Beyoncé’s ‘Break My Soul’ Reunites the Same Producers Behind ‘Single Ladies’
Beyoncé‘s comeback single “Break My Soul” is a welcome return to music for the Queen Bey as she prepares for the release of her highly-anticipated seventh album Renaissance. The song itself represents another sort of return for Beyoncé, as she reunited with the producers behind her 2008 smash hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).”
‘Break My Soul’ is from Beyoncé’s new album ‘Renaissance’
Beyoncé first alluded to the title of her album Renaissance in a 2021 interview with Harper’s Bazaar. She recorded the album during the pandemic, and wanted to create something that would get people moving.
“With all the isolation and injustice over the past year, I think we are all ready to escape, travel, love, and laugh again,” she said. “I feel a renaissance emerging, and I want to be part of nurturing that escape in any way possible.”
British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enniful spoke about the album’s content, which he said resembles songs from the late 20th century. Given the rebirth of disco and house sounds in pop music in recent years, it wouldn’t be surprising if this was the Renaissance that Beyoncé’s album refers to.
“Soaring vocals and fierce beats combine and in a split second I’m transported back to the clubs of my youth,” he said. “I want to get up and start throwing moves. It’s music I love to my core. Music that makes you rise, that turns your mind to cultures and subcultures, to our people past and present, music that will unite so many on the dance floor, music that touches your soul.”
‘Break My Soul’ has the same producers as ‘Single Ladies’
“Break My Soul” is a dancefloor-ready track that invites listeners to forget about their worries and celebrate life. The song was a hit almost immediately after its release.
Given the production credits behind the song, it’s no surprise that “Break My Soul” made such a splash. Besides Beyoncé herself, the track was produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. The last time The-Dream and Tricky Stewart worked together on a Beyoncé song was 2008’s “Single Ladies,” which went on to earn three Grammy Awards and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It samples songs by Robin S. and Big Freedia
“Break My Soul” also features contributions from two other artists.
Hyping up the track is bounce artist Big Freedia, who teamed up with Beyoncé on her hit single “Formation.” “It feels surreal to be on the track with the Queen Beyoncé once again,” Big Freedia tweeted. “I’m so honored to be a part of this special moment. I’m forever grateful, Lord. Someone please catch me.”
The song also reworks Robin S.’s classic 1990 house track “Show Me Love.” When Robin S. learned that Beyoncé had sampled her song and shined a light on her, she was ecstatic. “I have a plethora of emotions going on right now,” she told ABC. “Elated, proud, happy, shocked, excited. I just keep going up and down the scale here.”
“I don’t know whether to cry because I’m so happy, or to laugh because this is so exciting, or do both at the same time,” she added. “I’m just moved. Because most times people give you your accolades after you’ve transitioned from this world. So, to be able to enjoy my flowers while I’m alive, I’m giddy. It feels good!”
