Lemonade was Beyoncé’s album released in 2016 and widely described as a visual album.
It was released on April 23, 2016, after the premiere of an hour-long film on HBO. The project combines songs, poetry, narration and imagery into a connected exploration of betrayal, grief, heritage, reconciliation and Black womanhood.
Lemonade includes songs such as “Formation,” “Sorry,” “Hold Up” and “Freedom.” Its guest performers include Jack White, Kendrick Lamar, James Blake and The Weeknd. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received broad critical acclaim.
The term “visual album” can be confusing because the record is both an audio album and a film-length audiovisual work. It is not Beyoncé’s self-titled 2013 visual album, which used surprise release tactics and a video for every track. Lemonade instead presented its songs through one integrated film.