Beyoncé’s Platinum EP

Beyoncé’s mob of loyal fans thought that things couldn’t get better. Nearly a year after Beyoncé unexpectedly released the greatest Christmas present one could ask for, she has decided to expand the franchise of her self-titled album, BEYONCÉ. Queen B’s Platinum Edition EP features two new tracks, multiple remixes of her beloved 2013 hits and a variety of concert videos from the “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.”

While the icon’s two new tracks enticed fans to the Platinum EP, the hype for “7/11” and “Ring Off” is nowhere near that of her previous hits like “Flawless” and “Drunk In Love.” While “7/11” fits the essence of the BEYONCÉ album, it lacks lyrical creativity. The beat is danceable and engaging, but it’s unoriginal. The lyrics are repetitive and don’t offer much besides the idea that Beyoncé loves her booty and her man. Typical.

Beyoncé, just because we praise you doesn’t mean you can slack off. Fans crave your originality and masterful beats. Your past anthems of self-love were great and offered a deep message in an age of self-deprecation and unrealistic standards. However, your new songs have none of those feel-good messages. Instead, are oversexualize and lack any substantial structure.

“Ring Off,” the artist’s second new track, offers a fresh rhythm and an upbeat, guitar-infused sound. The major chords and light beat make this arguably one of the most uplifting divorce songs one will ever hear. It’s positive and lyrically smart, and Beyoncé doesn’t drown out her stunning vibrato and sensual tone with autotune. “Ring Off” may not be as memorable or Billboard 100-worthy as other hits, but the quality of this song is still top-notch.

The EP wouldn’t be a hip-hop/pop album without a few vital facets. Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams, Mr. Vegas and B’s hubby Jay-Z contribute their sound to the EP’s remixes of songs.

What could be better than Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s chart-smashing anthem “Drunk In Love?” A remix featuring close pal Kanye West, that’s what. West opens the song with an unbelievably catchy rap, making this rendition of the tune better than the original. It’s hard to believe, but listen for yourself.

While West heightened the original Beyoncé hit, other artists on the Platinum EP did the opposite. Pharrell Williams, featured on the “Blow” remix, as well as Mr. Vegas, featured  on the “Standing on the Sun” remix, are lackluster and contribute little to nothing on the tracks. Mr. Vegas had a Sean Paul-circa-2005 feel that was outdated and didn’t meld well with Beyonce’s sassy style.

The majority of the EP consists of concert videos from Beyoncé’s “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.” Yes, for all who paid hundreds of dollars to attend a Beyoncé concert, the experience can now be bought for $7.70 on iTunes. My condolences.

The videos are clear, her voice sounds crisp and the lighting is excellent. However, they cannot match a real concert-goer’s experience. They’re extremely edited to show all angles of Beyoncé, the crowd, and the dancers, but this isn’t necessarily a negative. The editing is well done and viewers are shown a lot more of Beyoncé than they would see from nosebleed seats in a huge amphitheatre. They’re personal and a fraction of the price of a concert ticket.

Let’s face it, Beyoncé’s Platinum EP had a tough act to follow. The original album captivated fans with its fierce beats and sassy lyrics, and the bar that it raised could not be met. The EP is underwhelming, but don’t count out those few gems that lay within. Beyoncé would never fully disappoint.

 

Bey’s invincibility

Every day is B-Day for the vast majority of the millennial generation.

The New Yorker calls Beyoncé Knowles a “dazzling, gale-force performer,” and most of us wouldn’t dare to disagree. Let’s be real. The hip-hop sensation has us worshipping at the church of “Bey,” and we have suscepted to her highness being an icon of our generation.

But past all of that “Queen B” business, there’s a lot more to look at.

There are two sides to the coin here. Some might argue that Beyoncé’s songs promote self confidence, empowerment and an idea of embracing one’s sexuality. But there’s a less popular opinion that we’ve shielded ourselves from, and it’s actually highly arguable.

Critics find that Beyoncé’s songs oversexualize and exhibit some serious narcissism.

We can’t deny the fact that her songs contain a myriad of carefully-worded sexual innuendos. “Drunk In Love” isn’t an innocent tune. As for this deemed egocentrism, it’s not something to ignore when analyzing Queen B. “Flawless” is a catchy jam with a strong message, and if you choose to look at it as an empowering feminist anthem, a feminist anthem it will be. However, try paying closer attention to the lyrics, and it truly seems like the singer is giving herself a bit of an ego boost. On the track “Flawless,” her obsession with her diamonds and materialistic items, as well as her request that people “bow down” to her, are often overlooked.

“Bey” hit the charts with Destiny’s Child a decade and a half ago, and it’s no secret that she overshadowed Destiny’s other children, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. So maybe Beyoncé took with her a sense of self-righteousness and overconfidence as she left Destiny’s Child in the dust for her solo career.

Whichever way you choose to see it, Beyoncé is rich, famous and has a whole lot of influence, whether we like it or not. Is she an idol? It depends on whether or not one can look past her incessant need to flaunt her fortune and externalize her sexual obsession.

She has a clear message for women. She’s not always consistent, but she’s positive and a strong role model for girls looking to get ahead.

Have no fear of these mixed feelings, Bey. You’re raking in the big bucks and you have a generation that views you as royalty. Make good choices. We’re all watching.