Beyonce Talks New Album in Letter to Fans: "I Have Taken Risks Here"

Beyoncé has penned a letter to her fans to talk about her new album, due out November 18th. While the LP is shrouded in mystery — we only know that Justin Timberlake will appear and two of the singles are called "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies" — Mrs. Jay-Z tells fans, "My music will explain it all. I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby."

Beyoncé admits she spent more time working on this album than any other in her career. "I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now, and I wanted people to see the many sides of me," she adds. "The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side, and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here." The aforementioned singles will hit radio October 7th.

Related Stories:
• Beyonce Readies New Album For November 18th
• Report: Jay-Z and Beyoncé Wed in Private NYC Ceremony
• Mariah, Miley, Beyonce and Others Join Up For Cancer Research Single

• 
  MUSIC The Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments
• 
  MOVIES & TV 'Game of Thrones': The Show Vs. the Books
• 
  POLITICS Matt Taibbi: Facebook IPO vs. Shareholders
• 
  VIDEOS Exclusive: Garbage Rip Through 'I Think I'm Paranoid'

Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter