Today marks the fifth anniversary of Beyonce‘s seminal sixth studio album ‘Lemonade.’
For most artists, maintaining success is a tall task. Yet, for Queen Bey there was the added pressure of elevating her own inimitable standard.
Proving that there’s no challenge insurmountable for her, the superstar singer poured out the project – which, as has become custom, arrived alongside a full-length visual – on April 23 2016. And, in the process, she dispelled any and all doubt about her dominance.
More than music, more than videos, ‘Lemonade’ was a statement.
Weaved within its melodic anthems was a brand of lyrical candidness that equally addressed Black pride and Black plight. Black love, specifically her love, was also explored with transparency that reminded of the humanity and relatability that exist within her superhero exterior.
The movie’s incredible mise en scene complimented this in earnest.
So, as we toast to this multi-Platinum culture-shifter, join us below as we pop the cork on That Grape Juice’s Top 5 Tracks From Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’...
5. Sandcastles
A wildcard, we know. But this haunting, tear-jerking ballad has long served as a favorite here at TGJ.
Its lyrics, which tell of a relationship recovering after time on the rocks, are powered by a potently piercing vocal performance. At multiple points, Bey does away with the perfection that has become her trademark and instead trades it for a rawness that resonates and reverberates. A criminally underrated gem that reminds us that sometimes all that’s needed is a piano and mic.
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4. Daddy Lessons
While Beyonce has been unapologetically rooted in R&B for much of her career, her versatility is unmatched. That fact is showcased amply on this Country-kissed cut.
We love a narrative-driven track and this seismically satisfies our appetite.
Our only wish is that the Dixie Chicks collaboration version featured on the main album. What a moment!
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3. Freedom (ft. Kendrick Lamar)
While an album as masterful as ‘Lemonade’ is likely to see most of its tracks make lists similar to the one you’re reading now, not all songs lay fair claim to being the heartbeat of the LP. And that’s exactly what this anthem is: ‘Lemonade’s heartbeat.
With its pulsating production, powerful lyrics, and uplifting urgency, the K.Dot assisted cut manages to encapsulate much of the project’s semantic anchoring.
Indeed, all at once, it speaks of the pain of the past and liberating one’s self to attain the ultimate empowerment. A musical sermon.
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2. Hold Up
This is what we like to call a juxtaposition jam. The contrast between the bright upbeat production (and video) and the down-trodden lyrics make this such a compelling listen.
Sonically too, the song glides between the mellow and the manic – reminding that Queen Bey will not be boxed in.
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1. Formation
The perfect marriage between Beyonce the “stage blazer” and Beyonce the “truth bearer,” ‘Formation’ unquestionably serves as the album’s main attraction.
It’s fervent and fiery, yet is more than a booty-shaking bop. It’s an unapologetic celebration of Blackness and given the time of its arrival, this career highlight fittingly became a cultural landmark too.
Over the years, Beyonce has been the “showgirl,” the “diva,” and the “social advocate.” With this jam, she encapsulates all – firing from all cylinders full throttle.
‘Formation’ is artistic evolution. ‘Formation’ is excellence. And five years on, ‘Formation’ is still fire!
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Do you agree with our picks?
Thank god she’s a fat flop has been now.
“… Black pride and Black plight. Black love, specifically her love, was also explored with transparency…” the album was mostly written and produced by white men yet it gets helmed as some album about the struggle of black women.
All I care is my Man’s black card and his black d I c k 💅🏿💅🏿
A Black woman used white people to bring her idea to life… as they’ve used us. Find a new hill.
HER idea? 🤣
Good for you, b****. You can read.
TGJ, are y’all going to write an anniversary review for lion king soundtrack too? 😂🤣😂🤣no no no no no shade no shade (Nicki’s voice) 💅🏿💅🏿💅🏿
Of course they will. Haven’t you heard about its recent toilet paper certification?
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years!
I just played it through on my car journey home
Pray you catch me gave me goosebumps
I feel this album is her most relatable
For those who grew up around black women in particular (the themes are transracial but I’m black) you really FEEL these words and can tie them to stories either lived or witnessed (Pray you catch me, Sand Castles). It helps you navigate the black woman’s love experience with not just men but society (Freedom, Daddy Lessons, Forward, Formation, 6 inch)
And it ties up nicely with All night (arguably her best song ever) which talks about forgiveness and redemption in love.
This album is art! Culturally relevant and impactful. One for the books
My top 5
1. All night
2. Pray you catch me
3. Daddy lessons
4. Hold Up
5. Sorry
Great selections. Personally, I would add “Love Drought” (can’t limit myself to 5) and move “Pray You Catch Me” to #1, I wish it was a full track.
Still love Lemonade and I think it’s her most creative, in depth album as a whole but can’t wait to see how she follows-up.
Not u pretending as if everything is love and lion king soundtrack doesnt exist
🤣
Great selections. Personally, I would add “Love Drought” (can’t limit myself to 5) and move “Pray You Catch Me” to #1, I wish it was a full track.
Milk, Milk
LEMONADE
Around the back where FUDGE is made
Beyonce tried to take writing credit for that song as well…
Hunny, milk and lemonade are deadly combination. Trust me, u will s h I t your brains out if drink these together 💅🏿💅🏿 Lemonade is overrated and I think 4 is her best album imo🤳🏿🤳🏿
I thought she was gonna divorce jay z after dropping this album, only for her to take her cheating husband back cause she is weak as hell
That’s because their marriage is a business deal. Not love.
Big shout out to diana Gordon for writing the best songs on this album
Sorry
Dont hurt ur self
Daddy lessons
Beyonce keeps pretending like she wrote these songs but she didnt. Vocal production is not song writing
I always loved how this album dropped in my 25th birthday just like “Obsessed” dropped on my 18th birthday. I just know I’m gonna meet her that’s two milestone birthdays associated with Queen Bey!!!!! Excuse me KING BEY!!!! 👑🐝 Can’t wait for her to know I exist as a music artist myself!
Queen Bey, Brandy not Queen B..though… Cuz she is copycat . why keep calling her that never Queen B. For Brandy. Glad yall not lyng saying queen of music..
Yawnonce is through hunny miss fenty obviously won the war between them🏆, that’s why yawnce wouldnt even dare consider doing a verses battle against rih , she knows she’d get crushed
Ummm
20 years + 28 Grammy awards + 7 albums + sold out WORLD stadium tours + A billion dollars later and Queen Bey still has the best haters 🤣🤣🤣 they just as loyal as her fan base. We love to see it. She’s winning while they talk about her earnings in comment forums 💀
Trash. NEXT!
Jane Toussaint aka denna singing about phucking her man good and taking him to red lobster. Daddy said shoot.?
Worst album by the worst artist of our time. Glad she hasn’t released nun since & she should never release anything. She should graduate high school & get a degree in something she’s talented in. Music is not her thing. Destiny’s child was dope but her solo career is a waste of digital & physical space
Worst album by the worst artist of our time. Glad she hasn’t released nun since & she should never release anything. She should graduate high school & get a degree in something she’s talented in. Music is not her thing. Destiny’s child was dope but her solo career is a waste of digital & physical space
TOP 5
1. ALL NIGHT
2. SORRY
3. 6INCH
4. PRAY YOU CATCH ME
5. FORMATION