The Bottom Line
Consistency is a hallmark of the recorded work of Beyonce. It's always good to have her back on the radio. However, an artist of her stature has the ability to carry pop and r&b music to a new place if she chooses. "Deja Vu" is too comfortable bringing back past memories to take us anywhere new.
Listen to "Deja Vu" via Beyonce on MySpace.
Pros
- Beyonce's larger-than-life personality
- Jay-Z's confident raps
- Rodney Jerkins' old-school infused production
Cons
- Yes, it is deja vu
Description
- Old-school horns
- Solid raps from Jay-Z
- Beyonce's familiar vocals
Guide Review - Beyonce featuring Jay-Z - Deja Vu
When I reviewed "Check On It,", Beyonce's last #1 hit single, an outtake from the Destiny's Child compilation #1's, I mentioned that it felt like a radio placeholder while we waited for something to take us back to the peaks of "Crazy In Love" and "Naughty Girl." With "Deja Vu," the newest single, it feels like we're still waiting. There's nothing in particular wrong with the new single, but it lacks a sense of true exhilaration.
Kicking off the song with Beyonce's calls of "Bass, hi-hat, 808, and, finally, Jay" followed with "Let's go get 'em," we're prepped for thrilling moments to come that never quite arrive. Producer Rodney Jerkins bathes "Deja Vu" in tasty old-school horns, and Beyonce's life partner Jay-Z is a welcome presence. Near the end of the song Beyonce steps up the emotion a notch, but it ultimately comes off as a tease since she fails to cut loose.
The next full length Beyonce collection B-Day is due in stores September 5, 2006. I will be among those waiting eagerly to see where Beyonce will take us next.
