One could approach Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s surprise collaborative LP with cynicism. Rumours of infidelity and marital problems were the focus of their previous solo records. Now, Everything is Love implies all’s rosy in the Carter household. Publicity stunt or personal expression? It doesn’t matter: the craft displayed on Everything Is Love is undeniable. The album begins with a gorgeous mellow jam, ‘Summer’, in which Beyoncé croons over a slow, soulful blend of drums, piano and guitar: it’s destined to be this year’s anthem for young lovers going to the beach. Next is ‘Apeshit’, a hard-hitting slice of hip hop wherein Beyoncé deploys her rarely-used rap skills. While Jay-Z’s verse is solid, the track, like most of the album, belongs to his wife who brings her own very particular energy to boasts about “livin’ lavish.” The tight nine-track release is split in two parts. To start, there’s more in the vein of ‘Apeshit’ with brags about fame and wealth dominating on ‘Boss’ and ‘Nice’. Individually, the tracks are fine, but the constant boasting gets repetitive. The album’s second half explores the theme of love in different guises. The stripped-back ‘Friends’ pays tribute to supportive loved ones, while ‘Black Effect’ sees Jay-Z spit bars on black culture over an electrifying sample from psychedelic Japanese rockers Flower Travellin’ Band. The couple get introspective with closer ‘LoveHappy’, the message being that, although they are “flawed”, “love is deeper than pain.” Don’t be fooled. Everything Is Love isn’t always successful, but like Beyoncé describing her relationship with Jay-Z, “the ups and downs are worth it.” Out Now

Rating: 7/10