When Beyoncé announced her new album Renaissance over a month ahead of its July 29 release, it was clear the superstar was doing away with the surprise element she used for her self-titled album and Lemonade in favor of a proper, traditional capital-r rollout. As such, we’ve gotten small teases here and there since: a Vogue story hinting at the album’s sound, a lead single in the instant earworm “Break My Soul, and now today brings the album cover, . which features a resplendent shot of Beyoncé in a minimalist metallic outfit and riding atop a see-through glowing horse.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment,” Beyonce wrote in the caption. “A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
The statement is consistent with the sound and themes of “Break My Soul,” on which Beyoncé sings about finding a renewed sense of purpose atop a joyous house beat that evokes “Show Me Love” by Robin S.
According to a report in Variety, the album will be part of a multi-part series, hence it being sub-titled Act I. The LP will also apparently feature contributions from Ryan Tedder ( and Raphael Saadiq .
Fans online have commented that the cover bears a resemblance to John Collier’s 1887 painting Lady Godiva, and an image of Bianca Jagger on horseback at legendary Manhattan nightclub Studio 54. Others have noted that there is a long history of Beyoncé riding horses in photographs and videos, a likely nod to her Texas heritage.