Customer Reviews

B'day [Deluxe Edition]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

The release of the original version of B'Day came at the perfect time in my life. It came out the day before I had to return to work after my summer break and I was depressed, not only by that, but also by other things going on in my life. On September 5, 2006, I went to the music store and bought two copies. (I now own four copies, including the deluxe edition). I opened it and shoved the CD in my car stereo. What I heard changed my life. The songs were flawlessly produced and Beyoncé's vocal delivery was energetic, enthusiastic, swaggering, powerful and charismatic. Every song was amazing. Never have upbeat songs been graced with such beautiful, complex harmonies! It is now my favorite album of all time, even though I have had countless people shake their heads and laugh at this statement. (I plan to have many more after posting this review, too.) This album offered me an escape from my problems that even Mary J. Blige's My Life and Me'Shell NdegéOcello's Bitter couldn't bring to me, and for this I am thankful.

Considering this, I promise to give an absolutely truthful review that will answer the essential question at hand: does it live up to, or is it better than, the original? I feel no need to review songs from the original because you've most likely heard them on the radio, bought the album and/or seen the videos. Plus, I pretty much thought it was flawless.

There has been some confusion and I'd like to clear it up. The deluxe edition is a two-disc set. It comes with the expanded version of the original and a bonus disc with Spanish songs. It does NOT come with all of the videos. To obtain the videos recorded for each song, there is a DVD that you must buy separately from the CD set, which is exclusively available at Wal-Mart stores and on their website, or at least for the time being. (By the way, the DVD is definitely worth the purchase. The videos are amazing and very amusing.) Now that we've got that cleared up... let's move on to the new additions.

"Beautiful Liar," which was initially leaked on the Internet with only Beyoncé's vocals in November, is a little disappointing. It has a great theme and the song is alright, but the production is a little stale and uninspired to me. I also don't think Shakira's vocals mix well with Ms. Knowles'. Either way, it is pretty enjoyable and the dramatic, almost opera-like vocals from both women are nice. Can't say it fits the environment of the overall album, though.

The next new track, "Welcome To Hollywood," is simply a version of Jay Z's "Hollywood" with only Beyoncé singing. Nothing more, nothing less. (Good thing she left him out, because he already appears on here twice.) I wasn't a big fan of the song in the first place and always found the production to fall flat, but this version is an improvement. I love her blasting vocals and she gives the song a more cohesive sound.

Now "Flaws & All" is what I'm talking about! A common complaint towards the original B'Day was it barely had any ballads that made her debut such a hit. Here, B delivers a beautifully confessional song where she admits she has flaws and glitches. In the first few seconds of the song, she declares "I'm a train wreck in the morning / I'm a b---h in the afternoon." Wow! She has ups and downs, but her man (cough cough, Jay Z) loves her anyway, and that's why she loves him. It truly is beautiful and the melody is amazing. This is a welcome addition to the album, for me.

"Still In Love (Kissing You)" is another superb ballad, which was originally done by Desiree for the Rome + Juliet soundtrack. Beyoncé inserts some of her own lyrics to make the song more personal and she definitely does the song justice. It took a few listens to get used to because the production is very minimal, but it is a beautiful track nonetheless. In the last few seconds of the song, she proclaims that she loves her man "more than music." And we know how much she loves music. It's very touching and romantic.

The last new addition to the first disc is a hidden track that comes after "Listen." It is titled "World Wide Woman," which leaked on the Internet earlier this year. It has a very laid-back, spring/summer feel to it and I personally love it. It doesn't necessarily fit with the rest of B'Day, but I suppose that's why it's hidden. I'm glad it was included, though.

It was originally intended that Beyoncé would release a Spanish album, but that apparently fell apart. To not put the tracks to waste, some of them were put on the bonus disc, which is pretty much here just for added value. It includes the "Spanglish" version of "Beautiful Liar," which was actually the original version before Shakira stepped in. It features Sasha, Beyoncé's alter-ego, on the Spanish lines. I personally prefer this version to the original. The "remix" is not much different from the original, kind of useless. Same background music and everything. The version of "Beautiful Liar" completely in Spanish, "Bello Embustero," is also included. "Irreemplazable," the Spanish version of the ten-week number one hit "Irreplaceable" is very nice. The beautiful tone of her voice is preserved even when she is singing in Spanish and it sounds quite authentic. The same applies to "Listen (Oye)." I was rather impressed. "Amor Gitano" is enjoyable. But the real treat is the Nortena Remix of "Irreemplazable." It has accordions in it! Quite a refreshing combination!

So, back to the essential question: does it live up to the original? Was it worth it? As a fan, I was ecstatic for some new material. But for the casual music listener... it may not be necessary. "Still In Love (Kissing You)," "Flaws & All" and "Worldwide Woman" were welcome additions, but I would've preferred to have tracks such as "Creole," "Lost Yo Mind" or numerous others to replace "Beautiful Liar" and "Welcome To Hollywood." (I wish she would release an album of all the songs not released and call it B'Sides... eh?) Also, the addition of the new songs sacrifices the cohesive environment which existed in the original. The bonus disc feels out place. It is really not essential and it would've been much better if the DVD were included, even if it did raise the price tag a bit.

Bottom line: Overall, it's still great, but it doesn't live up to the original for me because now there is some filler that pollutes this album. If you are a fan, this is excellent. If you are more of a casual listener and you have already purchased B'Day, I would listen to samples (which are readily available all over) and see if you think it's worth it. You probably won't find it absolutely necessary, even though the price is right, kids!

This album this time around I must say was done much better. Some of the songs I must admit took a little time for them to grow on me but I like most of the songs off the Deluxe Edition. Since I am from Puerto Rican decent I listen to the spanish songs and I must say she is not that bad. "Amor Gitano" was my favorite. When two months ago I heard it on the soap opera I fell instantly in love but by the time they decided to come out with the CD I lost interest in the song but it still is a beautiful song though. But sometimes I wonder about the spanish songs. Jennifer Lopez after all had her whole spanish album come out a week before hers so I sometimes think it was a competion of some sorts which I don't understand but that's the music biz for ya. I think though it was a bit rediclous to have like 5 different versions of "Beautiful Liar" I mean it would have been good if it was one version in enlgish one is spanish and just leave it at that. To have one song done by her so called alter-ego "Sasha" was kind of cheesy. I do love the CD case in comes in and the CD booklet is beautiful as well. I can now donate my other plain B-Day CD and this Deluxe Edition is a keeper. So when it comes down to it's not really bad it's a good CD with some good songs. Also make sure you pick up the video album(DVD) that's in Walmart cause she made every video for every song. I mean not EVERY song but most of the songs on B-Day. This CD is also good for when you are taking a long drive you pop this in and it's pleasent to listen to while your on the road.

Beyoncé is a prime example of what has become of the music industry as a whole: profit over artistic integrity. One has to seriously question the timing and the genuiness of her ventures in recording in Spanish, featured in this "Deluxe Edition".

As a recent television appearance proved, Beyoncé has virtually no knowledge of the language and had to be taught phonetically to sing the Spanish lyrics. This hardly sounds like someone who has a long time appreciation for the language.

This may be an opinion held by only a few, but these Spanish language tracks are nothing more than a business move and a shameless attempt to capitalize on the recent surge in sales of music made popular by Latino audiences. She is only fleecing this sector of the music buying public.

It would be almost a certainty that, if music popular with Russians was currently dominant on the charts, Beyoncé would be on TV expressing she has always had a love of Russian culture and "this is for all my Russian listeners!" If there should be a lull in Latin music popularity in the future, she will quickly change her tune.

As detestable as it might have been, it would have been better for Beyoncé to confess that this Spanish phase on the "Deluxe Edition" is a mere marketing ploy instead of disguising it as a sincere love for the culture. The title of her recent single may aptly describe Beyoncé at this point in time: a "Beautiful Liar".

in the likely hood they pull the song still in love(kissing you) from the current deluxe edition & video anthology set. i'm glad i bought both on sale when i had the opportunity. judging by the way these courts usually work i don't think theres a chance still in love(kissing you) will remain on future sets, unless maybe sony/columbia is willing to pay large royalties to keep the song on them, and we all know how sony/columbia is when it comes to doing the right thing(50 cent power of the dollar album ring a bell?). 7 year old release and they still refuse to release it(full album). if they indeed lose in court & the song has to be pulled(recalled)sony/columbia should use some common sense on the re-re-lease of b'day and include all unused & previous exclusive tracks(found on circuit city, itunes, best buy, etc.)to finally give the fans what they have constaintly been asking for & wanting this whole time. there were at least 7 tracks i belive that were left off the album for no good reason whatsoever including the 3 exclusives that i'm sure everyone know's about by now: back up, lost yo mind, & creole. the song "if" is missing as well. there are more!!!. disc 2 clocks in at 25-27 min?. on a deluxe edition???. i am sick & tired of record companies treating the music fans this way. making people buy multiple copies of the same album just to get the exclusive materials. it's dumb, stupid, & greedy. they have way over enough money to include everything in one package!!!. and i'm not blaming beyonce...it's not her fault. or other artists for that matter. see thats the problem...people think it's the artists behind all of this, when in fact it's these record companys that do this all the time because they have nothing better to do than to annoy people buy willingly cheating people out of their hard earned money with these dumb scemes they pull. whatever...like i said maybe sony/columbia will now clean up their act and will this time include all left over b'day tracks on the new 2 cd DE release of the b'day album & maybe beyonce can make videos for the tracks she left off the video anthology(world wide woman would be nice for ex.). even with this travisty of a possiblly pulled song(which was very good BTW)it can only get better from here if lost & past exclusive tracks are added. but it's up to sony/columbia to make it right. WE'LL SEE!!!!!.

I'm a fan since Destiny's Child and will continue to be because this artist is a real whole artist. She's not only a great singer but a great dancer, great performer, great songwriter, great producer, great designer!. People are talking bad about this re-make but I think she did a great job. First, as a Latina, I'm very proud of her recording in Spanish for the first time! She's a smart girl and now she will expand her territory to Latinoamérica. Second, people don't see that Beyonce wrote every single song and produced this record, and she's only 25 years old! I'm proud of you Beyonce! Great job! Must have it!

YES!!!!! Bravo Beyonce'!!!!

I am so glad that you spent more time on this album and re-released it because the original B-Day was sort of a disappointment when there were only 4 songs I really liked on the entire album. It's great that you are accommodating your Spanish Speaking fans.

I am lovin the following new sounds:

#1 Beautiful Liar (You and Shakira look alike)
#5 Welcome to Hollywood (Different Version from Jay-Z's Kingdom Come Album)
#7 Flaws and All
#8 Still in Love (Kissing You) I absolutely LOVE THIS VERSION OF THE SONG
FROM THE ROMEO AND JULIET SOUNDTRACK!!!!!!!

#Bonus Track
World Wide Woman (WWW) That's me :-)

Again, well done Beyonce'!!!! I am glad that you spent more time on this project.

Hit After Hit!!!!!

When I first reviewed this CD. I didn't fully understand Where Beyonce was coming from as an artist. But,now with the release of B-Day I now have a better understanding of What B-Day is all about. Which is female empowerment. The duet with Shakira was a song that needed to be said and sung,which is call "Beauitful Liar". The reason I say this is beause I'am tried of seeing yong ladies fight over gentlemen Who can care less about them and more about there precious male male ego. Other then, the lyrics of the song. I enjoy the latin rhythm as well as the middle easten sound to the song. For the song "Irreplaceable" is petty much speaks for itself that you can be replace. To me the song "up Grade U" is about making each other better not only in life but,also in business as well.

"Freakum Dress" I think as I sad before, we ladies all have that dress that makes us feel good ultimetly sexy. "Suga Mama" is What I like to call that fantasy song . "Green Light" Is given that gentlemen or lady permission to leave the relationship if they are uphappy in anyway. For the track "Listen" it's about finding your voice from with in after you,ve been told you didn't neecessary have a voice in the beging ,but now you some how found the strength from within to say. I have a voice and What I think and say matter. I'am not going to lie to you lovely people I had no idea What "Get Me Bodied meant until Ms. Knowles explained it. Which means out doing your dance partner, with your dance moves, on the dance floor.

The song I'am about to tell you is a song I absolutely love with out a doubt. Whch is called "Flaws& All" to me this song is worth buying the album period,if only for this song. Not only are the lyrics beauitful ,but the melody is incredible. I love Beyonce's opera Inflence vocals. If you are a person Who enjoys singing Beyonce will for sure challenge you vocally. "Welcome To Hollywood" talks about the down fall of this industry. "Still In Love"(Kissing you) is a song expressing that ultimetly love for someone. "Deja" is a song about, I guess a man or women who catches your eye. "Kitty Kat" for me is a song about feeling physically neglected. "Resentment" is about that women that put up with eveything over years and knew in your heart of hearts What was going on,but you didn't want face it. Because you think he'll change. "Ring The Alarm" is about for me at least being angry at your ex for doing stuff you thought were special ,but now is being shared with someone else along with a little jealousy. "World Wide Women" is a hidden track basically talking about she's all over the place.

I love beyonce, I truly think she's is talented but way over exposed. You can turn a corner without seeing or hearing her. Her new re-released B'Day was just toooo much. Beyonce needs to take a break and come out with music like she did on her first album "Crazy in love". B'Day Deluxe Edition is just a way to make more money.

Beyonce is everywhere, her record company invested millions of dolars to promote a single record around the world but it didn't sell like a superstar record, Why? because it isn't a good album. Everybody was waiting for better things from Beyonce, everybody but me. I Know she is a good singer but not as good as Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston. She is fine but vocally she isn't a star. If you are looking for a good RNB record buy Tamia's Between Friends and forget B'Day.

Definitely an "Upgrade" and necessary revision of her previous load of scraps album B'day the original! I didn't purchase the original B'Day because I knew I would be ripped off paying 10+ dollars for a ~9 track album that Beyonce finished in two weeks! However, this revised copy was not too bad, and should've been the original B'day.

The album is overall VERY consistent, but at the same time it doesn't really have any groundbreaking masterpiece song that boasts the quality of Beyonce's previous "Crazy In Love", "Speechless", Be With You", "Me Myself and I" masterpiece tunes featured in "Dangerously In Love". The only ones that come to mind is "Listen", "Irreplaceable", and "Amor Gitano". "Listen" basically exposes Beyonce's voice for what it is, moderately powerful when it needs to be, and a good depiction of her necessary emotion and shades of soul and impressive range(she belts out an Eb5 in FULL VOICE!). Her voice truly does shine on this piece, and definitely solidifies her as one of the top five singing divas of today's modern age. The lyrics are also virtually immaculate, which always helps tons in a ballad! It is overall, one of Beyonce's better songs in her inventory, and quite possibly, her best ballad. "Irreplaceable" was milked to death over the radio, but it was a huge hit for Beyonce, and for good reason. A very catchy pop tune where Beyonce's voice soars with its attitude and supporting guitar sounds in the back. "Amor Gitano" is a fierce duet between Alejandro Fernandez and Beyonce. An upbeat, infectious Spanish tune. The rest of the album is tolerable, very consistent, and filled with mostly third and fourth single potential songs that are spread evenly throughout track list. However, some of the songs don't have the necessary hook or production that are necessary to catch the listener's ear upon first hearing. The beats are loud, chaotic, and work well for clubs, but in a more reserved audio or speaker system, the some of the songs' weaknesses and lack of melodic production might appear stale at times. It would also be nice if Beyonce could showcase that melodic voice of hers from time to time! The only song in here that showcases her impressive vocals and range is pretty much, "Listen" and "Resentment".

One thing about this is the overall new sound Beyonce took. Not an innovative sound by any means, and pretty much absent of the robotic, futuristic sounds of Justin Timberlake's Futuresex/Lovesounds, but it's a far cry from Beyonce's previous "Dangerously In Love". While "Dangerously In Love" focused more on R&B, slow sultry sounds, this album's focus was more on chaotic, dance tunes, without the electronica tint. So fans who are expecting R&B sounds or electronically dance infused pop music should be warned right now. 4/5 stars.