|
| Genre = | Length = | Label = | Producer = | Last album = ''4: The Remix'' (2012) | This album = ''Beyoncé'' (2013) | Next album = ''Beyoncé: Platinum Edition'' (2014) | Misc = }} ''Beyoncé'' is the eponymously titled fifth studio album by American singer Beyoncé. It was released on December 13, 2013, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. Developed as a simultaneous audio-visual medium, ''Beyoncés songs are accompanied by non-linear short films that illustrate the musical concepts conceived during production. Its dark, intimate subject material includes feminist themes of sex, monogamous love and relationship issues, inspired by Beyoncé's desire to assert her full creative freedom. The album's initial recording began in New York, where Beyoncé invited producers and songwriters to live with her for a month. During extensive touring the following year, the album changed as she conceived of creating a visual accompaniment to its songs and resumed recording sessions with electronic producer and rock musician Boots. Their collaboration led to more sonically experimental material, which combined rhythm and blues with electronic and soul music. Throughout this period, the album's songs and videos were composed in strict secrecy as Beyoncé devised an unexpected release. ''Beyoncé'' was released digitally to the iTunes Store without prior announcement or promotion. It debuted at number one on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200, earning Beyoncé her fifth consecutive number-one album in the country. The record sold 617,000 copies in the U.S., and 828,773 copies worldwide in its first three days of availability, becoming the fastest-selling album in the history of the iTunes Store. It was reissued in November 2014 as part of a platinum edition, along with an extended play of new songs. It received rave reviews from critics who praised its exploration of sexuality, production and Beyoncé's vocals. It was ranked as one of the best albums of the year and described as one of the greatest albums of the decade. It has sold 5 million copies worldwide as of November 2014,〔 and has spawned the singles "XO", "Drunk in Love", "Partition", "Pretty Hurts" and "Flawless". ==Background== On January 7, 2012, Beyoncé gave birth to her first child, Blue Ivy Carter, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Two months after her labor, she announced a three-night residency show called Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live at Revel Atlantic City's Ovation Hall in May 2012. The residency was announced soon after conceiving as she wanted to set an example to mothers that they need not halt their careers. After the Revel shows, Beyoncé spent her summer in The Hamptons, New York, where she mostly cared for Blue Ivy, but also began recording her next project.〔 In early 2013, Beyoncé sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at President Obama's second inauguration and headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show where there was expectation she would debut new music, although these rumors never materialized. She also released a self-directed autobiographical documentary in February entitled ''Life Is But a Dream''.〔 In March 2013, a two-part hip hop track entitled "Bow Down / I Been On" was released onto Beyoncé's Soundcloud account. "Bow Down", produced by Hit-Boy, was written after Beyoncé woke up one morning with a chant stuck in her head, feeling angry and defensive,〔〔 while the Timbaland-produced second half, "I Been On", uses a pitch-distortion vocal as a homage to the Houston hip hop scene. Michael Cragg of ''The Guardian'' described the song as "brilliantly odd", commending its loud, abrasive production.〔 Pitchforks Lindsay Zoladz viewed the song as assertive and believed it served as an introduction of what was to come.〔 "Bow Down / I Been On" was perceived as a significant departure from Beyoncé's existing catalogue, particularly for its aggressive nature.〔〔 The song's atmosphere and its controversial "Bow down, bitches" refrain drew a mixed reaction from those who questioned whether the lyric was aimed at women or merely a moment of braggadocio.〔 Beyoncé clarified after the album's release, where elements of "Bow Down" appear on the track "Flawless", that the song and its refrain were intended as a statement of female empowerment.〔 Beyoncé did not explain the intent behind the release of "Bow Down / I Been On", leaving confusion as to how the song fit into the project.〔 In mid-2013, portions of other tracks, "Grown Woman" and "Standing on the Sun", were used for television advertising campaigns. It was during this time the media reported that the album was delayed or scrapped, with one story alleging Beyoncé had scrapped fifty songs in favor of starting again. There was considerable confusion among music journalists and fans as Beyoncé engaged in extensive touring, yet avoided discussing the album or its release.〔〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Beyoncé (album)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|