Which Beyoncé album begins the planned trilogy that includes Renaissance?

Renaissance begins Beyoncé’s planned trilogy of albums.

Released in 2022, Renaissance is officially presented as “Act I” of a three-act project. Its sound draws heavily on house, disco, dance, funk, and Black queer club traditions. The album’s lead single was “Break My Soul,” which became Beyoncé’s eighth solo number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.

The project was followed by the concert film Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé in 2023. The album also earned major Grammy recognition, including Best Dance/Electronic Music Album.

The title can cause confusion because Renaissance is both the album name and the name of its accompanying world tour. It is also distinct from Cowboy Carter, a later album associated with another act in the trilogy.