Beyoncé has shared the cover art and tracklist for her forthcoming album Renaissance (July 29).
Taking to social media to announce the album’s key components, the album is set to hold 16 tracks as the cover art shows Bey mounted on top of a iridescent horse — which is an apparent homage to the historic Renaissance painting of noblewoman Lady Godiva. Bey seems to have also drew influence from Bianca Jagger’s grand entrance on horseback at Studio 54 in 1977.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
Beyoncé via release
On the four-year anniversary of her joint project with Jay-Z, Everything Is Love, Queen B surprisingly unveiled the release date of her upcoming album. Following her 2016 Grammy-nominated LP Lemonade, Tidal announced on June 16 that Renaissance is slated to release on July 29.
The new Dance-inspired album’s lead single “Break My Soul” wholeheartedly rings in Bey’s new era with upbeat House production — similar to Drake’s new wave on Honestly, Nevermind. Released on Tuesday (June 21), the track also sees co-production from Tricky Stewart and legendary vocalist The-Dream.
This dance cut consists of a rhythmic hook accompanied by sparkling keys and a fiery bass progression — perfect to vibe out to on a hot summer day. Addictive vocal chops from Big Freedia, who was also featured on Beyoncé’s 2016 track “Formation” — are incorporated throughout the track. From its catchy simple chorus that rides smoothly over the beat to Beyoncé’s sassy, carefree verses, “BREAK MY SOUL” makes you want to dance all night long. Whether you’re at home, driving in the car or at the club, this track is bound to make you get up and move.
“I’mma let down my hair ’cause I lost my mind
Bey is back and I’m sleeping real good at night
The queen’s in the front and the Dom’s in the back
Ain’t taking no flicks but the whole clique snapped.”
Beyoncé – “BREAK MY SOUL”
Fans initially speculated new music from the pop icon after she removed her profile picture from all social media. Beyhive members also spotted an unkown album cover on a list of projects the BeyGOOD Foundation tweeted out in celebration of Black History Month. Pictured in the cover was a hand that pointed at Brandy’s 2020 album, B7. This further fueled the rumors of Renaissance’s release, as her seventh studio album was announced in the days that followed.
Similarly, Beyoncé mentioned her upcoming project in a cover story with Harper’s Baazar last August, saying: “With all the isolation and injustice over the past year, I think we are all ready to escape, travel, love, and laugh again. I feel a renaissance emerging, and I want to be part of nurturing that escape in any way possible.”
Its been 19 years since she released her debut solo project, Dangerously in Love, and it seems the Queen just keeps getting better with age. As time goes on, more details are sure to emerge as Beyoncé preps for her next chapter — igniting a Renaissance of her own.
Listen to “BREAK MY SOUL” below!
