It’s been 5 years since the release of Beyoncé’s Lemonade, the iconic sixty-five minute visual album accompanying her album of the same name. In honour of this milestone we’re celebrating the artform of the visual album and its power to mesmerize the eyes and elevate the music. Here are 5 visual albums released after Lemonade to fall in love with.

La Maison Noir, 2018

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La Maison Noir

Petite Noir
Dir. Rochelle Nembhard

Produced in collaboration with Red Bull Music this striking film depicts the artist alongside other actors encountering the elements: earth, wind, fire and air but also transcending them. The work mirrors Petite Noir’s life journey referencing the Congolese cosmogram and the duality of the creative force.

‍The Jungle is the Only Way Out, 2019

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The Jungle is the Only Way Out

Mereba
Dir. Dawit N. M.

Mereba’s 7 minute visual EP adds another dimension to the artist's sultry soul vibes. The final shot is of a wide shoreline at sunset. 5 friends play in the water, and as the scene fades out Mereba sings “Not trying to get by, I’m trying to get free.”

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The Essence Part 1, 2019

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The Essence Part I, II & III

Ashley Chin | Michael ‘Buck’ Maris | April Walker
Dir. Myles Whittingham

Technically this is not a visual album, however, the three-part short film is inspired by U.K. rapper Giggs’ music, with each part using a different Giggs album as its soundtrack. Released separately in 2019 and 2020, the story follows Isaac, a young Black man living in London, and his life following his release from jail. You can taste the texture of London in these films, and the music is U.K. Grime at its finest.

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Things I Imagined/ Down with the Clique, 2019

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When I Get Home

Solange
Dir. Solange Knowles

Solange’s thirty minute film was released in 2019 to accompany the second album released on her Saint Records label. The imagery feels achingly familiar, it speaks of Black futurism and creative expression, and when put in motion with Solange’s clear often heartbreaking voice the whole project has a dreamlike quality. This is not to be missed and marks the artist’s move from music into visual arts and performance.

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Guava Island, 2019

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Guava Island

Donald Glover
Dir. Hiro Murai

Donald Glover’s brother Stephen Glover wrote the screenplay for this fifty-five minute film starring Rihanna and Letitia Wright. The film details the relationship between Deni Maroon (Glover) and Kofi Novia (Rihanna) as Deni attempts to produce a music festival in his town. Peppered with Childish Gambino songs and the refreshingly honest irony that resonates through all of his projects, Guava Island is a warm delight.