Beyonce’s album “I Am” is a double disk, one entitled “I Am Beyonce” and the other “I Am Sasha Fierce.” I’m sure her people thought this was a genius marketing ploy but typically when you do a double disk it is because you have a lot of material. Disk one has six tracks and disc two has five. My immediate reaction: “the fuck?” I just thought that was weird. I listened to “I Am Beyonce” first. Here are my notes:

1. “If I Were A Boy” – Not a first single. It’s a decent song though I think BC Jean’s version is more authentic.
2. “Halo” – I like this one, the production is full and her delivery is precise. It’s a great ballad, probably would have been my choice for a first single to pair with “Single Ladies”
3. “Disappear” – I connect with this track. It’s a reflective song and has strong emotional pull. It almost sounds like irreplaceable.
4. “Broken Hearted Girl” – I honestly just don’t feel this song. I feel like the lyrics could be so much more. It’s a hip-hop ballad with no umpth.
5. “Ave Maria” – Um, this was a unique choice…I expected a bit more to highlight her voice, it’s not a bad song, it’s nothing special though.
6. “Satellites” – This is a decent song—driven by poignant lyrics and an acoustic guitar. Again, it’s no “Dangerously In Love” or “Flaws & All.”

“I Am Sasha Fierce”—*cringe*. This disc is all upbeat dance tracks. Some could say this is definitely her forte with hits like “Get Me Bodied” and “Crazy In Love.” I expected something different (and by different I mean better). I was disappointed. Here are my notes:


1. “Single Ladies” – Initially I didn’t like the song then I saw the video. I said to myself: “It’s aight” and then after a barrage of fan-made YouTube video covers, I decided I liked it. Simply because it I enjoyed seeing other people’s “interpretation” of the choreography.
2. “Radio” – This is the song I like. Great production, interesting play on words, and she sings it with style.
3. “Diva” – I abhor this song. From the first line to the last verse it makes me want to bang my head into a wall. It sounds like a slight variation of “A Milli.” If Nu-Nu (from the movie ATL) made a rap song this would be it, perhaps if she had some street cred it would fly—though I doubt even a thug like Lil Kim could pull off “a diva is a female version of a hustla, of a, of a hustla…” LAME much.
4. “Sweet Dreams” – I dig this track. I’ve had it since earlier this summer. It’s one of my top Beyonce songs of all time—I only have 2.
5. “Video Phone” – This song is terrible, just terrible. Awful. Shitty, crappy, garbage. I mean it is dreadful. Friends don’t let friends release terrible songs like this. Someone should have told her the truth.

People can’t deny that Beyonce has the makings of a legend. Some may say she already is, but you can’t qualify for legendary status until your at least 35 (more like 40). Plus she hasn’t really dug her claws in the industry the way artist like Michael, Janet, Madonna, Prince, & Cher have. She’s a big name but she’s no legend—not yet anyway. The Deluxe version of this record has five additional tracks—I think I’ve heard enough. This album was kind of boring. That’s just one honest opinion. You be the judge and go check it out for yourself.