On her sixth studio album, Lemonade, Beyoncé is back more dark, reserved, honest, and above all, real. Lemonade hits every emotion imaginable and puts the listener right into the heart of Knowles’ biggest realization, her husband’s infidelity.

Lemonade is something listeners have never heard, or in the case of her visual album, seen before from Beyoncé. From the softly spoken introduction of “Pray You Catch Me,” to the violent rage and realization of “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” Lemonade strikes a chord as something so fantastically real from a person who at times seems so polished and unreal.

Beyoncé finally opens up about her life, and does it in the best way possible, by letting each track speak for itself.

“Pray You Catch Me” opens the album and sets the stage perfectly for Lemonade’s theme, infidelity. The song begins the journey of sadness as Knowles realizes the love of her life is cheating. This emotion is felt through breathy, desperate vocals, paired with chilling accompaniment from a lone violin and piano.

“Hold Up,” while definitely not a highlight of the album, explores a completely different genre for Beyoncé: reggae. In the song, she expresses her thoughts, ranging from how she can regain his love, to her insane jealousy which at times morphs into rage. However, all of these feelings are paired with music that could easily be mistaken for happiness despite the song’s dark lyrical content.

“Don’t Hurt Yourself” is by far the largest departure from anything Beyoncé has previously released. Combining rage with 90s grunge and reggae beats makes for the most unapologetically real experience on Lemonade.

“Sorry” continues the progression of emotions; the rage turning into carelessness, but also independence. Knowles definitely is NOT sorry, and expresses her decision to leave her husband behind R&B Beats and an entire drum line.

“6 Inch” is quite possibly the most stereotypically “Beyoncé” song on the entire album, yet somehow manages to feel completely different than her past work. Maybe it is the sultry and deep vocals, or the roaring bass in the background. Either way “6 Inch” is an instant hit blaring independence and anger following leaving her husband.

“Daddy Lessons” is a song that once again displays Beyoncé’s stylistic versatility, its production smashing Louisiana jazz and Texas country western together for yet another album highlight. The song departs from previous songs on Lemonade, in that it parallels her father’s infidelity, but also strength with that of her husband.

“Love Drought” at first glance feels like a filler track, but upon second glance provides the thematic bridge from depression and rage to forgiveness. What’s more is Knowles’ full vocal range on display, which is somehow subdued and reserved. This is similar to the emotions she continues to fight against.

“Sandcastles” may be the most defining song in Beyoncé’s career. The soulful and desperate vocals stay with the listener long after. The lone piano takes a backseat to Knowles’ vocal ability, and projects the emotions of sadness and remorse, but also the love she continues to feel for her husband as the good memories are “washed away.”

“Forward” is a small snippet in a long chain of memorable ballads on Lemonade. Sung almost entirely by James Blake with harmonies provided by Knowles, “Forward” flows directly out from “Sandcastles” and becomes an extension of it rather than a completely new track. Yet “Forward” plays an integral part in the album by quite literally pushing not only her emotions, but also the album forward.

“Freedom” is THE highlight of Lemonade and portrays Beyoncé’s lyrical, emotional, and even professional growth. While the entire album at its roots praises Knowles’ African American heritage, “Freedom” screams independence from stereotypes and negativity in her life. The song also has the most fascinating production of any track on the album, mixing notes of Jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop. The song’s defiant rage is further instilled through roaring bass and a full drumline while the gospel organ accompaniment gives it a traditional and inspiring vibe. Overall, “Freedom” declares Knowles’ freedom from all expectations.

“All Night” is the last song on the album and officially ends another chapter in Beyoncé’s career. The track comes full circle in the story of infidelity with forgiveness, happiness, and sensuality. “All Night” is at root a jazz track with accompanying trumpets, saxophones, and heavy bass characteristic of the genre. Overall, the track truly feels like a conclusion to an era for Knowles. It has roots in every one of Knowles’ previous albums, Dangerously in Love, B-Day, I Am… Sasha Fierce, 4, and Beyoncé, and realistically is an ending, leaving us both hungering for what is next and satiated at the same time.

Overall, Lemonade leaves the listener completely content and accepting that THIS is the career defining album of Beyoncé. Nothing more is expected of her. Beyoncé could take a break following her Formation World Tour, and the world would be okay with that. Lemonade is a perfect ending to a decade dominated by the most powerful woman in music. It sets expectations, achieves them, and then shatters them, unapologetically.