Recently, Solange released her third album A Seat At the Table, and it took the world by storm. I must say I am completely in love with it. According to Pitchfork.com,  “it already seems like a document of historical significance, not just for its formidable musical achievements but for the way it encapsulates black cultural and social history with such richness, generosity, and truth.”

Agreed. This album has made me the ultimate Solange fan. To me, this album embodies the struggle of Black women and men in this society and the trauma that they face. Solange is as bold and direct as they come with this album, and although it is soothing to the ear, the lyrics are hitting hard.

One of my favorites from A Seat At the Table is the powerful Don’t Touch My Hair.  I resonated with this particular song because it spoke to the inner me. There are times when Black men and women are discriminated against or aren’t accepted because of our hair texture and styles.

There was a time when I was afraid to wear my natural hair because I was afraid what others would think of me or how I would be portrayed. I continued to get relaxers and straightened my hair because I thought that was who I was, but it was not.

After being in college, I started to evolve; and transitioned into this natural being inside and out.

“Channeling an anxiety that’s been festering for centuries, Solange connects black women’s hair to privacy and personhood. ‘You know this hair is my shit,’ she declares, her rage unfurling then shrinking away, like a stretched curl,” said Stephen Kearse.

There are songs like Don’t Touch My Hair that encourages others to embrace who they truly are regardless of what anyone thinks.

Like anyone else, I struggled with my identity. That’s why lyrics such as these:

Don’t touch my hair
When it’s the feelings I wear
Don’t touch my soul
When it’s the rhythm I know
Don’t touch my crown
They say the vision I’ve found
Don’t touch what’s there
When it’s the feelings I wear

help me when I am in doubt or insecure. Yasss, Solange! If you haven’t heard this album yet, you are missing out on some beautiful lyrics and a relaxing melodic sound.

I give A Seat At the Table 4 stars.