On the eve of her scheduled guest appearance at the SuperBowl 50 halftime show, Beyoncé released one of the most important songs of the 2010s. Mirroring the industry-shaking digital drop of her self-titled album in 2013, Formation was released on Youtube and Tidal (as a free download) without prior announcement. The song and its provocative music video, which centered on black Southern culture and race dynamics in America, garnered almost equal amount of praise and uproar upon release. But the reception to the song paled in comparison to that of its high-production performance at the halftime show, which included symbolisms of the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black Panther Party. The song, video, and performance spawned countless thinkpieces on race relations, police brutality, feminism, capitalism, and identity politics. For Beyoncé, the release has become a turning point in her image; she simultaneously become one of the most glorified AND hated personalities in America.
Formation was universally lauded by critics, notably receiving the Best New Track acclaim from Pitchfork. It placed at or near the top of most music year-end and decade-end lists, swept its six nominations at the MTV VMAs including Video of The Year, and was nominated for Best Music Video, Record of The Year and Song of the Year, at the 2017 Grammys, where it was infamously snubbed at the latter 2 awards.
In the five years upon its release, Formation has undeniably became a cultural fixture --- an anthem for black expression, resistance, and empowerment.
Discussion
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What do you think of the song's lyrics, sound, and message? How did they age?
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Where would you place Formation on Bey's discography?
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From the 102929011 thinkpieces and backlash Formation got, what particularly resonated with you / you agreed with?
Really like Lemonade, especially Freedom, with Kendrick. Any recommendations?
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