QR Review: The Carters - Everything is Love
The worlds premier power couple, who transcended normal adjectives years ago and now apparently only move with words like ‘luxurious’ and ‘thunderous’, have seen fit to grace us with a collaboration album after all these years of coded musical messages and public glare. Rather than a sappy duet, however, 'Everything Is Love' represents two of the worlds most recognisable artists at their intellectual and influential peaks.
Both Jay Z and Beyoncé are masters of their craft and making bad records is simply not their M.O. True to their form, 'Everything Is Love' is preposterous and glamorous, ripe with respect, love and wit, but also undercut by a real anger, racial commentary and a giant middle finger to the haters. Filled with little surprises along the way, 'Everything Is Love' is an RnB infused hip-hop statement by possibly the best-known couple in the world.
Now, I approached this album with a fair amount of bias; Beyoncé is on it and people will listen to anything she puts her name to. However, there is a difference in both the Carters now, Beyoncé has evolved from triple threat performer to a bonafide feminist icon, while Jay Z has gone from one of the more shrewd businessmen in music to a philosophical and introspective elder statesman, as evidenced by his latest David Letterman interview. With decades of combined experience behind them shaping the album, it becomes thoughtful; full of tricks and easter eggs for those with the time to look. On the subject of surprises, Beyoncé the rapper (rather than Beyoncé the singer) takes centre stage more often than not, only adding to the layers of this record.
An ear catcher, the track 'BLACK EFFECT' is an ode to Black American culture, and a scathing commentary on racism in America set to a soul and blues-infused backing track. Filled with racial imagery and tributes to victims of violence and Civil Rights activists (Trayvon Martin, Malcolm X and Dr. MLK to name a few), 'BLACK EFFECT' tackles the widespread police brutality and institutionalised racial bias still prevalent in modern day United States; juxtaposing it with the the image of Black beauty and grace. Is there a better spokesperson for this message in America? We doubt it.
Not all danger and woe on 'Everything Is Love', however, as album opener 'SUMMER' is cunning and witty with an air of romance. Warm beats and inside jokes between the couple; just as Lemonade ended with a chance for forgiveness, SUMMER opens with a leisurely jive as Jay and Bey talk sweet to each other about lovemaking and amnesty. The strong flip between the two is evidenced by the depth of feeling that went into this album. However, it is 'BOSS' that proves to be the most powerful. Equal parts witty, gritty and mean, Beyoncé is in rare form as she raps "My great-great-grandchildren already rich / That’s a lot of brown children on your Forbes list.” Romping through the track as if they won the Super Bowl, the Carters want you to know exactly who crashed your party.
In parts, it is dark and abrasive with waves of anger, in others it is full of laughter and love; a couple at peace in a world of turmoil. The variety and bombastic nature leave almost no time to catch your breath, with so much anticipation before each line. This is not just a victory lap for the doubters, this is a parade to remind everyone who sits on the Throne.
By Benjamin Magee