Album Summary
Renaissance (also referred to as Act I: Renaissance) is the seventh studio album by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé. Released on July 29, 2022, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records, Renaissance is the first installment of her trilogy project. Beam, Grace Jones, and Tems appear as guest vocalists on the album. Beyoncé conceived and recorded Renaissance during the COVID-19 pandemic, intending to inspire joy and escapism in listeners after a period of collective isolation. Celebrating the club culture that served as a refuge for Black and queer communities, the album pays homage to the pioneers who shaped those spaces. Arranged like a continuous DJ mix, Renaissance incorporates post-1970s Black dance music styles—such as disco, house, funk—and pays homage to the overlooked contributions of the pioneers who shaped those genres. Its lyrical themes center on escapism, hedonism, confidence, and self-expression. The album was promoted with the Renaissance World Tour in 2023 and an accompanying concert film. Renaissance became Beyoncé's seventh consecutive album to debut at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, and has since been certified platinum. It also reached number one in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Four singles supported the album: the lead single, "Break My Soul", which peaked atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 100; the second single, "Cuff It", which reached number six; and "America Has a Problem" and "Virgo's Groove". Renaissance received critical acclaim for its eclectic yet cohesive sound, celebratory tone, and Beyoncé's vocals. It topped year-end lists from major outlets, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Rolling Stone; the lattermost later included it on its list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". By winning four of its nine nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards—including Best Dance/Electronic Album—Beyoncé became the most awarded individual in Grammy history. The second installment of the trilogy, Cowboy Carter, followed on March 29, 2024.
Read more on Wikipedia