Beyoncé’s new single ‘Break My Soul’: The first taste of ‘Renaissance’

US pop star Beyoncé has released a single from her forthcoming solo album Renaissance, her first solo record in six years. The track, called Break My Soul, combines elements of rap and house music, and showcases the singer’s impressive vocal range. The song was produced by Terius “The-Dream” Nash and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, who also produced Beyoncé's hit song Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), which won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2010. The producers are also responsible for chart-topping songs such as Umbrella by Rihanna and Baby, which was one of Justin Bieber’s first hits.

In Break My Soul, Beyoncé sings about her desire to do great things and accept challenges. She tackles the issue of burnout (Work by nine, then off past five / And they work my nerves, that’s why I cannot sleep at night) before moving to a place of security and empowerment (Got motivation / I done found me a new foundation / And I’m takin’ my new salvation / And I’ma build my own foundation). The song makes it clear that Beyoncé has a new life mantra: You won’t break my soul.

The base of Break My Soul is a sample from the house classic Show Me Love by Robin S., which will be 30 years old next year. The song also includes verses from the track Explode (2014), by rapper Big Freedia, which are in tune with Beyconé's message: Release ya stress / Release the love / Forget the rest.

Although Beyoncé has not released a solo album since Lemonade in 2016, the 40-year-old artist has remained active in the music industry. During these years, the Texan pop star released The Carters (2018), an album she made with her husband, rapper Jay-Z; she created the soundtrack for The Lion King (2019) and wrote the title song for the film King Richard (2021). Now it’s Beyoncé's time to shine as a solo artist again. Renaissance, which is set to have 16 tracks, will be released on July 29.