A year after her hit album B'day, Beyonce has returned and diclared Bey-season once again with her third effort I am…Sasha Fierce. The double disc is suppose to capture Beyonce's true essence on the ballad drenched I am… , and then unleash her alter ego on Sasha Fierce . Beyonce has often said Sasha is the persona that takes over when she hits the stage. Sasha is her bolder firecer side that is opposite of Bey's normally humble sweet personality. However from the sound of things, there was no need to reveal Sasha, most of us are fimiliar with her. We see her on stage, in the videos, etc. Its this chick we thought we knew named Beyonce that reveals a less familiar element to the musical ego trip I am...Sasha Fierce.

On I am… the lead sing "If I Were a Boy" speaks to the double-standard in relationships similar to Ciara's "Like a Boy." However, Bey's version offers a more mature and compassionate sound. "Halo" which will more than likely be a follow-up single, is a filled with soul stirring production and a catchy repetitious chorus. Beyonce's adaptation of the classic "Ave Maria" is a beautiful ballad that displays her great vocal range. And matching her new toned down and natural look, "Smash Into You"  has an earthy running through the sand barefoot in ripped jeans and a plane tee-shirt feel to it. I am... lends a more open and relatable vibe from who I am guessing to be the "real Beyonce." Some of this gets lost in attempts to create a mainstream sound. Crossover attempt aside, this disc has an array of beautiful ballads that draw you in and offer a nice alternative to her usual sound.

The supposedly bolder Sasha Fierce leaves much to be desired. "Get Me Bodied pt. 2" aka "Single Ladies," we hear the very familiar up tempo sassiness that was all over B'Day. "Radio" and "Video Phone" also follow this trend, yet they sound immature and mediocre compared to previous tracks. Mrs. Knowles (Carter…shhh!) takes the infamous Jerry Mcguire line "you had me at hello" and turns it into an even cuter profession of love on "Hello." Then on "Ego" we finally get a dose of how outspoken Ms. Sasha can be, she proudly states "ego so big, you must admit, I got every reason to feel like I am that B—ch!" The fierceness continues on "Diva." Here, Sasha gets even more reckless and talks that 'ish over a beat similar to Wayne’s "A Milli." We hear "the hottest chick in the game" step into her hubby's lane by dishing out some cocky, yet playful verses.

Musically, Sasha Fierce is both a step-back and forward for Beyonce. It offers a lot of the up-tempo jams she is known for, however she seems to dive into teeny-bobber zone with songs like "Radio." Though I am all for imagination and experimentation it counteracts the sassy mature persona she projects on tracks like "Diva." Sasha does finds a nice medium on "Hello" where she manages to produce that bubbly sound, with lyrics that sound like the words of a 27 year-old woman. And "Sweet Dream" has an alternative club sound to it, that is a pleasant surprise.

Although this album has been touted as Beyonce most personal work yet to date, overall it falls short. I feel Beyonce may be trying to accomplish too many goals with this album. Aside from attempting to maintain her number one spot in the game (especially with Rihanna having such a breakout year), she’s also embarking hastily on her openly professed goal of iconic status. A double disc album that goes from mainstream to hood, yet neither one leaves you with a clear impression of Beyonce. Could it be that Queen Bey is as complex and confused as us all? Or is it simply that she is loosing herself in attempts to encompass all genres in her music? While she has definitely worked hard for her status and is undeniable a talented singer/entertainer, I believe she may have sacrificed some of her individuality in hopes to eventually be idolized by all. I am...Sasha Fierce does offer some beautiful ballads and funky fierce tracks that show growth as an artist and woman, but it seems the "..." in the title must stand for those tracks sprinkled throughout that don’t reflect Sasha or Beyonce (who I'd like to hear more from...if Sasha doesn't mind).

I am...Sasha Fierce = B

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