By LELA JENKINS – Features Writer
On her self-titled album, BEYONCÉ, the R&B queen unleashes the Magna Carta of pop feminism.
The message of Beyoncé’s latest album is clear: society is wrong, and as the self-titled album’s opening track states, “Pretty Hurts”.
On Dec. 13, 2013, BEYONCÉ was released sans promotion, advertisement or any sort of hype. Still, the visual pop/R&B album immediately topped iTunes charts with 14 complete tracks and 17 videos. Within three hours of its release, the album sold 80,000 copies, making it No. 1 on the Billboard 200 within the next week.
According to the album, gender equality is a myth in society and feminism is a means to correct this. The songs on BEYONCÉ all seek to find the social empowerment of women just as Beyoncé has done for herself.
Lyrics like ‘underneath the pretty face is something complicated’ from “No Angel” and “Feminist: A person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes” quoted from the TED talk “We should all be feminists” by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie sampled on the track “***Flawless” all speak of the truths of modern society and the faults in it often overlooked.
Featuring guest appearances from artists such as Jay Z, Drake and Frank Ocean, Beyoncé’s polished fifth album makes a statement in pop culture and inspired the voices of countless women in society.
BEYONCÉ, however, is not solely focused on feminism; it also speaks about being carefree on a night out and the importance of having fun. Through songs and videos with strong bass lines and dance-like undertones, Beyoncé emphasizes the necessity of loving oneself. Smooth beats and emotional vibrato let us know it is okay to let go.
Listening to Beyoncé’s lyrics “I’m just human /Don’t judge me” fade out at the end of “Jealous” reminds us that no one is perfect. They remind us that we make mistakes, we act before we think, we dangerously love everything except for ourselves and this is all just a part of being human.
A society that sets rules and expectations in the strive for perfection is inherently wrong; it is in the imperfections of ourselves that we find humanity. This contemporary mindset is flawed, not flawless, and in great need of change.
With a reputation higher than anyone’s to uphold, Beyoncé has made the ultimate comeback. While achieving the purpose of music as an art form, Beyoncé sends a much needed message to the world.
