B'day (Deluxe Edition) by Beyonce

Personnel: Beyonce; Erik Hermansen, Keyon Harold, Alejandro Fernandez, Mauricio Guerrero, Cori Jacobs. Recording information: Sony Music Studios, New York, NY. Beyonce had little to prove on her second solo outing, B'DAY, having already demonstrated her taste, (solo) vocal prowess, and sparkling star quality on her first post-Destiny's Child release in 2003. Nevertheless, the singer and her crack team of producers and collaborators (R & B's finest, including the Neptunes, Swizz Beats, and Rich Harrison) have come up with a collection that's at least equal to her previous triumphs, and that shows off an almost angry intensity only hinted at on earlier releases. The club hit " Deja Vu, " with an extended rap from boyfriend/producer Jay-Z, boasts an addictive bass line that contrasts dramatically with Beyonce's emotive upper register. The haunting " Ring the Alarm " is a multilayered melodrama built around a dizzying minor-key hook that relies on Beyonce's vocal dexterity and newfound fire. Despite the appealing ...