Lemonade
by Beyoncé
  • Record Label: Parkwood
  • Release Date: Apr 23, 2016
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3877 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,135 out of 3877
  2. Mixed: 145 out of 3877
  3. Negative: 597 out of 3877
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  1. VitorBorges
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Beyonce did a magnificent job with lemonade, an album that brings us the power actually she wants to pass the message that we should know, True Black Queen!
  2. GabrielMusic
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    WORK OF ART = LEMONADE, melhor album da cantora em anos, o melhor álbum da década, Beyoncé traz um trabalho ousado que só alguém que vem se tornando lenda dia pós dia poderia trazer...
  3. QueenMariah
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Beyoncé once again proving that she is King. Arguably her best album to date, definitely the best female album of recent years. Masterpiece, slay queen. Anti sucks.
  4. zeus07
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    When life gives Beyonce lemons she ensures to make the BEST EFFING 'LEMONADE' out of it!!!
    This album is about, the frustrations of living in a glass house, the lyrical eruption of suppressed anger, the strength of granting an absolution and moreover, realizing your own strength and roots and making it a point to celebrate it. 'LEMONADE' proves why Bey is the best in the game right now,    When life gives Beyonce lemons she ensures to make the BEST EFFING 'LEMONADE' out of it!!!
    This album is about, the frustrations of living in a glass house, the lyrical eruption of suppressed anger, the strength of granting an absolution and moreover, realizing your own strength and roots and making it a point to celebrate it. 'LEMONADE' proves why Bey is the best in the game right now, competing with herself and herself only and not shying away from breaking the prototypes.
    Lastly, immense LOVE and RESPECT to this formidable woman... LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!    … Expand
  5. ram9775
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    How she manages to outdo herself every time is befuddling to me. I absolutely adore this woman and I am so glad I got to experience the album live on Saturday because I'm calling it from now, this is a moment in music history that will be talked about for years. Beyonce is changing the medium and changing the game and doing it so vulnerably. With the last two albums, specifically Lemonade,How she manages to outdo herself every time is befuddling to me. I absolutely adore this woman and I am so glad I got to experience the album live on Saturday because I'm calling it from now, this is a moment in music history that will be talked about for years. Beyonce is changing the medium and changing the game and doing it so vulnerably. With the last two albums, specifically Lemonade, she has solidified herself as an ARTIST and not just a pop star (granted the pop star of our generation).… Expand
  6. AtmanTheMermaid
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    An amazing album which describes Beyoncé`a inner emotions. Stunning visuals, many of them are unseen. Beyoncé just keeps showing us why she is on of the biggest artists of all time...
  7. jorgeropero
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Amazing album! I can't express the love I have for this album it is truly a masterpiece. It deserves to have 90+ here on Metacritic. Every track is either a 10/10 or a 9/10.
  8. ChristineMatic
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    I've never been a huge Beyonce fan, and I still trying to understand the majority of the album, but the Lemonade film that was on HBO was absolutely lovely and it's something that deserves the title of "MASTERPIECE". A few mixes of different genres here and there, but it's definitely an album - not a bunch of catchy songs smashed together into one album. Every song compliments one another.I've never been a huge Beyonce fan, and I still trying to understand the majority of the album, but the Lemonade film that was on HBO was absolutely lovely and it's something that deserves the title of "MASTERPIECE". A few mixes of different genres here and there, but it's definitely an album - not a bunch of catchy songs smashed together into one album. Every song compliments one another. My favourite song on the album has to be "Don't Hurt Yourself" and the song "Sorry" is very fun to listen to, more fun to watch though. Absolutely loved the Serena dancing.… Expand
  9. caelwell
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Where do I even start. This album is an emotional masterpiece that fans have been craving for years. Her career has truly taken off with her past two albums. Beyoncé was originaldly though of as a singles artist with her first three studio albums, releasing mega-hits like Crazy in Love, possibly the song of the 2000s, Naughty Girl, Baby Boy, Irreplaceable, Single Ladies, and Halo. Her 4Where do I even start. This album is an emotional masterpiece that fans have been craving for years. Her career has truly taken off with her past two albums. Beyoncé was originaldly though of as a singles artist with her first three studio albums, releasing mega-hits like Crazy in Love, possibly the song of the 2000s, Naughty Girl, Baby Boy, Irreplaceable, Single Ladies, and Halo. Her 4 album had an obscure indecisiveness with its release and the choice of singles, but it was a great album nonetheless. BEYONCÉ was a time of self-discovery for her artistic style.

    Now, with Lemonade, Beyoncé has set the bar with a visual album accompanied by a short film. It explains the treatment of black women in society, specifically in marriage and other relationships with men. It begins with a telling ballad, Pray You Catch Me, which smoothly transitions to a Hold Up, a song influenced with a certain jazz/funk sound. Don't Hurt Yourself features Jack White and shows Beyoncé at her most violent in years. Her most explicit (language) song on the album features a rock quality she has never used before.

    In Sorry, she doesn't care about her man. She is busy living life with her ladies. 6 Inch is the strange song that seems to stand out as a radio hit. It is less emotionally charged, but highlights the value of women and their wages. The Weeknd also has a great verse on the song. Daddy Lessons is a strange, but catchy, country themed song about her father and what he taught her in Houston (cause she's a Texas Bama). Love Drought and Sandcastles serve as the slow ballads, which then lead into Forward, a short song mainly featuring James Blake. Freedom, featuring Kendrick Lamar, is, in my opinion, the message of the album. It communicates Beyoncé 's ideas as well as having a Black Power message in the Kendrick verse. All Night is truly about forgiveness, as in the film, Beyoncé is seen with Jay Z and they seem happy. Formation closes out the album with amazing power and a tough beat line that will make it a smash hit.

    This album tells a story that many artists cannot achieve. The diversity in sound ranges from 90s New Orleans funk to country to synth ballads. This is an exceptional album that will garner high accolades at the music awards over the next year. The only problem is that Beyoncé might have to outdo herself on her next album, whenever that may be. Lemonade, thus far, is Beyoncé's most complete and emotional album to date, and fans can only appreciate the artistry that she has provided.    … Expand
  10. JACKXXXFROST
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Mrs. Carter, em seu atual patamar, como uma das estrelas mais poderosas do planeta, vem em “LEMONADE” mostrar ao mundo que já que somos os responsáveis por sua ascensão à arte e ao estrelato, devemos estrar preparados para ouvir o que ela realmente pensa e defendeu, ao longo de sua caminhada, mesmo que de forma indireta. Seu empoderamento negro está mais evidente e abrangente que nunca,Mrs. Carter, em seu atual patamar, como uma das estrelas mais poderosas do planeta, vem em “LEMONADE” mostrar ao mundo que já que somos os responsáveis por sua ascensão à arte e ao estrelato, devemos estrar preparados para ouvir o que ela realmente pensa e defendeu, ao longo de sua caminhada, mesmo que de forma indireta. Seu empoderamento negro está mais evidente e abrangente que nunca, trazendo uma Beyoncé destemida de quaisquer que sejam as consequências de uma afronta direta a sociedade.
    É válido destacar que a cantora contribuiu na composição e produção de todas as músicas do material, que assim como citado pelo The Darily Telegraph, faz a cantora soar ainda mais “genuinamente imperiosa”.    … Expand
  11. DanielDylan7698
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    She emotionally puts the breakdown of her marriage on display, showing she is real, not just Beyonce.
    Throughout the album, highlights include "Hold Up", a reggae diplo-produced jam, "Sorry" where the line "Call Becky With The Good Hair" is the standout lyric, "Don't Hurt Yourself" the polarizing FU to cheating husband Jay-Z featuring Jack White, "Freedom" the featuring track with    She emotionally puts the breakdown of her marriage on display, showing she is real, not just Beyonce.
    Throughout the album, highlights include "Hold Up", a reggae diplo-produced jam, "Sorry" where the line "Call Becky With The Good Hair" is the standout lyric, "Don't Hurt Yourself" the polarizing FU to cheating husband Jay-Z featuring Jack White, "Freedom" the featuring track with Kendrick Lamar that is very emotional and triumphant, and the closing track, the bop "Formation" which is likely to become Bey's 6th #1 U.S. single.    … Expand
  12. TheAtlantic
    Apr 26, 2016
    9
    When talking about Beyonce, Prince once said that she would meet full musical peak if she learned piano. She shows that talent off here with the emotional "Sandcastles". In the wake of Prince's death, Beyonce's LEMONADE simply reminds the public that there is still art to be made, and that one day she will be another legend whose death will create a deep hole in the musical community.When talking about Beyonce, Prince once said that she would meet full musical peak if she learned piano. She shows that talent off here with the emotional "Sandcastles". In the wake of Prince's death, Beyonce's LEMONADE simply reminds the public that there is still art to be made, and that one day she will be another legend whose death will create a deep hole in the musical community.

    The visual components of LEMONADE should all be praised, as all could sweep the VMAs in essentially every category if the award show actually had significant merit.

    Beyond that, Beyonce's voice-overs provide an artistic and emotional depth that has yet to be matched by modern artists.

    In contrast to Self-Titled, which came off as Beyonce trying hard to pretend that she isn't a try-hard (see: Haunted's "probably won't make no money off this" knowing damn well she would make money), LEMONADE is Beyonce at her most honest, open, and emotional. She defies genre and defies expectation as she pushes a body of work that is worthy of all the acclaim she has received. Art takes effort, and Beyonce has produced a masterpiece here.    … Expand
  13. Sarahv
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    This is easily Beyoncé's best work yet. The theme of the album is much darker than her previous work and she really takes you on a journey from beginning to end while crossing genres. The visuals are the added icing on the cake. The whole album is wonderfully put together.
  14. YureHall
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Ouvi o álbum assistindo ao filme. Fiquei chocado com tantas mensagens e muita Arte. Beyoncé consegue surpreender seus próprios fãs. Amei o álbum. NOTA 10.
  15. DiogoCarter
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Só tenho a comentar é que este álbum é o melhor da carreira. É incrível como a Beyoncé consegue ser original e tão perfeita. Ainda bem que nasci na Era Beyoncé.
  16. PierreAlves
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Eu tenho opinião própria e acho este álbum o melhor da carreira da Beyoncé. Dou 10. Dou 100, 1000. Beyoncé merece. Ela trabalha arduamente. Amei todas as músicas do álbum. Vale a pena escutá-lo.
  17. InesBrasil
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Álbum feito com músicas bonitas, inspiradoras, e sociais. Beyoncé aparece diferente do normal, vocais loucos. Beyoncé é A MELHOR ARTISTA FEMININA DE TODOS OS TEMPOS
  18. blueivycarter
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Todas as músicas do álbum chegaram ao Top 15 no iTunes US. Álbum maravilhoso. Amei. O Álbum abraça forte o feminismo e trata de questões referentes às minorias.
  19. ahmedimran
    Apr 26, 2016
    8
    Was not a big Queen B fan.. yes the flawless remix, and drunk in love were darn good songs. I did eagerly wait for another new album by Beyonce and atleast 60% of the songs on LEMONADE are damn good. They are lyrical, have a good beat and beyonce does showcase her talent on these songs unlike on her promo single Formation. A very emotional album.. which these pop stars are releasingWas not a big Queen B fan.. yes the flawless remix, and drunk in love were darn good songs. I did eagerly wait for another new album by Beyonce and atleast 60% of the songs on LEMONADE are damn good. They are lyrical, have a good beat and beyonce does showcase her talent on these songs unlike on her promo single Formation. A very emotional album.. which these pop stars are releasing nowadays like Nicki Minaj's album and Selena Gomez;s as well. The track with Kendrick Lamar called FREEDOM deserves an honourable mention. Its hands down the best track on the record followed by Sandcastles. The collab with The Weeknd also is a must listen to track aswell. However the other collaborations were not that good. Was expecting a Nicki Minaj collaboration on this record aswell. Probably the only thing that was disappointing. But overall WELL DONE Beyoncè!… Expand
  20. Dreguea
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    This is the best album of the last times! I am Brazilian and we love the album from the first minute we hear. what Beyoncé does, fighting for ideals that should not be a problem nowadays , it's spectacular ! We love you Queem! We love your spirit! We love your soul. Tanks for the dedication.
  21. Deivide
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    " Lemonade " is more than a simple album of Beyonce is the fight for causes that need to be wide open and shown in many ways , and when artists with the global reach of Beyoncé do it , and offer to carry through his art , they deserve to be praised and ears
  22. JuniorMaxxi
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hold Up the best song on the album in my opinion, I want to see live the the fastest possible,to start World Tour Formation,That Come To Brazil....Beyoncé Queen of World!… Expand
  23. VaroYan
    Apr 26, 2016
    0
    I'm so dissapointed, this is so terrible, not harmony, just no music in this case it's boring, horrible mess, sounds bad and poor. And album and Beyonce are overrated as always !
  24. TheHangingHoe
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    After the incredibly high standard Beyoncé set up for herself (and for everybody else) with her 2013 self- titled release, I did not think she could top herself with her latest release. However, she proved me wrong and blew through every expectations I had for Lemonade. The album is very cohesive yet each song managed to have their own characteristcs and distinct sounds. I can feel herAfter the incredibly high standard Beyoncé set up for herself (and for everybody else) with her 2013 self- titled release, I did not think she could top herself with her latest release. However, she proved me wrong and blew through every expectations I had for Lemonade. The album is very cohesive yet each song managed to have their own characteristcs and distinct sounds. I can feel her emotions through such amazing vocal performances, with her voice displaying incredible versatility, to the extent that she could manipulate her voice to different sounds with ease yet still sounding raw and retaining the Beyoncé trademark. However, it's not her vocal performance, nor her genre-hopping flawlessness that made Lemonade such a masterpiece. It's how the album as a whole could tell a story with a vividness that is comparable to a movie and how the album can manage to convey such array of emotions in just 46 minutes. The album is not the most radio-friendly but that's one of the things that truly made Lemonade such a jewel on Beyoncé's crown. Lemonade shows an artist that is brave enough to break the rules and do whatever she wants to do, say whatever she wants to say and let others feel what she feels, and that is what art is supposed to do. To make people feel what the artist feels. Lemonade is Beyoncé best album to date, and could even turn out as her magnum opus.… Expand
  25. Chris_frm_Paris
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Her most innovative and brilliant album Beyoncé has ever made. The level of artistry is amazingly high for a pop star and the collaborations she did are surprisingly great. The album is very emotional but in the same way very strong. I love the fact that she talks about real issues like women and black power in today's society, which is a topic she has always defended but not in music.Her most innovative and brilliant album Beyoncé has ever made. The level of artistry is amazingly high for a pop star and the collaborations she did are surprisingly great. The album is very emotional but in the same way very strong. I love the fact that she talks about real issues like women and black power in today's society, which is a topic she has always defended but not in music. Great just great and already iconic.… Expand
  26. Jordantrav
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Queen Bey has done it again. What an incredibly personal and cohesive album. I've never been a huge fan of Beyoncé's but started to take an interest in her after her previous release 'BEYONCÉ'. Formation followed and I loved how care free and energetic the song was and had complete admiration for how bold the message was.

    Now Lemonade. My god, what an experience. She really took me    Queen Bey has done it again. What an incredibly personal and cohesive album. I've never been a huge fan of Beyoncé's but started to take an interest in her after her previous release 'BEYONCÉ'. Formation followed and I loved how care free and energetic the song was and had complete admiration for how bold the message was.

    Now Lemonade. My god, what an experience. She really took me through it. Some parts really made me think she was singing about me! From the innocence and vulnerability of Pray You Catch Me to the euphoric idgaf anthem Sorry, this album was worth the money. Well done Bey. I also just spent £950 on reseller tickets for the world tour. There is no way I'm missing out on this experience live.    … Expand
  27. lilvina
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Her best album since 4. It has many different genres and dealt with many issues that many people, men and women, face. I hope she continues to grow as an artist because I am loving what she is offering.
  28. kali_michael
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Her strongest body of work yet, lemonade is an emotional roller coaster full of anger, resentment, frustration, and sadness. The meaning behind this work of art is very important, it shows the struggles of being a black woman, specifically a wife dealing with your father and husbands infidelity and being fed up with it.
  29. reidn94
    Apr 25, 2016
    10
    Beyonce finally breaks out of the pop star framework she has stayed within throughout her career. This album is by far her deepest and most emotionally expressive as well as the riskiest and most innovative. The successful combination of both makes for a captivating piece of art.
  30. MorningLiang
    Apr 25, 2016
    10
    This is simply an amazing album. Her anger is so naked and her vocals changes in such a versatile ways. Even Adele cannot reach this level. Cannot understand if anyone question the quality of this album. This is classic and get over it you boring haters.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2016
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2016
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2016
    80
    Lemonade hits hard. Beyonce has chosen to portray herself like this, and those choices are bold, powerful and at times, properly shocking. [#361, p.110]
  2. Uncut
    May 24, 2016
    90
    Never short on vocal confidence, here, she trades divadom for arresting, unconventional shapes. [Jul 2016, p.69]
  3. Austin Chronicle
    May 12, 2016
    89
    By effortlessly topping her own best work. Lemonade now sets a new standard for cross-genre collaboration.
    Read full review
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