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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Comments
1.
Millionaires says:
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Sasha My Royal Chica ~
Great Latin track. Look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas. My best to You,
Sylvia Hill
http://www.LatinaMillionaires.com
December 27, 2008 at 1:43 pm
2.
Millionaires says:
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Sasha My Royal Friend ~
Great numbers for this new name. Will you share with the world..... your secret numbers formula for success? Your fans will love you for it!
My best to YOU and see you and J in Las Vegas,
Sylvia Hill
Queen of Las Vegas
http://www.LatinaMillionaires.com
December 27, 2008 at 1:41 pm
3.
devp says:
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hi you can chat with me
December 2, 2008 at 1:19 am
4.
katkitty9 says:
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When I hear the word FIERCE, I expect it to be FIERCE!!!
With the exception of Diva (and that's only because it sounds so much like "A Milli"), there's nothing else on this album that I actually enjoyed. I honestly liked BDay a lot better. I was bored to death listening to the I am...side. And Sasha fierce was SASHA TAME. Better yet SASHA LAME. I expected more, I thought sure that the debate of her being a sub-par singer etc would be put to rest on THIS album, however, I was surely disappointed. I give this album a C, because I at least understand the concept, it just wasn't bought into actualization.
December 1, 2008 at 3:55 pm
5.
bobbybowden says:
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I don't see why people are not tired of Beyonce' yet. It's sort of like Janet Jackson and Madonna. Pop culture latches on to someone because of their perceived "sex appeal", yet they continue to make the same music. I guess if you have no social life and practically LIVE in the studio, then you will continue to be successful. However, don't even think about trying to have any children. What a trade-off.
Bobby R. Bowden
President
Bowden & Levi Media Group
www.klazzy.com
www.hottspottmagazine.com
November 19, 2008 at 5:00 am
6.
fdhobson says:
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I actually did a review on this album on both my blog (http://analogueboyinadigitalworld.blogspot.com) and on my vibe blog....
November 19, 2008 at 2:41 am
7.
robocop says:
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Sa- SHA!!!!!
OUT TO DAY!!!
get to kno her ....
no b scared!
November 18, 2008 at 2:36 pm
8.
robocop says:
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MAMA !!! ITS UR DREAMS>>> LOOK WHO ALL APPRECIATES THAT~!!!!
I AM... SASHA FIERCE!
OUT NOW AND DONT WAIT!!!!
Beyonce - I am. SASHA Fierce . AVAILABLE TODAy !
NOV 18th EVERYWHERE. IN stores online.!
download directly from computer on itunes!!!!
I am... SASHA Fierce. AVAILABLE NOW!!
-If i were a boy
and
SIngle Ladies
GET IT NOW GET IT NOW GET IT NOW GET IT NOW
November 18, 2008 at 2:35 pm
9.
fdhobson says:
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after a better listen to both albums...im obliged to agree...Beyonce is better than Sasha Fierce....dont know why she decided to split the two anyway. lol
November 18, 2008 at 1:24 pm