"Alien Superstar" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé. It is the third track on her seventh studio album, Renaissance (2022), which was released on July 29, 2022, through Parkwood and Columbia.
Composition
Pitchfork writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd described the song as an "old way house anthem", comparing the track's musicality to that of Vanity 6.[1] The "futuristic" dance-pop and R&B[2] song features heavy synthesizer production[3][4] and elements of ballroom music, such as usage of the term "category", throughout the song.[5][6] Beyoncé goes from rapping in a monotone delivery during the verses, before singing over stacked vocals during the choruses.[7][8]
Critical reception
Upon release of the parent album, "Alien Superstar" received positive reviews from critics.
Ranking it as the eighth best song off the album, Billboard praised the song's unconventional song structure, "warbling synths", and utilization of rapping and stacked vocals.[7]The New York Times called the song a "bold pop homage to ballroom culture" that delves into themes of Afrofuturism, and self-celebration.[9] Kevin Fallon of The Daily Beast deemed it as Renaissance's "stand-out track", praising its "ode to queer dance-floor anthems".[10]Pitchfork and NPR both placed the song on their Best Songs of 2022 lists, ranking the at number two and number five respectively.[8] The former publication called it a "new-gen ballroom staple" and compared its funky and electronic sound to that of Prince.[11]
Beyoncé first performed "Alien Superstar" in Stockholm, Sweden on the opening night of the Renaissance World Tour, including it on the setlist for the duration of the tour.[13] The song is featured in the robotic-themed "Renaissance" act of the tour and follows a transition from "Cozy". The performance starts with Beyoncé pantomiming that she's asleep, with her dancers holding up a quilted bedspread and pillows designed by Victor Weinsanto.[14] She then 'wakes up' and holds her hands up while spelling out "Unique" and counting down with her fingers. The performance continues with the song's intro. During the second chorus, elements of "Sweet Dreams" are used such as the instrumental and select lyrics.[15]
A number of outfits were worn during this section over the course of the tour, starting with a custom Courrèges outfit from the fall 2023 collection.[16][17] At later dates, she wore a custom Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini bodysuit,[17][18] a metallic Balmain bodysuit, and a silver-and gold Lanvin bodysuit with cutouts.[17]
During a performance of the song at a show in Arizona, there was an audio malfunction that caused Beyoncé and her dancers to temporarily retreat.[19] She then restarted the performance, wearing a new metallic outfit with wings designed by Juraj Zigman.[20][21]
^Valentine, Claire (2022-07-29). "Beyoncé's "Alien Superstar" Lyrics Meaning, Explained". Nylon. Retrieved 2023-10-27. The ballroom track is an ode to the otherworldliness within. ... The latter third of "Alien Superstar," which is already a straight up ballroom song.
^Mahale, Jenna. "Every track on Beyoncé's Renaissance, ranked". i-D. Retrieved 2023-10-27. Beyoncé borrows language from ballroom competitions to make the assessment: "Category… sexy bitch, I'm the bar."
^ ab"The 100 Best Songs of 2022". NPR Music. NPR. December 15, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2023. "Stilettos kicking vintage crystal off the bar," she pouts in an aloof monotone, then breaks into a sex-kitten moan. ... as she raps about reveling in the power of our sexuality.
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