Beyoncé - I am... Sasha Fierce reviewed

I am… Sasha Fierce Beyoncé Columbia Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

Whether it's a movie screen, a sound system or a dance floor, one artist consistently solidifies her status as the best. Beyoncé Knowles returns on a strong point with her new album I am… Sasha Fierce. The title is a reference to Sasha, Beyoncé's alter ego who takes hold when she performs and records. It's clear that both sides of the female superstar are here to stay.

The album is split into two discs - a smart organizational tactic to better separate her feelings. On the first disc, Beyoncé sings many heartfelt ballads to a loved one. The topics range from calling the man a saint to calling him a sinner. The album opens up with "If I Were a Boy," a song she uses to address her feelings about an ambiguous relationship. All of the songs have a mellow, almost monotonous tone to them.

The second disc, however, gives a whole new dimension to Beyoncé's music. Each song has the beats for which dancers and admirers across the country long.

It opens with the second single off the album, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." This shows a sharp contrast to the emotion she gives in "If I Were a Boy." Instead of listening and taking a passive approach the way she says she would in "If I Were a Boy," she assertively says, "If you like it then you should have put a ring on it."

Following "Single Ladies" is "Radio," this is the strongest song on the whole album. It allows the listener a look into Beyoncé's head and a chance to see how she feels about music. Audiences of all musical preferences will undoubtedly be repeating "I think I'm in love with my radio / 'Cause it never lets me down."

On "Video Phone," Beyoncé embraces her naughty side. With lines like, "I hear the hustlers talking / They like the way I'm walking / You're saying that you want me so press record and you can film me," there's no doubt guys will be fumbling around to get their phones out.

On one of the few low points, "Diva," Beyoncé adopts a style of rapping that's something different for her. The beat establishes no new sound, as it's too reminiscent of Lil' Wayne's over-played hit, "A Millie." The only difference between the two songs is that during the chorus, instead of an incessant repetition of "a millie" it repeats "I'm a-a diva."

I am… Sasha Fierce is really two albums, and with the appeal Beyoncé has, it's not difficult to find a likeable side. The discs have two different emotional directions, so whether she makes her presence as a party-starter or emotional condolence, Beyoncé proves her success can exist on multiple planes.

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