Beyoncé takes a stand in ‘Formation’ quite firmly

After almost two years, Beyoncé released her first new song, titled “Formation.” The video was released on YouTube and Tidal preceding her Sunday appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show. One thing needs to be stated, though; this song is Beyoncé’s most direct political work to date. She has made direct marks on police brutality, hurricane Katrina, and black financial power. Her almost perfect blend of aesthetic and political needs is highly appreciated.

Beyoncé states her opinions and delivers them well

What is also worth mentioning is the timing of her release. She released the song just 24 hours before the Super Bowl. The song is radically written with some explicit remarks and situations. The video shows a post-Katrina landscape as Beyoncé straddles a New Orleans police cruiser. The clip ends with a black kid dancing in a hoodie as the camera pans over graffiti that says ‘Stop Shooting Us.’

The video seems like the ultimate declaration by Beyoncé. She wants people to know and understand that she is still grounded and aware. She wants to say that she has opinions, and she is not afraid to share them on a national and global level. She has once again proven how big an impact one can make through striking visuals, clever lyrics, and good narratives. The video is not just about police brutality but about black experience in America in 2016. She talks about standards of beauty, lack of empowerment, culture, and history.

Stunning dance moves and powerful lyrics

Beyoncé renders her politics both literally and colloquially. She prides herself with her opinions, and her radicalism is implicit. She holds her old identity in this new space. Beyoncé is both old South and new South — her musical and aesthetic approaches exist on a continuum. But like every other Beyoncé video, this one has some new dance moves and a stunning array of looks. The video is highly substantial and celebrates similar themes: capitalism, ignoring haters, black beauty, racial pride, and family.

The woman celebrates her sexuality and the way she feels about phases of life. The way she holds up her middle finger, her perfectly painted gothic mouth, wrists, and neck dripping in pearls and jewels, her face barely visible behind a low-brimmed hat — all of it together accentuates her persona.  “Formation” can be considered the heaviest thing that she has done as an artist. She seems strong and righteously opinionated.

There is also a mention of her husband, Jay Z, at the beginning of the song, where she sings, “I’m so possessive so I rock his Roc necklaces.” There’s the mention of her parents; “My daddy Alabama, my mother Louisiana.” And, of course, there’s Blue Ivy, her daughter, striking a beautiful pose. Beyoncé leaves her fans awed and mesmerized yet again. “Formation” makes you fall for Beyoncé again as she moves with panache and sings with a voice that is completely soothing. She is the clear source of power with lyrics like “I slay, I slay, I slay, all day.” This is more feeling myself than “Feelin’ Myself,” more flawless than “Flawless.”