Solange: A Seat at the Table

By Jayde-Rhiannon Jackson, Photo Editor

Singer-songwriter Solange Knowles released her third studio album this past week. This new R&B artist, whose past albums were alternative or pop, has changed up her style.

A Seat at the Table was meant to talk about black survival, showing a very independent and outgoing side of Solange, especially with the risky topic she chose.

Her past albums have had a more funky feel which gave off a very positive vibe. A Seat at the Table has a more serious tone and has taken a different turn. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé have also written albums or songs about black lives.

“Cranes in the Sky,” the most popular song on the album, is informing the listeners how Solange feels and how she is treated as an African American woman. She tells the listeners she is involved in many different activities to try and make this pain go away, regarding the way African American women are treated. 

Solange in the "Cranes in the Sky" music video.
Photo by Arthur Jafa and Alan Ferguson
Solange in the “Cranes in the Sky” music video.

With many interludes on this album, they all have a meaning. Knowles has said in interviews that the people in these interludes are her family or friends. “Dad Was Mad” being the most popular interlude on the album was about the Ku Klux Klan and how African Americans were treated by anyone who was racist.

“Don’t Touch My Hair” is more about Knowles and wanting her personal space as an artist. She feels more surrounded and as if she has no space to be alone. She then continues to say “that this hair is mine,” meaning for everyone to keep their hands off of her. “F.U.B.U,” featuring The-Dream and BJ the Chicago, is talking about how many non-black people will talk about the n-word and how it is disrespectful to African Americans and their culture.

One of the visuals for A Seat at the Table.
Photo by Carlota Guerrero
One of the visuals for A Seat at the Table.

Solange Knowles is trying to bring equal rights and the black lives matter movement into focus. After working on this album for about two years, while also working on EP’s along the way, A Seat at the Table moved 76,000 units in the second week. Her album has become number one in the United States. This album is worth all the praise and glory it has received; all the songs are worth buying.