Beyonce’s solo debut, “Dangerously in Love,” is dangerously bootylicious. This album exudes a confidence and sexiness never before seen from the Destiny’s Child front woman. Lyrics such as “Do you want to get nasty, I dare you to undress me,” make it apparent Beyonce has grown up. Her coming-out is reminiscent of Mariah Carey’s liberation on “Butterfly” or Janet Jackson’s symbolic transition from shoulder pads to midriff-bearing halter-tops.
Although Beyonce’s sultry voice is easy on the ears, this CD offers nothing original. It conforms to the R&B/Pop mold with plenty of rap cameos, interludes, cliched lyrics and overdone beats.
“Dangerously in Love” starts off strong with the infamous horn intro of “Crazy in Love.” With help from Jay-Z, it became the biggest single of the summer and can still be found in rotation on any top-40 station or dance floor.
One notable letdown was “Signs,” an homage to the Zodiac that even a cameo from Missy Elliot couldn’t help. The “can you pay my bills” attitude that Destiny’s Child is renowned for can still be heard on some songs, especially on “Yes,” which says: “you was at my house, I was sittin’ on my couch, you was really buggin’, so I told you to get out.”
However, for the most part, Beyonce’s talent is solid enough to carry this album and leaves little memory of her former group. The album ends with the tune “Daddy,” an ode to her father that seems awkwardly out of place among songs like “Naughty Girl” and “That’s How You Like It.”
The songs worth listening to are “Dangerously in Love” and “Naughty Girl.”
All in all, Beyonce’s first solo attempt proves it deserves more attention than her low-rise jeans or her relationship with rapper Jay-Z. That attention could come on Grammy night; “Dangerously in Love” is nominated for six Grammy Awards and has the potential to steal the show.
Click here to sample the CD and get more album info.