Beyoncé
by Beyoncé
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Dec 13, 2013
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1750 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,482 out of 1750
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 1750
  3. Negative: 202 out of 1750

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  1. eddie1987
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    Beyonnce did it again what a woman inspiration True artist!! album is perfect from start to finish. Visual album just kills me, every video is so amazing.. Other artists just falls down. We needed this album so much
  2. hahc21
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    "Beyoncé" isn't perfect, but its imperfection is what makes it special. This is very much different from everything Beyoncé has done before, although B'Day comes in as the closest body of work. However, the matureness and musical independence that Beyoncé shows in her fifth album is thrilling and embracing. In short words, "Beyoncé" is, definitely, Beyoncé's equivalent to Frank Ocean's"Beyoncé" isn't perfect, but its imperfection is what makes it special. This is very much different from everything Beyoncé has done before, although B'Day comes in as the closest body of work. However, the matureness and musical independence that Beyoncé shows in her fifth album is thrilling and embracing. In short words, "Beyoncé" is, definitely, Beyoncé's equivalent to Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange". Hands down, thumbs up for Queen Bey.… Expand
  3. maneville
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    She has truly outdone every prior album with this work. Her work flows so effortlessly and the visual accompaniments add so much value to the work as a whole, nothing looks or feels forced. I hope everyone looks past their personal biases about Beyonce and let the MUSIC speak for itself.
  4. adhamhany
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    For a long time, i thought that Beyoncé was old news.

    Big mistake. Not only is this a terrific album, It is her most powerful and mature to date. This will probably be recognized as her magnum opus in years to come. The lyrics, her voice, her awesome vocal work, the music and production, all work together to create a mood that i actually can't find a word for. I don't think    For a long time, i thought that Beyoncé was old news.

    Big mistake.

    Not only is this a terrific album, It is her most powerful and mature to date. This will probably be recognized as her magnum opus in years to come.

    The lyrics, her voice, her awesome vocal work, the music and production, all work together to create a mood that i actually can't find a word for. I don't think "Beautiful" does any justice for this amazing work of art. I'm saying all that and i haven't even watched any of the videos yet.

    The significance of the album is derived from many reasons. Not only because it's spectacular, but because it's spectacular in a time when albums are looked upon as anything but. At a time when they are looked upon as an unnecessary idea from a bygone era.

    Over the years, many female artists appeared and achieved great success over the years, whether in rap, r&b, or pop. But Beyoncé has, without a doubt, cemented her place as their queen.    … Expand
  5. mitcherson
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Beyonce has created one of the best albums of the year. Not only did she defy all that we know about how to make and release an album, but she came up with a completely new platform of the "visual album". It's crazy how much time and effort went into producing her best album yet, and then to surprise it upon us without any notice, is pure genius. She is relying on her strength of an artistBeyonce has created one of the best albums of the year. Not only did she defy all that we know about how to make and release an album, but she came up with a completely new platform of the "visual album". It's crazy how much time and effort went into producing her best album yet, and then to surprise it upon us without any notice, is pure genius. She is relying on her strength of an artist instead of pop propaganda. She is her own hype, no marketing needed. All Hail Queen Bey! #bowdown… Expand
  6. HunterG776
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Really stunning. All the music videos are cinematic and tell a fascinating story. In order to name your album "Beyonce," you have to reveal what it means. In this case, that is being confident, sexy, loving, considerate, and a mother. XO is easily one of the best songs of the year, and this is one of the best albums of the year. Excellent.
  7. KevinRapeau
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    No announcement. No single. No hype. No nothing. Just her name, her talent, her vision, her music, her voice. Today will be seen as an historic day, mark my words.
    Back to this project. Incredible productions, amazing vocals, "Beyoncé" is such a great record. And on top of that, you can actually SEE what the artist meant and wanted to share. Double experience.
    I always wonder "how can    No announcement. No single. No hype. No nothing. Just her name, her talent, her vision, her music, her voice. Today will be seen as an historic day, mark my words.
    Back to this project. Incredible productions, amazing vocals, "Beyoncé" is such a great record. And on top of that, you can actually SEE what the artist meant and wanted to share. Double experience.
    I always wonder "how can Beyoncé top her previous effort?" and she always, ALWAYS, comes through, surprise her, and redefine music.    … Expand
  8. JamieLeeke
    Dec 18, 2013
    10
    This album is something completely unexpected from Beyoncé. You can see that she's really musically evolved with this album and it's refreshing to see. Whilst there may not be any obvious 'smash hits' on the album, I think it flows beautifully and is very well constructed. I absolutely adore it and definitely recommend it.
  9. Apart
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    She may just be the only pop female that cares about making great albums as a whole. 'Beyoncé' is a gorgeous, sexy voice, with amazing production and the usual brilliant vocals from the King. Recommended.
  10. johnh
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    All I can say is wow. Beyonce really brought it with this album without hype of promo! Every single song is special in its own way. I really cannot fault anything on this album.
  11. DylanVDW
    Dec 23, 2013
    10
    I have to say that as a big Beyonce fan, I am a little miffed at this album. I always knew Beyonce was capable of greatness but I had no idea that she was capable of such greatness as is this. This album eclipses all of the previous ones as Beyonce's most frank, candid and honest body of work throughout her entire career. What I love most about Beyonce is the experimental nature of theI have to say that as a big Beyonce fan, I am a little miffed at this album. I always knew Beyonce was capable of greatness but I had no idea that she was capable of such greatness as is this. This album eclipses all of the previous ones as Beyonce's most frank, candid and honest body of work throughout her entire career. What I love most about Beyonce is the experimental nature of the production and her voice. Though not as vociferous as its predecessor, 4, BEYONCE is Beyonce's most dynamic vocal performance. Her voice is light and airy on tracks like Ghost, powerful on the amazing Pretty Hurts, evocative on tracks like Heaven and No Angel and soulful like gems Rocket and Superpower. With an all star list of collaborators, perhaps the most heartfelt belongs to her own daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. The track, Blue, is an airy pop ballad that showcases Beyonce in a more delicate light than the one we're used to with her dynamic stage persona. Essentially, this is perhaps my favorite release of 2013 and I'm excited to see where Beyonce's artistry will take her next.… Expand
  12. Allthatjazz
    Dec 21, 2013
    10
    I was literally just complaining about how long this album was taking, then "surprise" Beyoncé releases the entire thing without warning. I've been listening to the entire thing all night and I have to say it was so worth the wait. The songs are reminiscent of early Destiny's Child tracks but still very forward. The undertones of female empowerment and solidarity are amazing but evenI was literally just complaining about how long this album was taking, then "surprise" Beyoncé releases the entire thing without warning. I've been listening to the entire thing all night and I have to say it was so worth the wait. The songs are reminiscent of early Destiny's Child tracks but still very forward. The undertones of female empowerment and solidarity are amazing but even greater is the vulnerability displayed in the song penned for her daughter Blue Ivy and the child she miscarried. The sensuality, the beauty, the rawness all of it combined can only be described as "Beyoncé" a fitting title for a groundbreaking work of art. Beyonce responds to criticism of her feminism by sampling Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk, she celebrates her body and the bodies of all women, the agency women have over their careers, marriages, and relationships. This album is the best effort from Beyonce and I believe will be considered her magnum opus. Not only was the release brilliant, but it's reception and critical success also breaks new ground for Mrs. Knowles-Carter, the entire music industry will need to change the way it works now.… Expand
  13. MegaCritique
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    I've been a loyal Beyoncé fan since '03. First off, I could have never fathomed this level of cohesion or creativity. Clearly, self-management has amped her quality of music and her extension of her artistry. The album as a whole is nothing like anything in her catalogue.
    The material is daring, both lyrically and sonically. Staying true to her R&B roots, songs like 'Pretty Hurts',    I've been a loyal Beyoncé fan since '03. First off, I could have never fathomed this level of cohesion or creativity. Clearly, self-management has amped her quality of music and her extension of her artistry. The album as a whole is nothing like anything in her catalogue.
    The material is daring, both lyrically and sonically. Staying true to her R&B roots, songs like 'Pretty Hurts', 'Blow', 'XO' and 'Drunk in Love' stand out immediately. The former, which features her hit-making husband Jay-Z, is mind-blowing and delivers the hype and execution that always comes along with a Bey&J collaboration.
    Released as a visual album, the album includes 17 videos, one for each of the songs and an extra three for 'Ghost', 'Yoncé' and immediate fan-favorite, 'Bow Down'. The level of execution and the vision that develops throughout the collection of videos is immediately reminiscent of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. The amount of creativity it may have taken Queen B and her team to successfully seam such an incredible visual is without a doubt unparalleled by her Pop peers.
    Likewise, the lack of notification and promotion aid the excitement of the new material from the Pop Queen. It's clear that NEW RULES have been established in the music industry by way of Kanye's 'one month' notification of 'YEEZSUS', Jay-Z's 'two week' notification of 'Magna Carta: Holy Grail' and now Beyonce's 'BEYONCÉ'. Move over music executives! Music royalty seems to be overtaking the industry and doing things with NEW RULES!    … Expand
  14. Smellis
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    I never used to listen to Bey like that before, she didn't appeal to me that much. But with the hype surrounding this album and an attempt to broaden my horizons, I decided to give her a try with an open mind and see what happens.

    I was surprised. Very surprised. This album's DOPE. I never expected something like this, she's really got her experimental hat on but at the same time not    I never used to listen to Bey like that before, she didn't appeal to me that much. But with the hype surrounding this album and an attempt to broaden my horizons, I decided to give her a try with an open mind and see what happens.

    I was surprised. Very surprised. This album's DOPE. I never expected something like this, she's really got her experimental hat on but at the same time not going so far out there as to alienate the fanbase I am completely aware she has. A truly brilliant album.    … Expand
  15. Carlsdil000
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Completely unexpected, but wonderfully perfect. Beyonce somehow was able to keep this project a secret and it totally paid off. Surprising critics and fans once more, this album will just add to her ever-growing legacy.
  16. marcc751
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    The beats are harder than before, the songs are sexy than before and it is still just as soulful as the Beyonce we know and love. It has everything you could want. Simply ***Flawless.
  17. matt1432
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Beyoncé proves again that she is unpredictable, that's something that makes her bigger than other artists. She's always showing something new and this surprise album is one of the best things that happened this year.
  18. francisrgo
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    Beyonce is definitely a woman who truly knows who she is and is not afraid to take charge. Her self titled "Visionary Album" "Beyonce" is an instant masterpiece, showcasing her divine talent and vocal prowess. She needs no gimmick and a whole team of publicity, all she needed is to put her name and everyone take notice. The album is simple with so much soul and passion.
  19. lovedthemost33
    Jan 21, 2014
    10
    B put her foot into this one. This is all I am listening to right now. Videos are beautiful, she is beautiful, her baby is beautiful. I was just a regular fan before she dropped this album but I am now a full blown stan. Best album of the year!!
  20. zeus07
    Dec 28, 2013
    10
    "BEYONCE" name itself is synonymous to PERFECTION The album is flawless... all the 14 tracks speak in unison for the entire record!!!! "Blow", "Jealous", "No Angel.... in short, all the tracks are master pieces...! "No Angel" is favorite (mine!!) off the record...! *BOW DOWN* its SLAYONCé
  21. amir1091
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    This is by far Beyoncé's best album. It is amazing, the production is so clean and top notch, and the lyrics and melodies are genius. Partition is my favorite song! So good! You MUST buy this album!
  22. Leslie-fr
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    2013 has been a year of overblown promotional album roll-outs. Everyone from Kanye West and Jay Z to Daft Punk and Arcade Fire tried some novel new strategy to launch their new music into the universe. And right before its end (the year's end, not the universe's... we hope) the Queen, the King, Beyoncé threw both of her middle fingers up and dropped a brand new self-titled album out of2013 has been a year of overblown promotional album roll-outs. Everyone from Kanye West and Jay Z to Daft Punk and Arcade Fire tried some novel new strategy to launch their new music into the universe. And right before its end (the year's end, not the universe's... we hope) the Queen, the King, Beyoncé threw both of her middle fingers up and dropped a brand new self-titled album out of thin air—at midnight, just in time to keep music writers up all night listening.

    Beyoncé is a lot of things. It's an audio album with a longer, visual component. It's her most layered effort to date, with lyrics tackling motherhood, marriage, sexuality and self-empowerment. It's also her most sonically daring, gleaning influence from everything from Prince, David Bowie, Madonna, and The Velvet Rope    … Expand
  23. pericles
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    Melhor álbum de Beyoncé maduro e inovador, diferente de tudo que ela já fez ao longo da carreira,
    Beyoncé se mostra verdadeiramente uma "Grown Woman" nesse novo trabalho, que sabe o poder de sedução que tem e está disposta a usá-lo.
    Agora sentar e aguardar os Grammys!
  24. bruno767
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esse álbum perfeito, como sempre ela conseguiu se renovar e surpreender todos os seus fãs. Todos os clipes e músicas são surpreendentes algo jamais feito na carreira dela, com certeza ela mostrou quem a Queen B.… Expand
  25. leonamalves
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    O álbum está maravilhoso. Vai totalmente fora dos padrões da Beyoncé. Os vocais deste álbum são os melhores de toda a discografia dela. Merece o sucesso que está fazendo. Go Queen B
  26. linikedemarco
    Aug 25, 2014
    10
    Beyoncé (album) states that not only Beyoncé (singer) can surely master the art of audiovisual creativity, but can unite power, consistency and, of course, a beautifully placed voice in one single piece of heaven. With songs that go from a desperate perfection-addiction to an acute case of nymphomania, there's no need to doubt why she is called Queen B. She's earned the crown anyway, hands down.
  27. Nico85
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    Great album, I must say i wasn't 100% sold the first time i listened to it but after the second time i was hooked, the third i loved it and now it's on repeat. Beyonce is a great artist and this album is proof of it.
  28. kingchucka32
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Beyoncé's self titled fifth studio album comes as a big surprise at a much needed time in music. This album is in a way a re-introduction (even to her hardcore fan base) to the new grown woman we now know as Beyoncé. Good luck with trying to categorize or label this album in one specific genre. It is however, hands down her best effort as of yet. Sonically this album is a masterpiece andBeyoncé's self titled fifth studio album comes as a big surprise at a much needed time in music. This album is in a way a re-introduction (even to her hardcore fan base) to the new grown woman we now know as Beyoncé. Good luck with trying to categorize or label this album in one specific genre. It is however, hands down her best effort as of yet. Sonically this album is a masterpiece and visually stunning. It emotes so much emotion it's almost tangible. In closing Beyoncé has proved yet again why she is a trendsetter and follows her rules.… Expand
  29. JuniorGc123
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    O álbum está maravilhoso, os vocais como sempre estão IMPECÁVEIS. Sem contar que já vem com todos os clipes. sem comparações estamos falando da RAINHA Queen B.
  30. gabyluna
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    perfeita,sensacional,demorou mas de surpreza e mas gostoso......estou super feliz ela surpreende cada vez mas....o clipe da BLUE feita aqui no brasil espetacular fiquei emocionada!!!!
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2013
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2013
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 14, 2014
    90
    At its dizzying zenith, Beyoncé is a loaded fusion of generosity and self-empowerment. or perhaps, more accurately, it finds self-empowerment in generosity.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Feb 11, 2014
    60
    It's this continued need to feed her multi-platinum beast that stops the album from being the post-modern wheeze it could have been. [Mar 2014, p.94]
  3. The 405
    Jan 23, 2014
    90
    Though there are a million details about BEYONCÉ to examine--from the release strategy to the visual aspect and more--the strongest ideas are still found solely in the music. She addresses topics like beauty, body image, miscarriages, jealousy, sexuality, marriage, motherhood and self-worth.
    Read full review
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