Beyoncé returns with Renaissanceher highly anticipated seventh studio album, which she released Friday through Columbia Records and Parkwood Entertainment.
The pop superstar released “Act 1” from Renaissance featuring 16 songs, including guest appearances from BEAM on “Energy” and Grace Jones and Tems on “Move”. More superstars have been brought in to write and produce credits, such as her husband Jay-Z, Drake, Skrillex, The-Dream, Syd, Lucky Daye, Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Nile Rodgers, Nija Charles, 070 Shake and more.
She left fans a note about: Renaissance on its official website hours before Act 1 fell Friday night. “This three-act project was shot for three years during the pandemic. A time to be quiet, but also a time that I found most creative,” she began. “Making this album gave me a place to dream and escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous at a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free from perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, let go, feel freedom. It was a wonderful voyage of discovery.”
The project also includes the lead single “Break My Soul,” which features a sample of Robin S.’s 1993 house classic “Show Me Love” and Big Freedia’s 2014 track “Explode,” which highlights her signature bounce music. “Break My Soul” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Bey’s 20th solo top 10 hit on the chart. Renaissance also marks her first solo album since 2016’s Lemonade, which became #1 on the Billboard 200.
Queen Bey ended the post on her site with this statement: “To all my fans: I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to let go of the wobble. Ha! And to make you feel just as unique, strong and sexy as you are. Love you all, B.”
Listen to Renaissance below.
This story first appeared on billboard.com.