Don’t worry Beyonce, we’ll call. I AM, SASHA FIERCE
is Beyonce’s first new studio collection since her
Grammy-winning multi-platinum-selling B'DAY debuted at #1 on
charts around the world shortly after its international release
on September 4, 2006 (in celebration of Beyonce’s 25th
birthday).
Each of the discs on Beyonce's new double album reveals a
distinctly different side of her personality, character and
sensibility, a forum for the yin-and-yang of her developing
artistry. One of the discs, titled I AM, provides Beyoncé
with a musical showcase for a group of intimate heartfelt ballads
while the SASHA FIERCE disc gives voice to Beyoncé's
up-tempo dance-oriented other side.
With I AM, Beyonce reveals a variety of musical aspects and
interests that may take her fans by surprise. Citing a range of
influences including ‘folk songs and alternative songs and
acoustic guitar, stuff that's different from what I sing,’
Beyonce has produced, written, recorded and performed a finely
crafted selection of contemporary ballads that combine the best
elements of pop and soul music while expanding the possibilities
of both genres.
In addition to the multiple artistic achievements on I AM…
SASHA FIERCE, Beyonce has recently completed work on a pair of
high profile movie projects including her role as R&B legend Etta
James in Darnell James' ‘Cadillac Records.’ According
to Beyonce, becoming Etta James on-screen, ‘was a challenge
for me emotionally because Etta had a lot of challenges in her
life, things that I've never experienced. I had to really dig
deep so that I could have the right performance and represent her
well. One thing she taught me is her fearlessness, she was Etta
all the time. She was bold and she did not try to change who she
was for anyone. She was one of the queens. If it weren’t
for her crossing over, she was the first African-American woman
to cross over on the radio, I wouldn't have the opportunities
that I have...It gave me the strength and the confidence to step
out of my comfort zone even more.’