Beyonce - I Am Sasha Fierce - 2008

'I Am.... Sasha Fierce' is the third studio album from the talented RnB star, Beyonce Knowles. Split into two separate discs, the incredible vocal ability of the former Destiny's Child singer is presented here in two halves. While one discportrays her fun and upbeat side, the other draws on the reflective, moody and passionate qualities that have always given her work so much depth. This remarkable follow-up to 2006's 'B'Day' includes the singles 'If I Were A Boy' and 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)', while this deluxe edition features five additional tracks.

Track Listing

Disc 1:
If I Were A Boy
Halo
Disappear
Broken-Hearted Girl
Ave Maria
Smash Into You
Satellites
That's Why You're Beautiful

Disc 2:
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Radio
Diva
Sweet Dreams
Video Phone
Hello
Ego
Scared Of Lonely

The latest outing from former Destiny's Child starlet Beyonce is an intentionally schizophrenic affair. Splitting herself into two separate characters--herself and alter ego Sasha Fierce--is the artist's way of presenting what she obviously sees as an artistic duality. The first set, I Am... is intended give a glimpse beneath the surface of her usual R&B-pop persona. Featuring recent single "If I Was a Boy," the soaring "Halo", and ballads like "Disappear", and "Ave Maria", it seems her "real" self is way more saccharine than the lady that brought us sassy pop moments like "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy". That side of her personality comes rushing back out on Sasha Fierce, a more rousing collection that kicks off with the infectious handclaps of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", ventures into Euro-dance territory with "Radio" and gets surprisingly risque with the voyeuristic "Video Phone". Which part of the album you enjoy most will depend on your musical proclivities, But the new, bifurcated Beyonce ensures there's enough diversity to satisfy the most demanding pop aficionado. --Danny McKenna 
Customer Reviews

Absolutely fantastic!! 
This is an absolutely sensational album in my opinion-I have never been a massive Beyonce fan and whilst I enjoyed Bday-it is not even in the same league as this collection. 

The first CD is mainly made up of great ballads and mid-tempo songs: 
1.If I Were A Boy-great pop song, justifiably high-charting! And her performance of it on X-factor was outstanding. 10/10 
2.Halo-Repetetive chorus makes this song addictive and powerful. 10/10 
3.Disappear-Great lower range showcased here. 8/10 
4.Broken-Hearted Girl-Love the synth effects on this fantastic ballad. 9/10 
5.Ave Maria-Verging on operatic, beautiful! 9/10 
6.Smash Into You-A hypnotic song, brilliant again! 9/10 
7.Satellites-In my opinion the weakest song on this CD, not bad though. 7/10 
8.That's Why You're Beautiful-The powerful guitars make this song great. 8/10 

The second CD is much more uptempo, although that's not to say there isn't a place for ballads here. 
1.Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)-Growling Beyonce is back! This takes a second listen to get into it. 8/10 
2.Radio-Slightly strained vocals, but I do like the song. 8/10 
3.Diva-Not my kinda song really-tuneless. 5/10 
4.Sweet Dreams-Love this song. 9/10 
5.Video Phone-Very strange premise, not my favourite. 7/10 
6.Hello-This is probably my favourite song on both CDs, a classy uptempo ballad. 10/10 
7.Ego-This is such a different sound, with its blaring trumpets and it works. 9/10 
8.Scared Of Lonely-The only song here that is a bit forgettable, not bad though. 7/10 

If you want a representative sample listen to the two lead singles, plus Hello, Diva and Halo.

I expected something so much better.. 
Its not a terrible album but it's far from perfect. 

Each song sounds the same and the album is far from interesting.. a big let down from Beyonce

Is this your sweet dream or your beautiful nightmare? 
Beyonce's recent release, "If I Were a Boy" helped greatly to make me decide to buy this album. Once I learnt that it contained two CDs, one full of ballads and one for the part of her that is meant to be more fierce, I decided it was an interesting concept and so bought this verion with extra tracks. 

Disc 1, I AM... opens with the brilliant single, "If I Were a Boy". This, for me, is typical Beyonce. It begins very gently, almost understated, but then builds up to a crescendo, making it a real stunner. Her voice, and the lyrics make this one of the most intelligent and heartfelt songs that I have heard for a long time. 
"Smash into You" from this CD is also worth a mention. Again, her voice is shown off to its full power. 
Disc 2, SASHA FIERCE opens with the equally brilliant "Single Ladies", pure dance. The attitude that we have begun to associate with Beyonce is on this track; one of a independent lady who knows how to say it like it is. 
"Video Phone" gives us the chance to see Beyonce's more naughty, risque side. 
My favourite from this CD is "Sweet Dreams". It has the edge that Beyonce is trying to create with her alter-ego, Sasha Fierce, but it also has the usual magic that you expect of her. The song is catchy and the music is brilliant. 

So, those are my standout favourites from the two CDs. Personally, I think the first CD is the most consistent, and I enjoy more of those tracks than the second disc. I suppose, whichever 'side' of her you prefer says something about yourself and your tastes. While this is not a bad album, I understand people's views when they say they would have liked more consistency. All in all though, it was an interesting concept and it didn't fall flat on its face. There should be enough to entertain you - would recommend this version, as you get more songs for your money.