Beyonce Knowles has released her third solo album after the Destiny's Child train finally came to a hault. She has proved her worth by dropping her best album ever. The double CD is just awesome. It completely obliterates some critics' comments that the end of Destiny's Child was also the end of Beyonce.

The CD sold almost half a million copies in its first week,and was released in several versions. On the I am... side,Beyonce shows a certain serious maturity that characterises the tried and tested work of yester-year's divas such as Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton. Before I got the CD I had only the chance to listen to mainly two tracks that were given massive attention on the radio. These are If I Were A Boy (from CD1) and Single Ladies-Put A Ring On It (CD2). This led me to believe that these were the best tracks on the release,but after listening to the whole package,I wish to change my mind. If I Were A Boy comes with a Joan Osbourne feel to it. The song was co-written by an upcoming 20 something songwiter known as BC Jean (a girl) and veteran Toby Gad who has written for a host of stars including Enrique Eglesias and Sean Kingston,to mention just small fraction of his conquests.

I am completely taken by the track Satellites (from CD1). It has a graceful feel to it that is nicely presented by its strings that can penetrate the mind of even the most ardent critic. It is completely divorced from the well-known arse-all-over-the-place trademark that Beyonce is best known for,which is reserved for the other CD (Sasha Fierce). I didn't think she could drop it altogether! Ave Maria is an absolute hit. It is nicely arranged with a disciplined bassline and flowing piano that you would hardly recognise its Beyonce. It incredibly brings out Beyonce's bold femininity and presents it through a milky voice that just massages the listener's ear throughout its almost 4 minutes duration.

The track Halo,originally offered to Leona Lewis by the writer,and Save The Hero are smash hits that would leave you asking for more. Video Phone on the Sasha Fierce side has a quasi-Ragga resonance in the lyrics that made me instantly think of Diana King and Patra,especially when she says You Say You Like My Bag/ And The Colour Of My Nails/..................I Got No Time For Fronting/I Know Just What Im Wanting/. If given to Diana King this track will become another hit,anyway its just a thought.

The two sides (the Cinderella,sweet girl  I Am...... and the bitchy,no nonsense,full speed,bull-proof, ..Sasha Fierce) are direct polar opposites that you would think they were done by two different people,that was the whole idea! On the whole I give Beyonce a double thumbs up for this package.