found merely in videos of her dancing in leotards are long-gone. Instead Beyoncé aims to embrace every aspect of her identity in her new-found womanhood, addressing both her place of birth and racial heritage. ‘Daddy Lessons’ manages to pull off both seamlessly. A jazz intro is met with hushes of “Texas” seconds before the song gets into full swing. Aiming not only to reference Beyoncé’s Southern roots (which have been under-acknowledged previously), the instrumental also incorporates many elements of bluegrass throughout the stripped-back production. In doing so it becomes much more than a Southern country song, creating a spirit similar to that felt by the slaves singing and making music in the cotton fields. In its’ success in bringing Beyoncé’s upbringing to the forefront, the track importantly acknowledges the struggles of those who came before. Through the sonic celebration of her cultural and racial heritage we are again offered a display of both Beyoncé’s personal and political self. ‘Daddy Lessons’ is not a lull in ‘Lemonade’. In fact it is the opposite. During the only moment of the album whereby Beyoncé asks for advice she somehow manages to sound more open, honest and proud than ever.
Posted by: HarryEzra Jul 6 2016, 06:30 PM
That is a great article Davidson, love the third paragraph and the paragraph about Daddy Lessons, It could easily become the best of the album for me too if I give it enough time, I love the themes which you go into detail about, like the theme about black women not having a voice etc and how beyonce uses her own relationship issues to give them a voice. I agree with that, its very clear these themes are important to her and she uses them to express her views to the world.
Hope you hear about the job I dont know if this was from the past or not but if it isnt good luck!
Posted by: Mackenzie Jul 6 2016, 06:35 PM
great read! never viewed Daddy Lessons in such a way but I'm glad you've opened my eyes - certainly one of my favourite Lemonade tracks.
Posted by: Davidson Jul 6 2016, 06:38 PM
Hope you hear about the job I dont know if this was from the past or not but if it isnt good luck!
Nope, just sent application away today and only wrote the article this afternoon so fingers crossed.
Thanks for the kind words!
Posted by: Davidson Nov 3 2016, 09:43 AM
New version of 'Daddy Lessons' featuring Dixie Chicks up on Soundcloud.
Posted by: burbe Nov 3 2016, 03:49 PM
Such a great performance It's nice to see Daddy Lessons getting some recognition!
Posted by: lewistgreen Feb 13 2017, 03:49 PM
Posted by: Queen LeQueefa Feb 14 2017, 12:23 PM
Dunno what happened to her. Both listenable.
Posted by: Davidson Feb 14 2017, 01:18 PM
Lol at you spending your entire time slagging the album on The Grammy's thread when you hadn't even heard the full thing
NEXT.
Posted by: Jade-o-Lantern🎃 Oct 12 2017, 06:03 PM
Got this on vinyl today! Floored by the limited edition yellow discs 
Posted by: Sonia Fowler Oct 12 2017, 06:06 PM
The Yellow disc looks so pretty *.*
Posted by: SeanmanjiGrey Oct 12 2017, 06:26 PM
I might have to try and get one of those it looks lush!!!!
Posted by: Theo. Apr 23 2018, 10:38 AM
Two years ago since we were blessed with this masterpiece! Ready to be slain again!
Posted by: Dexton Apr 23 2018, 11:28 AM
I feel like I’ve spent half my life waiting for the next era
Posted by: Jordan Lee Dec 31 2018, 01:38 AM
Very overrated album in my opinion.
Not her biggest fan to begin with BUT I will fully say Beyoncé (the album) is a fantastic album what I think deserved the acclaim that this album got.
Posted by: Theonix Apr 18 2019, 12:10 PM
Lemonade is coming to Spotify and Apple Music on 23rd April - three years to the day that it was originally released! 😍 So glad I will finally be able to listen to individual tracks on my phone alongside the rest of her music
Posted by: Saenerys Apr 23 2019, 04:12 AM
Happy third Lemonade day!
Posted by: Dexton Apr 23 2019, 05:53 AM
f*** yes *.*
Posted by: Jay ☆ Apr 23 2019, 06:13 AM
Yaaaas at Lemonade now being more widely available! I just did a double take when I saw Joe streaming it on Spotify! I had no idea this was happening until now. Notably the album now includes a demo version of Sorry as a bonus track.
Somehow Sorry already has 11,955 streams on Spotify? Everything else is showing as <1000. Will be interesting to see how the songs do on Spotify, if any of them impact in her Popular Top 10 list.
Also woah at this album being 3 years ago already... it really doesn't feel like that long ago to me.
Posted by: HausofTove Apr 23 2019, 08:26 AM
Sorry demo version
So different!
Posted by: Jay ☆ Apr 23 2019, 08:48 AM
It really is! It's a pleasant surprise. It essentially feels like a brand new song given the vibe of it is so different. It's very ethereal!
Posted by: 365 Apr 23 2019, 09:44 AM
Still one of my favourite albums ever.
BRILLIANTLY put together.
Adele beating her to album of the year!!? I have to laugh. Sounds about white!
Posted by: Jay ☆ Apr 25 2019, 01:10 PM
Just listened to Lemonade in full for the first time in a while. What a moment, so strong from beginning to end.
Posted by: Euphorique Apr 25 2019, 05:14 PM
Still find it incredibly overrated.
Self titled is much better
Posted by: LMLou Apr 26 2019, 04:59 PM
Back in the UK charts at #11
Posted by: Theonix Apr 26 2019, 05:10 PM
Wowwww, that is insane *_* I was expecting top 40 maximum! Could've returned to the top ten or even challenged for #1 with a full week available!
Posted by: LMLou Apr 26 2019, 05:15 PM
The songs are still kicking about the Spotify charts so possibly top 10 next week? Although there’s a few bigger releases next week but should stay fairly stable
Self Titled and 4 are also back in the top 100
Posted by: jakewild Apr 26 2019, 05:16 PM
BRILLIANTLY put together.
Adele beating her to album of the year!!? I have to laugh. Sounds about white!
visually beyonce >
musically adele >
if 25 was a visual album then i don't think there would have been any competition tbh
ia with euphorique, i find lemonade incredibly overrated and still think the self titled album is much much better
Posted by: HausofTove Apr 28 2019, 08:30 PM
Back in the Billboard 200 chart top 10 this week! Places at #9.
Posted by: Theonix Apr 29 2019, 11:23 AM
QUEEN
Posted by: HarryEzra Apr 29 2019, 12:05 PM
OMG I JUST FOUND OUT IT IS NOW ON SPOTIFY I AM THRILLED I NEED A RE-LISTEN!!
Posted by: blacksquare Apr 29 2019, 01:05 PM
I couldn't ever find Lemonade overrated — as a package, a statement, a piece of art. So unparalleled in recent years.
She did that.
Posted by: 365 Apr 29 2019, 01:09 PM
Yeah, again I agree. Self Titled was a STUNT, and a brilliant album - easily her best at the time. But Lemonade knocked it out of the park.
Posted by: Medellíam Apr 29 2019, 01:23 PM
I'm a massive supporter of the concept of an album so I'll always be amazed by and appreciative of Beyonce revitalising it and making album releases feel like such an event. Content-wise it has a sharp focus and structure and boasts powerful music that's both thought-provoking and catchy.
Not listened to the album in so long but I intend to revisit it. I prefer the album tracks to songs that act as 'the face' of the album like Hold Up and Sorry but as a package everything works together so well.
Posted by: jakewild Apr 29 2019, 01:40 PM
lemonade was great, but i still feel like it deserved less acclaim than it got. and i still find it a little bit messy as a collective. the self-titled album was a shock and a trend setting moment for releases from anyone in the future. but for me, that album wasn't just a fad and it stands the test of time. not saying that lemonade is a fad, but her star power mostly definitely plays right into her ability to have the metacritics buying into something they otherwise wouldn't if it was from someone unknown or if it wasn't off the the back of another highly acclaimed album. i'm not discrediting its worth because of a previous release when it can stand on its own but i do feel like the B hype train rly carried this album rather than what it actually has to offer. there are some absolute bangers on this album.. but when i listen to it as a whole, it does nothing for me. and isn't that what you want from an album?
Posted by: HausofTove Apr 29 2019, 01:43 PM
Self-titled is her masterpiece and best piece of work facts are facts
Posted by: jakewild Apr 29 2019, 01:46 PM
facts are factsliterally,
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