This article is about Beyonce, but I'm going to start by introducing you to my soccer mom van.

It's big. It's a maroon color. It's filled with disposable coffee cups and decorated with a vast array of scratches and dents caused by yours truly. I aptly named it Barney because it is, essentially, a giant purple dinosaur. As you can imagine, an aux cord doesn't exactly come with the package when it comes to older vehicles, so the cd's I do have I have gotten to know backwards and forwards. When the latest Pentatonix album started to drill a hole in my brain after the 1,000th time listening, I decided a trip to FYE was imperative.

I bought "Lemonade" expecting to hear Beyonce's typical set including an upbeat soulful jam, a song filled to the brim with innuendos, the classic ballad that blows everyone’s mind and, of course, the ragingly feministic track that empowers women everywhere. All of these things were included in "Lemonade," however I was not expecting to hear the masterpiece that I had the privilege of listening to. Beyonce dropped a concept album that centers around the theme of betrayal and enslavement, along with a visual album that features stunning images of black women and black culture throughout history.

Each song in the album transitions so smoothly and beautifully from one to the next so that one can sit back and listen to it from start to finish and take in the work as a whole. The visual album even includes spoken poetry in between each song that ad to the meaning and the depth of each theme presented in the album.

I would strongly recommend listening to the entire album from start to finish in order, because it takes you on a journey through time and space. Using the theme of a cheating husband, she goes through the many stages of dealing with betrayal and struggle, song by song, and each stage seems to have a different aspect of her personality. She emphasizes the different stages through influences of different genres and collaborations with other artists and in doing so, she creates an entire character and story in one album. Although she speaks of a cheating husband throughout every song, it is merely a tool used towards the ultimate goal and purpose of the album, which is unity; specifically unity of African American women.

When it is broken down, you see the album dealing with the many struggles African American women have dealt with throughout history, and continue to deal with in the present day. It offers a glimpse into the struggles of the people who are not only looked down on and ostracized for their race, but also their gender. She uses the themes of betrayal, heartache, enslavement, misunderstanding, anger, jealousy, forgiveness and unity as a demonstration of the beauty, struggle and ultimate power of the black woman.

To say that the album’s purpose is to call out JayZ for cheating is, in my opinion, an insult to the immense meaning in the work. Between its stunning visuals of the many styles and personalities of African American women throughout time and space, and its wide range of genre and style, it has proven itself a masterpiece. With that said, there are a few tracks in particular that are favorites of Barney, the big purple dinosaur soccer mom van, and I.

Ranking number five on my list, “Don’t Hurt yourself” ft. Jack White crashes in with a piercing drum track, grungy synthesizer and vocal track giving the piece an alternative feel. This paired with Beyonce’s tough belt and series of profanities gives off the anger this song is centered around. Jack White nailed this one.

At number four, “6 inch” ft. The Weekend depicts a hard working woman that grinds from Monday to Friday, Friday to Sunday, slays at the club and does what she has to to make her keep. This song is particularly strong because it portrays an image of a tough woman that doesn’t need a man, however she misses her love. The song ends with Beyonce singing “come back” but it is barely audible through the choking emotion in her voice.

“Sandcastles” ranks number three as an incredible ballad, centered around the process of forgiveness and moving forward. Her vocals are particularly strong on this track as she transitions from a low, chesty range to a heartbreaking falsetto. Her emotions bleed through her vocals in stunning ways in this track.

Beyonce takes a trip back in time to speak of her childhood in “Daddy Lessons”, ranked number two. She brings in heavy country influences on this track. Southern African American culture is featured through the instrumentation as trumpets wale and an acoustic guitar provides a swinging rhythm of the song.

Finally, at number one, “Freedom” ft. Kendrick Lamar drives with a blood pumping rhythm and an organ that brings you to church as Beyonce and Kendrick cry out against the injustice faced by African Americans throughout history into the present. Queen B’s vocals are especially impressive on this track as her soulful belt pierces through with horsepower strength and agility in her impeccable runs and riffs.

These are only five of the many amazing tracks on the album that are absolutely worth the listen. The most amazing thing about art and music is its ability to give a glimpse into the world and struggles of another human being, and represent those who struggle in this way. It allows people to open their eyes and become more accepting and empathetic towards a group of people, and this album is a wonderful example of this.

Now I know you’re thirsty, so go get yourself a tall glass of “Lemonade.”