In non-Deluxe Edition form, Beyoncé's third solo studio album is as concise as 2006's B'day, but it is divided into two discs as a way to emphasize the singer's distinct personalities. It's a gimmick, of course -- a flimsy one. Revealed through interviews in 2005, Sasha was said to be Beyoncé's "stage persona," an embodiment of the outgoing, aggressive, on-stage Beyoncé that doesn't necessarily represent the real Beyoncé. Sasha now has a last name (possibly picked up from Tyra Banks, who maybe took a cue from Klymaxx), and is granted half an album (the second disc) to express herself. These five songs, when compared to the majority of B'day, are actually less fun, less impulsive, and yes, less fierce. "Diva," a variation on Lil Wayne's "A Milli," is the only track that could go toe to toe with the likes of B'day's "Freakum Dress" or "Ring the Alarm," at least in terms of audacity. At the other end is "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," a dire "Get Me Bodied" retread. Otherwise, the Sasha Fierce half is full of decent, if easily forgettable, upbeat pop. If placed within the context of an album without a packaging ploy, there'd be little evidence that Beyoncé is making a radical progression or being any more bold than before. It would, if anything, be notable as the least R&B-oriented batch of songs she has made -- that is, if it wasn't for the I Am half, essentially a small set of adult contemporary ballads. Acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, contemplative soul searching, and grand sweeping gestures fill it out, with more roots in '70s soft rock than soul. Beyoncéfeels each line to the fullest extent, which almost rescues the set's staidness. "If I Were a Boy," while sounding like the watery backdrop for a singing competition finale, turns out to be the album's standout, both for its lyrics and Beyoncé's tormented performance. It could have been the song that broke an unfairly neglected adult-R&B singer like Heather Headley into the mainstream, and don't be surprised if a country artist nabs a CMA Award by covering it. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
Love me a Beyonce. Talented, beautiful. One star who is deserving of her success. Tired of those player haters comparing her to others, she is a one of a kind.
Oh, just one more thing, Single Ladies has the same damn beat as Rihanna's Pon De Replay and the Diva track is Li Wayne's or who ever son. So now we are listening to the same beats of 05 and 07. Thank God for free downloads!!!! for disposable music.
For "msbenson21" Bisexual man refers to Jay-Z, he sleep with both men and women alike! Just thought I throw that fact out there!! But again I hear much of his style in her music you have to understand he is much older and if he takes flows from 93' the tweens would be not recongize the flow!! I just feel she cheats her fans out of money when songs are recylced. Freedom of Speech is jus wonderfull!!!
At first I was like "What in the H word is Beyonce thinking making these wack songs." But that was before I heard the whole song. But right about now If I Were A Boy and Single Ladies are my two favorite songs. I go around all the time singing it. But your just a boy. Who don't understand. How it feels to love a girl someday you'll wish u were a better man, you dont listen to her, you dont care how it hurts...that my favorite part.
Beyonce is still young and why shouldn't put forth an album that helps people have fun. She has the rest of her long fabulous career to get "deep". She is a mogul and she and her husband are building an empire. As to her 'stage name' - Sasha Fierce, it is just that a stage name. Address her as B, Beyonce or Ms. Knowles should you have the pleasure of meeting her in person. She is the Queen at what she does. And will continue to grow...
Jesus, i hear a lot of Jay Z style in her songs recycling songs wating peoples time and money!!!! If you notice she takes songs from her bi-sexual man's album minus a verse here and there and puts it on hers; she does the same with DC albums and laps a Part-2 on it. Really she cheating her so called fans out of new music!!!!