A Year Later, The World Never Got Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Visuals
Millions of fans have wondered for more than a year now where all those supposed Renaissance music videos could be.
Over a year has passed since the highly-anticipated release of Beyoncé’s groundbreaking album, Renaissance. The masterful collection of songs took the music world by storm, thrilling audiences with its artistic prowess and sonic brilliance. While the album itself left an indelible mark, there remains an elusive aspect of this era that continues to intrigue and perplex fans: the missing visuals that were teased but never fully materialized.
As the world eagerly anticipated the arrival of Renaissance, Beyoncé tantalizingly hinted at accompanying visuals, a promise that seemed poised to elevate the album’s impact even further. The teaser for the opening track, “I’m That Girl,” was a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been. The clip, although not explicitly labeled as a music video, exuded all the qualities of one. It was almost long enough to be one! Yet, it left fans yearning for more, as it showcased only a fraction of the song.
What was most striking about that upload is that it features a moment that shows that there is a lot left to be shown. In one fast montage, it becomes clear that Beyoncé filmed many shots in dozens of outfits, hairstyles, and in as many locations. That one section certainly makes it appear as though the singer has filmed a lot that the world hasn’t seen, and the powerhouse vocalist surely meant for it to have that impression.
Beyoncé’s history of delivering comprehensive visual experiences alongside her albums heightened expectations for Renaissance. Her previous projects, such as Lemonade and her self-titled album, featured stunning and intricate music videos that served as visual companions to the music. They were both marketed as films or visual albums, as every bit of music earned its own video. So, it wouldn’t be odd to assume that Renaissance might receive the same treatment.
As the months went by and Renaissance celebrated its first anniversary, the absence of the promised visuals became increasingly conspicuous. Fans wondered why Beyoncé had chosen not to release the full-fledged music videos that seemed to be in the making, or perhaps even done. Speculations abounded, with questions about whether the visuals were still in production or if there were creative or logistical challenges that had delayed their release. Perhaps the star, a noted perfectionist, wasn’t happy with how they turned out?
During the initial leg of her Renaissance Tour, she playfully addressed the situation with a recorded message before performing her hit “Formation.” Her message, delivered in true Beyoncé style, stated, “You’ve asked for the visuals. You’ve called for the queen – but a queen moves at her own pace, bitch! [She] decides when she wants to give you a fucking taste!”
As time continues to pass, some fans remain hopeful that Beyoncé’s promise of a taste of the visuals indicates that they are still on the horizon. However, the uncertainty surrounding their release has led others to question if these mesmerizing pieces of art will ever see the light of day.
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.