Beyoncé is back in full force to promote her seventh studio album, Renaissance Art, with first single, “Break My Soul.” With strong ties to 90s house music and dancefloor synths, the track draws influence from “Show Me Love” by Robin S. After a string of soundtracks, including the Oscar-nominated “Be Alive,” this her first album single in eight years.
British Vogue Cover Shoot
Beyoncé is the cover star for June’s British Vogue. Edward Enninful, Editor in Chief of British Vogue and editor of the artist’s cover story, worked closely on the shoot’s style and art direction while getting a taste of new music. He says the following about the new album:
Instantly, a wall of sound hits me. Soaring vocals and fierce beats combine and in a split second I’m transported back to the clubs of my youth. I want to get up and start throwing moves. […]Music that makes you rise, that turns your mind to cultures and subcultures, to our people past and present, music that will unite so many on the dance floor, music that touches your soul. ( E. Enninful, British Vogue, June 2022)
Beyoncé also notes that the pandemic allowed her to sharpen the album’s vision and sound. Renaissance Art, Beyoncé’s seventh studio album and follow-up to 2016’s revolutionary Lemonade, is out July 29.
“Break My Soul” by Beyoncé
After a social media blackout, Beyoncé’s Instagram bio read, “6.ㅤ ㅤ BREAK MY SOUL midnight ET” — a surprise announcement the day of release. Producer and songwriter The-Dream also confirmed the surprise release in a tweet.
With a runtime of four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, it is uncommon to see a longer track as a lead single, especially from a pop titan. However, Beyoncé doesn’t waste a second and recruits the Bounce icon Big Freedia for the introductory alarm drill. Still, his shouts of encouragement are heard underneath the synths and dancefloor rhythm.
Instantly, the artist takes inspiration from Robin S.’s “Show Me Love” and takes it to a different level. On the first verse, she liberates herself from constraints. Her voice is smooth, singing, “Now, I just fell in love / And I just quit my job / I’m gonna find new drive / Damn, they work me so damn hard.” Then on the chorus, she triumphs and repeats, “You won’t break my soul” over and over until you feel the same free-spirit energy.
Beyoncé and the dance track “Break My Soul” are instant dancefloor classics without much effort at all. And although the song is on the longer side, it is over instantly and destined for endless repeats.
Are you excited for “BREAK MY SOUL” and the rest of Beyoncé’s Renaissance Art album (out July 29)? Let us know in the comments!
