Solange’s “A Seat at the Table” Impressive, Prescient

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Marisa Goodall, Opinion Editor

Contrary to popular belief, Beyonce is not the sole Knowles. Solange Knowles, 30, is also a recording artist who has recently released her third studio album, entitled “A Seat At The Table.” With the recent racial tension, discrimination, and police brutality, this album expresses a pride of being black in America. However, this album is also an ode to self expression, according to Solange, who says, “Throughout the different eras of the album, I found my voice and it became clearer and clearer through the backdrop of what was happening in the world and everyday life. Lyrically, everything that came to me on this record was directly influenced by my personal journey, but also the journey of so many people around me.”

Solange documents aspects of being black in America through her spoken interludes by Tina Knowles, her father, and Master P. The interludes, such as Dad Was Mad, Tina Taught Me, This Moment, and For Us By Us share the experiences of the three aforementioned people. From segregated schools to pride suppression, these interludes capture the experiences so vividly because they are personal.

Songs like Mad, Don’t Touch My Hair, and F.U.B.U. take a more defensive and unwavering stance. For example, Solange croons, “You got the right to be mad” in Mad, featuring American rapper Lil Wayne, which suggests that black people are allowed to be mad about the social injustices over the course of American history.  In Don’t Touch My Hair, a tune that considers African American hair, Solange hums, “Don’t touch my hair/ When it’s the feeling I wear” as she notes how her hair is also a form of self expression. In F.U.B.U, Solange chants, “Made this song to make it all y’alls turn” which sums up the song’s theme of unity.

Solange also focuses on self care and self reflection in Rise ,Weary, and Crane In The Sky.  These songs act almost like a diary. In this way, Solange expresses herself and gives insight to her experiences yet relates with her audience by asking questions in her songs such as “Do you belong?” in Weary or by singing directly to you like in Rise when she commands, “Fall in your ways so you can crumble.”

Listeners should seek out Solange’s A Seat At The Table because it starts the conversation about many issues in a graceful manner and caters to many emotions in varying styles.

Mistry, Anupa. “An Honest Conversation With Solange Knowles.” The FADER. The FADER, 30 Sept. 2016. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.