I Am...Sasha Fierce (Columbia)
Beyoncé Knowles-Jigga has often mentioned that she has a wild side that, like a super power, is only unleashed on stage. Now, after years of being held down by the man, Beyoncé’s alter ego is here and she's not just fierce she’s Sasha Fierce on her latest effort, I Am...Sasha Fierce.
It’s unclear when multi-faceted became multiple personality disorder or why the name sounds like a drag queen but this double CD raises some interesting questions. For instance -how can a sexy singer who makes sexy up-tempo tracks have an alter ego that also makes sexy, up-tempo tracks or why is a superstar who’s always had total creative control making like a caged bird that is finally free to be herself?
Sasha’s story is (mainly) told with robotic, 80’s electro pop (like the sleek Valentine to music, “Radio”) girl power cheers (“Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It”) and some bad ass posturing. You know: like how Beyonce dips into a dirty drawl and elongates “hussstler, “shaaawty” or mentions that she loves her man’s “big ego” (wink, wink). It’s mildly titillating but not only has former Destiny’s Child front woman walked this walk before (e.g. “Soldier” Freakumdress”) but her caramel coated vocals are too smooth and velvet-like to give you Adina Howard, the remix.
Ironically, it’s the more tame (and nameless) persona that’s the most intriguing, commanding and sexual. Even more so when that sexuality is burnished with sadness- as is the case with the commendably risky “If I Was A Boy”- and more tentative than you’d expect. Focused chiefly on mid tempos and ballads, ala the lovely and understated “Halo” and “Ave Maria” and scuttling the melisma, Beyonce sounds relaxed, confident and, if for no other reason than the fact that you can’t hear her trying, hits the mark. Maybe someone should let her therapist and label know that letting Sasha shine too bright dims Beyoncé’s light.
I Am...Sasha Fierce hits stores on 11/18/08
Track listing for I Am…
1. If I Were A Boy
2. Halo
3. Disappear
4. Broken-Hearted Girl
5. Ave Maria
6. Smash Into You
7. Satellites
8. That's Why You're Beautiful
Track listing for Sasha Fierce
1. Single Ladies [Put A Ring On It]
2. Radio
3. Diva
4. Sweet Dreams
5. Video Phone
6. Hello
7. Ego
8. Scared Of Lonely
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