14 DAY TRIAL // One of the biggest plagues of recording artists has been said to be the Internet, especially when they’re trying to keep something under wraps until the big unveiling. Of the lot, pop star Beyonce got to know more than once what it means to have her tracks leaked on the world wide web. This time is no exception, as a new track, “I’m Proud to Be an American [God Bless the USA],” was just leaked and has reached fans sooner than anticipated.
Given that this recently leaked cover is not included on any album or collection, therefore close to nothing is known of it, speculation in the media, and especially on R&B focused blogs, has it that she might actually be signing it at the Obama inauguration. Which, come to think of it, would be quite understandable – but still pending confirmation.
While moments after it was leaked, whispers on the net said that the track was something that Beyonce herself had written, further investigation on behalf of the fans revealed that it was not so. “I’m Proud to Be an American” is actually a cover of the song with the same title by country singer and fervent patriot Lee Greenwood but, by all accounts, Beyonce’s rendition is close to breathtaking, both fans and critics agree.
Beyonce’s latest studio material, the double disc “I Am… Sasha Fierce,” was released in November 2008 and, despite climbing quickly in all charts and, in doing so, imposing the diva’s new alter-ego, Sasha Fierce, was received with mixed reviews. Most critics agreed that, with it, the star had delivered yet another typically Beyonce product, strong and of high quality, but others also opined that, unlike ever before, she was trying too hard.
Be that as it may, “I’m Proud to Be an American” can be listened here. Whether it makes what will surely be a tough cut and Beyonce will perform it at the inauguration remains to be seen. So, keep an eye on this space for further details.