J.Says Online
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • THE J. LIST
    • J.LIST BLOG
    • GENERAL HOSPITAL
  • Seriously Beyonce`, WTH?!?
  • Society/Culture
  • So This is Life?
    • J.Says Daily
    • J.Says & the "Quarter-Life Crisis"
  • Contact/ Info
  • Feedback

20th Anniversary: Destiny's Child's Discarded Debut

6/24/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureD.C. totally didn't look 17 on their debut album cover (Columbia)
February 17th marked the 20th anniversary of Destiny's Child's self-titled debut record. The date was definitely on my mental calendar because 'D.C.' was/is my heart, but I didn't really expect it to be on anyone else's radar. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw there was enough online conversation that the occasion was a "Twitter moment", and several commemorative articles were in circulation. Once I started combing through the fanfare, however, I felt a little dejected. Many of the tweets were from people who said they were infants or toddlers when the album came out. Thus, their 'reflections' were in hindsight or second-hand. So-called 'tribute' pieces barely discussed the actual project itself, focusing instead on the best-selling group's overall impact, or on Beyoncé as its cynosure. *Rolls eyes* Additionally, the editorials were written in this unaccustomed, passive tone that gave the authors away as D.C./Beyoncé novices. Some of the better (and more relevant) posts read like present-day reviews. Multiple mentioned they could understand why the LP performed only moderately well and received a mixed response from critics. They agreed with the consensus in 1998 that it was antiquated, a bit dull, inappropriate for a teenage act, and did nothing to separate the then quartet from other groups. I thought "I'm going to weigh in eventually. The crowds still have this album all wrong; it's so misunderstood and underrated."  The evaluations even got to Beyoncé herself, who said in 2006, "The first record was successful, but not hugely...It was a neo-soul record and we were 15-years-old [during recording]. It was way too mature for us."
 
From my perspective, the things that supposedly make the debut a misstep are what render it a golden, indispensable part of D.C.'s discography. One of the reasons the Jackson 5's "Who's Lovin' You" is so remarkable is that Michael Jackson was able to convey the anguish of a broken, grown man at age 11. The "too mature" material and "antiquated" musical production of Destiny's Child allowed the foursome to give a similarly impressive first testament to their ability. It commences with what I've jokingly described as 'the gates of Rock N' Roll heaven opening up' on "Second Nature." A declarative bluesy guitar riffs, before celestial harmonies enter over the rolls of a harp (or a piano, haha). Pointed plucks and percussion accentuate the sample of The Isley Brothers' "Make Me Say it Again" (1975), as Beyoncé questions, "Why does love always seem so very hard?" On top of this classic groove, she convincingly sings about serial relationship stumbles, instinctual devotion and giving all of herself, as if she knew something about any of it. The track is hypnotic and succulent until the very last drop. Like a chocolate with secret filling, the remaining 30 seconds unexpectedly wanders away from the main layout. Twinkling cymbals and piano take precedence over the guitar, then it beautifully fades to black. It's easily my favorite; it hits the spot.
 
Save for the 'designed for radio' singles "No, No, No Part 2" and "With Me Part 1," "Second Nature" sets the tone for the rest of the album. It's buttery musical and vocal arrangements (ex. "No, No, No Part 1"), vintage inspirations (ex. "Birthday"), and believable sung performance are heard throughout. D.C.'s execution of The Commodores' "Sail On" (1979) is nothing short of extraordinary. Their mellifluous and tender delivery expresses the romantic disillusionment of the verses, while their detectable confidence portrays the resilient attitude of the chorus. They sway between the two postures with consummate fluidity; there's isn't anything 'freshman' about it. Absolutely heart-tugging, their  R&B-converting cover did more to capture the song's premise than the unaffected, country-farcing original ever did.
 
On the immersing "Killing Time," the youngster's ghostly and pained voicing helps sell the adult despondency that comes when a troubled loved one pushes you away. Like "Second Nature," a solo soulful guitar is the initiator. A whispering flute follows, leading to D.C. and a taunting 'tick' that persists to the end. Tranquil, yet ornate strings further dramatize the air. Usually, emotive peaks are placed at the bridge, and room is left for a cool down. Beyoncé pushes the benchmark well past that, with cogent and heady work that keeps the track touchy through the close (she does the same on the stirring "My Time Has Come"). She eventually gives a defeated sigh, as the 'clock' ticks on and the strings quiet. I get completely lost in it; it's so gorgeous. The tune is technically D.C.'s first single, appearing on the July 1997 Men in Black soundtrack.
 
D.C. didn't abundantly sing in such a careful, impassioned manner again until 2004's Destiny Fulfilled. Beyoncé in particular altered or ceased to do a number of things stylistically. Part of what makes her a joy to take in are the varying shades of her voice. I'm in love with her warmer and lower tones, of which there's a higher concentration on Destiny's Child. There's also this deliberate enunciation and phrasing she uses that emphasizes feeling or adds character to wording. The tactic remained a signature of hers, but it's commonly applied in all its glory on stage. My favorite example is the playful and cutesy way she says "Sugah, sugah"  at the end of "Bridges'" first verse (another go-to cut for me). Going forward, some would say her standard delivery was excessively premeditated and technical, and subsequently missing emotion.


Read More
0 Comments

Beyoncé Formation Review 

2/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Check out my review and analysis of Bey's new single "Formation" here.
Picture
0 Comments

Beyonce` Finally Dropped Her Album!!

12/13/2013

0 Comments

 
Check out my album review here.
Picture
0 Comments

Beyonce's Official Pepsi Commercial & New Song

4/4/2013

3 Comments

 
Picture
Bottoms up for Beyonce`
This morning, Beyoncè officially got her Pepsi ball (the star has a new million-dollar sponsorship and endorsement deal with the soda giant) rolling with an official 1-minute "Live For Now" commercial that debuts her reported 1st single from her forthcoming album. The ad wasn't of Michael Jackson epic proportions, but anyone who has followed the Queen Bey's career will find sheer delight in it as she quite literally 'reflects' on her past and faces off with former versions of herself, concluding with "Embrace your past, but live for now." What you hear of her new track is a bouncy, urban beat with international influence that might remind you of 2011's "Run the World," but it's much more catchy and attractive. A full version of the song is rumored to be released on Monday. Watch and love the commercial below.

3 Comments

Beyonce: Bow Down (Album Teaser)

3/17/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
SoundCloud single art
Well, the BeyHive (Beyonce’s fanbase) has been aching for ANY sign of new material and it isn’t clear if Beyonce’s upcoming album is finished or if there are plans for a single release in the near future, so it seems the Queen Bey decided to try to pacify her eager fans with a short audio teaser. Recently posted to her Tumblr, “Bow Down/I Been On” has one sung verse and one verse in Houston “chopped/screwed” style. The chopped/screwed part is mostly thanks and random ramblings, while Beyonce` boasts about being top-notch and reminds everyone that taking an extended break (the singer took hiatuses right before her 2011“4” album and around her pregnancy) does not mean she’s “fallen off” and she isn’t solely defined by her marital status. While I liked the sentiments behind the reminders, I didn’t care for the bragging tone of the song, the expletives or the musical production; it gave me post-traumatic stress flashbacks of the inartistic, basic and unsophisticated “Sasha Fierce” portion of “I AM…Sasha Fierce” (ex. “Video Phone” & “Diva”). “Bow” gave me elements of what I don’t like about some of Rihanna’s music and if you follow my site, you know that’s never a good thing. I hope that this isn’t indicative of what her new album will sound like. Listen to the track here.

0 Comments

Bey's Wax: The Discography Analyzed

7/28/2012

7 Comments

 
Picture
Beyonce’s artistic strengths & weaknesses.

I initially was going to do a comparison article on Beyonce’s four solo albums (see the concert DVD’s compared here), but after heavily listening to Destiny’s Child records recently (DC4LIFE!), I decided to include the group work as well. I wanted to write this article after an interesting discussion with a die-hard Mariah Carey fan who claimed to love Beyonce`, but described her as an artist he primarily seeks to “shake his ass” or release anger with. This minimizing comment stunned me, considering “King B” has inspired me and I, of course, find her to be a substantial artist. However, after pondering the Mariah fan’s criticisms of Beyonce`, I could see why he had the opinion he did. Coming from the school of Mariah, any shortcomings Beyonce’s music has seem massive.

In short, Beyonce’s lyrics are simplistic and arguably immature compared to Carey’s emotive, reflective pieces, clever puns and expansive vocabulary and the fact that Beyonce` primarily targets women seems excluding in comparison to Carey’s wider appeal (the keyword being ‘seems’).

This discussion highlighted what I feel to be an important central issue in Beyonce’s work: her projects aren’t always a testament to her ability and talent. As bees, we’ve paid close attention to every performance and song and are keenly aware of her abilities. We know she can SANG; we know she’s a skilled technician with a wide range. We know she can write great songs; she penned the beautiful and romantic song, “Dangerously in Love” as a teen. We know she’s a great performer; most doubters become believers after seeing a live performance (see “10 Live Signs Beyonce` is Everything” here). We know she’s studied from all the right musical bibles, claiming to be heavily inspired by Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Prince, Josephine Baker, Broadway musicals & the aforementioned Ms. Carey. The problem is that we know this as BEES and dedicated fans. From the outside looking in, Beyonce` can and has been deemed as just another beautiful, fairly entertaining pop singer with nothing to offer but catchy songs.  By breaking down her discography with constructive criticism, I hope to be able to give insight on why some people aren’t all the way sold on our queen diva.

The Destiny’s Child Era
First, I would like to say that it grinds my gears when people disrespect or disregard the members of Destiny’s Child or this portion of Beyonce’s career. One’s past is just as important as one’s present. To fully understand an artist’s growth, all must be taken into account. The ‘DC’ era was a pivotal time in Beyonce’s career. Part of the reason why her solo debut was so successful was because audiences were already acquainted with her and she, along with her group-mates, had established herself as a positive role model for youth and an advocate for female empowerment. We’re talking about one of the biggest-selling girl groups of ALL TIME here. Vocally, Destiny’s Child’s harmonies were flawlessly gorgeous and shined even more during acapella performances. Considering their age at the time of first album (17), their vocal cohesion was particularly impressive.

Destiny’s Child (the self-titled debut, 1998)

This was a great, classic, 90’s R&B album. By classic, I mean timeless. I can listen to this album now in 2012 and it sounds just as great; not dated. What’s fascinating, hilarious and somewhat uncomfortable is the see-saw between mature and age-appropriate content; for example, the sultry “Second Nature” (which uses an Isley Brothers sample) versus the youthful “No, No, No Pt. 2.” The production sounded a little cheap, by the harmonies were great and the writing was there. Fantastic debut.
Grade: A, Favorites: Second Nature, Bridges, My Time Has Come
Picture
The original DC at age 18.
The Writing’s on the Wall (1999)
The highest-selling DC album in America, “The Writing’s on the Wall” is clearly everyone’s favorite. With successful hit-singles like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name,” WOTW put DC on the map, but that’s where the issue with the record lies for me. Featuring every hot R&B producer on the block then, it was obvious WOTW was designed for commercial success. There’s nothing wrong with seeking such out, but it’s a problem when that’s the primary goal and artistry is second. The album was so over-produced; beat heavy and noisy with too many effects. Lyrically, the ladies had more creative input, but struggled to keep the balance the first album presented between mature and youthful. It was like they wanted to sound grown up (ex. The scandalous, soap-opera storylines in “Confessions” & “If You Leave”), but just couldn’t help but be 18 (whining about your boyfriend ‘taking too long to call you’ on “Hey Ladies”). With the album centered around “dating commandments,” the quartet quickly got (unfairly) pegged as ‘male-bashers.’ The vocals were still on point; the arrangements were slightly more intricate.
Grade: C+, Favorites: So Good, BugABoo, Where’d  You Go, Sweet 16

Survivor (2001)
Post being burned at the stake for allegedly being misandrous and legal troubles with 2 original members who left the group (Letoya Luckett & Latavia Roberson), DC had their engines revved up. Beyonce` had the opportunity to write and produce on all the tracks. Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams only had writing credit on one song, which didn’t help diffuse the perception that Beyonce` was a diva favored by her manager/father. “Survivor” added fuel to the group’s commercial fire, being a core-pop crossover album. Again, commercial curiosity kind of killed the cat. The production was still beat-heavy with cartoonish, theatrical effects. The writing was great in that it was full of positive messages about self-esteem, identity, independence, cherishing life and healthy relationships, but the approach to these messages only gave room for young people to identify with them.
Grade: B-, Favorites: Bootylicious, Independent Women I/II, Emotion, Happy Face, Dangerously in Love

Destiny Fulfilled (2004)

You know, it’s quite sad that “Destiny Fulfilled” was Destiny’s Child’s last album, because the group was just starting to get good artistically. With a clear platform (female empowerment), a trademark sound and personal growth (all 3 ladies had done 1 solo project, 2 were in serious relationships at the time), DC delivered their best album yet. A musical illustration of a woman who emerged whole after losing her identity in a crumbling relationship, “Destiny Fulfilled” was an enhanced version of their debut. Smooth vocals and dramatic, sexy production was matched with sophisticated, adult and expressive lyrics. Listening to this record, I really wonder how they would’ve progressed afterward. Sometimes I think they disbanded too early.
Grade: A, Favorites: Free, If, Girl, Gots My Own (Japanese bonus track), Lose My Breath


Read More
7 Comments

Beyonce`: 4-Album Review

7/3/2011

0 Comments

 
Check out my album review on this site at: http://jsays.weebly.com/2/post/2011/07/beyonce-4.html
Picture
0 Comments

Beyonce`: "Best Thing I Never Had" Song Review

6/1/2011

1 Comment

 
Picture
Team Bey released another single from Beyonce’s upcoming album, “4”, called “The Best Thing I Never Had.” The song expresses gratitude that a relationship DIDN’T work out, due to the epiphany that it would ultimately be detrimental. Fashioned by Babyface, the production is melodic, beautiful and has an uplifting tone. The writing could be improved slightly, being less elementary. Overall, I’ll take it. Hear “The Best Thing I Never Had” below. Bees: How much do we love the single cover? The “King B” on the mirror is soooo fierce. Love it.

1 Comment

Beyonce: 1+1 Song Review & American Idol Performance

5/26/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
“1+1”, the 2nd single from Beyonce’s forthcoming album, “4”, is a definite rebound from the hard-to-sing-along with“Run the World” (review link below). Less is more with the single as it has simple, yet metaphoric lyrics and basic, but beautiful piano/string orchestration. “1+1” is so smooth and romantic; you might end up with your clothes off if you’re near
the right person. Beyonce` debuted the song live on American Idol’s finale last
night after the finalists performed a medley of her songs. You can watch both performances below. ("Run the World" review: http://jsays.weebly.com/2/post/2011/04/beyonce-run-the-world-girls.html). 

0 Comments

Bees Fight Over "Run The World"

4/22/2011

2 Comments

 
Picture
There is discord in the Beehive over Bey’s new single, “Rule The World.” Never in all my years of being a “bee” have I seen such a strong response and dissention among fans. Reactions to the song seem to be split three ways: those that love it, those that dislike it and those in the middle. Most of those that dislike the single have issues with the song being a sample and feel that the writing is sub-par. They’ve expressed heartfelt disappointment and feel that Beyonce` could’ve done better. Those that love song accuse disapproving fans of disloyalty and “hateration.” Fans in the middle encourage supporting the single, whether you like it or not. Many “middle fans” also suggest listening to the song several times to make yourself like it more. 
While I hate to see my fellow fans in disagreement, I think this is a healthy debate that will help us “bees” analyze what being a “real fan” means. Some feel that being a real fan means supporting Beyonce` no matter what and taking the opinion that everything she does is perfection. Others think that being a real fan means giving Beyonce` constructive criticism and that such criticism will make her a better artist. Here’s my opinion: 1) It’s okay for us to disagree; it’s NOT okay for us to disrespect each other. Respect each other’s opinion. Be nice. We’re all in the same fan family. 2) Its okay to NOT like everything Beyonce` does. NO ONE is perfect. Your parents don’t like everything you do and might fuss at you for it, but they still love you. You can dislike something Bey does and still love her. She has said in many interviews that she doesn’t like for people to tell her “yes” all the time and not give constructive criticism. 3) Lastly, no matter what artist it is, only buy music you think is great. If you support music you think sucks, the record companies will think you love it and create more garbage.

Here’s my review for Bey’s song:
Beyonce’s 1st single from her currently untitled fourth solo album is finally here (see video below to hear the song). It was produced by Switch and co-written by Terius Nash, AKA “The Dream.” The concept is fantastic, but the lyrics are overall very weak. I was surprised by how ill-written the song was; Beyonce` usually nails girl-power anthems. The production, although semi-infectious and aggressive, is just a recycling of Major Lazer’s “Pon De Floor” (also produced by Switch; see my blog post about lazy production:http://jsays.weebly.com/2/post/2011/03/divas-copying-divas.html). Although I was relieved that Beyonce` didn’t conveniently follow the techno-dance pop mold of today, “World” has the same problem musically as many techno tracks: it was repetitive and redundant. Furthermore, it feels like the song never begins; coming off like a long, 3 minute, 54 second intro. The vocal arrangement is unorganized, randomly shifts and doesn’t consistently blend well with the music. Beyonce` can do and has done better. In my opinion “World” is not a suitable lead single. Hopefully, the music video and the album’s subsequent singles will be better.

2 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Seriously Beyonce`, WTH?!?

    Most people figure out pretty quickly that I LOVE Beyonce`. She is my queen diva of choice. But every now and then, she does something that irritates or perplexes me. Here, I tell what's been buggin me about the Bee lately (with reviews and love for the Queen Bee in between).

    Note: Occasionally, other individuals will be writing posts and they will be marked as such. Want to be a contributor for this section? Click the "Contact/Info" tab and fill out the form to apply.(Please only apply for this section if you are a genuine Beyonce` fan; thank you.)

    Picture
    Facebook Fan Community

    Archives

    June 2018
    November 2016
    February 2016
    November 2014
    May 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    October 2009
    November 2008

    Tags/Categories

    All
    4
    Album & Song Reviews
    Anniversary
    A Star Is Born
    Awards
    Barack Obama
    Bee And The Black Community
    Bee Flat (The Music)
    Bee Or Not To Bee? (Q&A)
    BeeRific (Dang I Love Beyonce`)
    Bee's Honey (News)
    BeyHive
    Beyonce
    Bow Down
    Career
    Charities
    Chime For Change
    Clint Eastwood
    Concert Dvds
    Concerts
    Contributing Writers
    Dangerously In Love
    Debut Album
    Destiny Fulfilled
    Destinys Child
    Documentary
    Dvds
    Eddie J.
    Fake Fans
    Fan Artwork
    Fan Quizzes
    Fansites
    Feminism
    Films
    Formation
    Formation Tour
    Fun Facts
    Games
    Hbo
    Image
    Influence
    Interviews
    Live Dvds
    Management
    Mathew Knowles
    Mitt Romney
    Mtv Video Music Awards
    Music Videos
    Nicki Minaj
    Only Fans Under/stan/d
    Performances
    Photos
    Polls
    Pregnancy
    Record Label
    Record Sales
    Remixes
    Satire
    Stans
    Superbowl
    Top 20
    Tour
    Videoblogs
    Video Reviews
    Video Uploads
    Wedding Dress

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.