The “Renaissance” is finally upon us.
The six-year post-“Lemonade” drought has ended, with Beyoncé quenching fans’ thirst for new music with her seventh studio album.
“Cuff It,” “Virgo’s Groove,” “Heated,” “Church Girl” and “Alien Superstar” are among the songs from the 16-track album — the first of a three-act project — already being hailed as classics by her avid fans. Another song making noise, for a different reason, is “Energy,” which samples Kelis’ 2003 hit “Milkshake” without her permission (despite a songwriting credit).
Although the superstar has yet to drop any music videos, album art released by her record label, Parkwood Entertainment, offers insight into the visual tour de force that’s on the horizon.
From feathers and fishnets to leather bodysuits and metal bustiers, Beyoncé’s looks run the gamut. It’s hard not to fall crazy in love with her envelope-pushing cowgirl-chic, futuristic and high-fashion get-ups.
Styled by Marni Senofonte and KJ Moody, Beyoncé dons Mugler, Schiaparelli, Gucci, Alaïa and Philipp Plein, among other designers.
The shoot for “Renaissance,” photographed by Mason Poole, shows the singer — in a custom Luis De Javier 3D printed sculptural corset — ascending a disco ball staircase at what appears to be a club. Another shot finds her levitating in church, in a lime lace mermaid gown from Alaïa. Raising a glass while seated atop a restaurant booth, she wears a custom Mugler dress with a metal bustier. Other images feature horses (of the live and glass varieties) and more naturalistic shots of the “Halo” singer.
A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast