Beyonce

B'Day

3.5/5

It took a couple of spins until I realized that “B'day” for Beyonce is what "Control" was for Janet Jackson.

"Déjà vu" (featuring Jay-Z) is a smash hit internationally. The high energy dance track "Ring the Alarm", is equally catchy. Other stand-out tracks include “Get Me Bodied” and “Upgrade U.” “Green Light” is a fairly simple song, but has a great hook. “Kitty Kat” is a sexy track, but not hit material.

It is her most ambitious album, and is hopefully a preview of what has yet to come. Though “B’day” is not anything to get overly excited about, Beyonce has definitely maintained her star status.

+Debbie Gebert
November 4,2006