Beyonce’s Renaissance Act I is on course to becoming the singer’s seventh Number 1 album, performing exceptionally despite leak.
Despite Queen Beyonce and co-keeping details airtight and secure surrounding her latest release, the album’s leak was inevitable. With Renaissance Act I, being leaked to the public, almost 48 hours before the eagerly anticipated release date. This comes as no surprise seeing as Renaissance marks the first solo release by Sasha Fierce since 2016’s Lemonade.
Whilst Beyonce was holding off for a more intimate release six years in the making, hackers, it seems, had different plans with leaking the album early. The source of which is still unconfirmed. However, a collective of fans had noticed a distributing hiccup with many European vendors selling physical copies of Renaissance Act I days before the initial release. Namely, France. This comes as a shock seeing how slow mainland Europe usually is.
With the pop superstar synonymous with secrecy in regards to her discography entries. Beyonce’s production team are currently unsure if the leak stemmed from an internal source or the distribution end.
Prior to the album’s release last week, Queen Bee had pulled off one of her most lucrative and triumphant promotional campaigns, releasing only one single, ‘Break My Soul‘ in June, followed by the album’s announcement which led the singer to record breaking pre-order sales.
It seemed teasing the newfound disco sound and a track-list was more than enough to peak fan interest.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world”
– Queen Bee shared via Instagram.
Rather than the leak throwing a spanner in the world and ultimately spoiling Beyonce’s intricately planned promotional campaign and release. Fans gathered across the internet in unison to share their love and support for the singer’s original vision. And by choice, decided to wait for the original midnight release in order to be part of the shared universal Renaissance listening experience.
Even after six years of being left in the dark, unaware as to when the artist’s next solo work would see the light of day. Fans remained in solidarity with Beyonce, fighting off any unwanted temptation.
Moved by the fans’ adoration and commitment to her Artistic integrity, Beyonce took to Instagram to thank those who loyally avoided the album’s leak.
“So, the album leaked and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you all can enjoy it together. I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t thank y’all enough for your love and protection. I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early. It means the world to me. We are going to take our time and enjoy the music. Thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you for being patient. I will continue to give you my all and do my best to bring you joy. I love you deep.”
Renaissance Act I was released late last week, followed by the surprise single Pure/Honey. It is rumoured to be the first instalment of what will soon be a triple album, with each album following a range of different musical styles and themes.
With Beyonce keeping busy with multiple creative and collaborative endeavours since 2016’s Lemonade, releasing ‘Everything Is Love’ alongside husband Jay-Z and the Lion King companion album ‘The Gift’. It seems the pop songstress has finally given fans the album they’ve truly been waiting for. With her latest sixteen-track long disco-dance explorative, Renaissance.
“Renaissance” tracklist:
1. I’m That Girl
2. Cozy
3. Alien Superstar
4. Cuff It
5. Energy
6. Break My Soul
7. Church Girl
8. Plastic Off the Sofa
9. Virgo’s Groove
10. Move
11. Heated
12. Thique
13.All Up in Your Mind
14. America Has a Problem
15. Pure/Honey
16. Summer Renaissance
To date, none of Beyonce’s album releases have failed to secure a number 1 billboard spot. The official numbers for Renaissance Act I have yet to be announced but as things stand, Beyonce is up against top competition, competing against Top 10 entries, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Bad Bunny and Drake. As things stand, Harry Styles ‘Harry’s House’ sold over 521,000 albums during the first week of its release.
A figure that no artist has since managed to top. Could Renaissances be the one? Projected figures are currently estimating between 275,000 and 315,000 sales on its opening day. Only time will tell. However, things are certainly looking very optimistic for Queen Bee, especially with Spotify announcing this week that Renaissance has been the most streamed release in a single day, from a female artist, this year.
Beyonce’s Renaissance Act I has been receiving rave reviews following its release however not even the Queen of Pop can be absent from controversy. Following its release, Beyonce has been under the spotlight of continuous criticism, firstly for the use of a potentially offensive lyric — ‘albeit slut’, which the singer has since been forced to change. Secondly, for the use of the word Milkshake on her track Energy, with pop star Kelis accusing Beyonce of using copyrighted elements without permission.
As the famous saying goes, you ain’t somebody till somebody hates you. And well, Beyonce is certainly receiving equal shares of praise and critique lately. Not that it’s going to phase her one bit. After all, with six number 1 billboard spots, and potentially a seventh on the card. Does Beyonce care?
Why would she? Especially with the supportive and loyal fanbase, she has effortlessly accumulated over the last decade.
You can listen to Beyonce’s Renaissance Act 1 below: