Beyonce - B'Day

Despite all of the warnings to the contrary, Beyonce delivers the goods on B'Day and moves forward several steps artistically. Her first album Dangerously In Love was a fun, celebratory record, but ultimately it lacks the depth of B'Day. The new album is the work of a woman with focus, energy, empathy, and vocal firepower to spare.

Dreamgirls Inspiration

Much of B'Day crackles with the suppressed energy of a woman who has been surrounded by more than her fair share of controlling and authoritarian men. This focus led many fans to concern for her relationship with rapper and music mogul Jay-Z. However, Beyonce explains the inspiration for much of the album in her bonus section for fans at the end of B'Day.

The new album was put together after shooting ended on the film Dreamgirls which stars Beyonce in the role of Deena Jones. Beyonce put together the songs on B'Day having in mind everything she wished that her character could have said and sung in the movie.