B'Day by Beyonce
Beyonce's second album B'Day is a perfect collection of tunes for a party. It is dominated by bouncy numbers with strong beats that will make you want to get up and dance. The album was finished in time for release on the singer's 25th birthday, which explains the title.
A star-studded team of producers were involved in making this album, including The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz and Rich Harrison.
The singer's boyfriend Jay-Z also turns up on two songs, opener Deja Vu and Upgrade U. Both are pulsating dance tracks.
Most of the songs have a trendy pop/R&B vibe. But Suga Mama features a refreshingly funky soul sound, a tribute to the 1970s.
Ring the Alarm is probably the most impressive track. The former Destiny's Child diva shows her aggressive side, singing - or rather shouting - from the top of her lungs over booming beats.
