Beyoncé, Black Parade | Track Review 🎵

Beyoncé celebrates and embraces unapologetic blackness on her ear catching, Juneteenth 2020 released single, “Black Parade.”

Juneteenth has gotten much more attention than I can ever remember during my 30+ years on earth.  No, that wasn’t because of Donald Trump, even though he took credit – typical.  Beyoncé, woke like so many black musicians during an incredibly tense time where racism is concerned, released a song celebrating blackness, “Black Parade.” Where does Juneteenth come into play, you ask? Well, that’s the day she chose to unleash the ‘black parade,’ which is definitely fitting.

“Black Parade” is characteristic Beyoncé, at least as of late.  On The Lion King: The Gift, we found the artist mixing African, international music with R&B, hip-hop, and pop.  The same happens here, along with the socially conscious sentiment.  If nothing else, “Black Parade” does two things well.  First and foremost, Bey embraces her blackness, and dives even further to ‘her roots. The second thing that “Black Parade” does well is establish a vibe, which is quite a big factor when it comes to pop, R&B, and hip-hop these days.  “Black Parade” uses lots of gimmickry and repetition, but not only is it embracing the minimalist elements of modern, mainstream music, it also revisits the minimalist elements of world music, which makes it so influential on today’s music.

Final Thoughts 

I could dive into the specifics of “Black Parade,” as I normally would, but I will refrain.  What I will agree with some skeptics is that, no, “Black Parade” isn’t the best Beyoncé song. It certainly doesn’t feature the same latch and infectiousness like “Crazy in Love,” “Halo,” or “Single Ladies” just to name a few. That said, like “Freedom” and “Formation” from Lemonade, “Black Parade” celebrates being unapologetically black and not giving a [bleep] what anybody thinks or says about it.  Beyoncé has had the ‘pop’ hits, and while she may have more, she’s not fazed by it with “Black Parade,” which is deeper and more transcendent, even despite its simplicity. It’s polarizing, but definitely art and a great conversation piece.

Beyoncé • “Black Parade” • Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia • Release: 6.19.20

Photo Credits: Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia