Beyoncé Unveils ‘Renaissance’ Album Cover

On Thursday, Beyoncé unveiled the album cover for her forthcoming seventh album Renaissance, the first act to a possible album series.

Bey is back. Two weeks after releasing her new single “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé surprised fans with the official album cover for her seventh album Renaissance. The regal image shows Bey in barely-there attire, mounted atop a glowing, translucent horse.

In an Instagram post that accompanied the album cover, the music icon explained the intention behind her forthcoming album.

“Creating this album allowed me a space to dream and to find escape during a scary time in the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving,” Bey wrote. “My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom, It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”

The album cover comes two weeks following the release of lead single “Break My Soul,” co-written by Bey, The Dream, Christopher Alan “Tricky” Stewart, JAY-Z, Adam Pigott and Freddie Ross. Allen George and Fred McFarlane, who wrote 1993 house hit “Show Me Love” by Robin S. which was sampled on “Break My Soul,” were also credited as co-writers. Also sampled on “Break My Soul” is 2014 song “Explode” by New Orleans bounce music legend Big Freedia.

Along with the announcement of Renaissance, Queen Bey released four mystery boxsets, all which will feature a t-shirt, CD, mini-poster and 28-page photo booklet. With each boxset sold out, fans can learn more about the forthcoming album in a new British Vogue profile.

Renaissance releases on July 29.