Destiny Fulfilled

Destiny Fulfilled
Studio album by Destiny's Child
Released	November 10, 2004[1]
Recorded	2004
Genre	Pop, R&B[2]
Length	47:57
Label	Columbia Sony Urban
Producer	Beyoncé Knowles Kelly Rowland Michelle Williams Rich Harrison Matthew Knowles (executive) 9th Wonder Bryan Michael Cox Dre & Vidal Sean Garrett Rodney Jerkins Rockwilder Ric Rude Erron Williams Mario Winans WyldCard
Destiny's Child chronology
This Is The Remix (2002) Destiny Fulfilled (2004) #1's (2005)
Singles from Destiny Fulfilled
"Lose My Breath" Released: September 21, 2004 "Soldier" Released: December 7, 2004 "Girl" Released: January 16, 2005 "Cater 2 U" Released: June 14, 2005

Destiny Fulfilled is the fourth and final studio album by American R&B trio Destiny's Child, released on November 10, 2004. It was released on November 16, 2004 in North America. It marked the return of Destiny's Child after it went into hiatus, which allowed each member to release solo albums. The record saw each member equally contributing to the songwriting and production.

Destiny Fulfilled was released to generally mixed reviews among critics. The album reached number two on the US Billboard 200, and has since been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. As part of the album's promotion, the group embarked on the Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It tour, during which they announced their disbandment.

Background

Destiny Fulfilled came three years after the release of Destiny's Child's third studio album, Survivor. While recording Survivor in late 2000, Knowles announced that the group would be on hiatus that would allow each member to release an album, which they hoped would boost interest in Destiny's Child.^[3] The idea of solo releases emanated from the group's manager and Knowles' father, Mathew.^[4] Two members of the group, Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland, each released one album except Michelle Williams with two. While each member achieved domestic success, Knowles' had been regarded as the most successful with the release of 2003's Dangerously in Love, which enjoyed international commercial success and acclaim. This, along with their other ongoing projects, led to speculation over the disbandment of Destiny's Child. Amidst rumors and speculations, Rowland announced in 2004 their return to the studio to record what would become their final album. The group claimed that the reunion was destined to happen, and that their affinity to each other kept them together.^[5][6]

Right in the making of the album, they planned to part ways after their fourteen-year career to facilitate their continued pursuit in individual aspirations. Knowles has noted that their destinies were already fulfilled; however, Destiny's Child claimed that naming the album Destiny Fulfilled was not a coincidence of sort.^[7] Knowles has said that "the group felt it still had something to offer musically with" the album.^[8] Rowland commented: "We were like, 'You know what, we're getting older and we want to end on a high note.' We want to give our fans a great final record ..."^[9] Knowles, however, has commented regarding the finality of their career: "Who knows what will happen in three, five or 10 years? The main thing is that we maintain our friendship and that we do it because we want to -- not because it's a good business move."^[9]

Production

Production of the album began in summer of 2004. Destiny's Child took help from frequent collaborators including Rockwilder, Swizz Beatz and Rodney Jerkins. Jerkins, who had worked with Knowles' solo album, concerned how he would manage the production, saying, "How is this going to work?' Cause Beyoncé, she blew up solo, so how's it going to work in a group together?"^[7] Once inside the studio, however, his skepticism vanished as he saw the group's "excitement", calling the process "natural".^[7]

Differing from Survivor in that previously Knowles had taken an active role in writing and producing, Destiny Fulfilled saw each member contributing inputs culled from experiences. The ideas that constitute the album were said to have largely came from the group. In most cases, producers of the album would send them a CD containing a track that would be the group's basis in the songwriting process. Without the producer's supervision of which part to sing, that formed a new direction of their style different from the group's previous records. Traditionally, each member sings one verse and chimes in the chorus; in some songs in Destiny Fulfilled, their vocals are alternated in every line of the lyrics. Destiny's Child took the role of executive producing alongside their manager, Mathew Knowles. Beyoncé Knowles, who vocal produce the songs, commented that it was important for her to make sure their voices are audible and identifiable. Taking it as one of her goals, the group decided to focus on mid-tempo songs and few on dance and ballads—which they considered people cannot sing with. The group worked on the album within three weeks.^[6]

Theme

Ever since, every Destiny's Child album has to be personal in content according to Rowland, which she considered their main ingredient in every of their songs.^[10] Rowland was recently engaged in the time that influenced her songwriting. Rowland cited also that being apart from the group had an impact on the album: "All of us have been in three different places ... so there's a lot to talk about, a lot that's gone on, personally. I think it's important to talk about that on this new record, to put what we've been going through separately into the new record."^[10]

Apart from each other, Destiny's Child members exhausted their first week in the studio chatting what has gone while apart from each other. Subsequently, they decided to record their conversations that led to the theme of the album. Knowles commented that the process turned the songs somewhat telling a story and is continued on the subsequent songs. The album opens with "Lose My Breath", a song detailing a man full of promises to a woman. Knowles says, "He's not fulfilling you like he says, so you tell him, 'I need a soldier.'"^[6] The need continues to "Soldier", the following track. After finding the soldier, the third song, "Cater 2 U", is about serving this man they considered as such. According to the members, the songs are story of a group of women trying to find love; they, however, referred to this love as sisterhood.^[6]

Release and promotion

Destiny Fulfilled was released on November 10, 2004. It was released on November 16, 2004 in North America via Columbia Records. The earlier original release was canceled as the group's label was concerned to "potential for Internet leaks and 'burned' CD counterfeits" that could "lead consumers to experience inferior and incomplete versions of the album".^[11] The album's lead single, "Lose My Breath", premiered at AOL Music and its high-mark debut on the Billboard Hot 100 gave the album an early boost.^[12]

Destiny's Child tied up with McDonald's, who would sponsor their tour promoting the album.^[13] Just as the advanced release date of the album was announced, the group confirmed the initial dates of the tour. The group performed on ABC's National Football League "Opening Kickoff" special to break their yearlong hiatus.^[12]

Reception

Critical reviews

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	(52/100)[14]
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[15]
Blender	[16]
Entertainment Weekly	C+[17]
Rolling Stone	[18]
Slant	[19]

The album received a score of 52 out of 100 from Metacritic due to average or mixed reviews from critics.^[14] Of the reviewers, some have commented on the uptempo numbers and ballads featured in the album. Sullivan has said that the album's "huge landmass of ballads ... brings out the girliness in the trio, musically and lyrically".^[20] Eliscu also noted that after a couple of upbeat songs, "... the album slumps into an endless string of overwrought R&B ballads where the only saving grace is ... these ladies can harmonize like nobody's business."^[18] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic has also the same thoughts, writing that after "an invigorating opening salvo of two hard-driving dance cuts ... the album slides into a series of nine slow-grooving tracks that eventually all blend together". He complimented that the harmonies "sound good", "cooing their leads nicely and providing warm harmonies on the choruses". He added that a few cuts stand out".^[15] Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine has commented that the ballads of the album build into "the same sort of standoffish sexual supply-and-demand bartering that has marred their worst tracks".^[19] Sinclair has similar criticisms, writing that the album is "weighted down with a preponderance of exquisitely executed but ultimately dull ballads".^[17] Alan Ranta of Tiny Mix Tapes doubted Beyoncé's lyrical sincerity, saying, "the success of this album depends once again on the complete suspension of die-hard fans' disbelief that Beyoncé "Your Ad Here" Knowles could ever actually truly love another human being as much as she loves herself and her possessions."^[21]

Some critics paid attention to what they believe was equality in the album. Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian has commented that the lead vocals of every song are likely to be sung by each member, noting that it made Destiny Fulfilled a "democratic album";^[20] Tom Sinclair of Entertainment Weekly has also noticed its "overall air of democracy at work".^[17] Jenny Eliscu of Rolling Stone magazine echoes the above comments, saying, "In all but a couple of songs, the verses are divided into three sections, with Beyonce leading things off, followed by Rowland, then Williams ..."^[18] Dimitri Ehrlich of Vibe magazine complimented the production of the album, saying that it "showcases advanced production values" with "impressive" songwriting and vocal abilities. Ehrlich, finishing his reviews, noted that the album "offers divine satisfaction", referring the group as if they are singing to God.^[22]

Most of the critics were questioning why Knowles had to return to Destiny's Child after achieving the most among the members of the group. Eliscu held that despite the presence of some strong songs in the album, "Destiny Fulfilled sounds like the kind of album you make when you're saving your best material for your next solo album. Which, in Beyonce's case, better come soon[, referring to her second solo album, B'Day]."^[18] Henderson, however, lambasted Knowles to performing again with the group with the "full intention" of taking advantage to bolster her "divette" status to superstardom.^[19] Erlewine stated that the album is a "retreat to Destiny's Child's comfortable status quo, where Kelly and Michelle take a backseat, both intentionally and not, to the undeniable star that is Beyoncé", adding that the latter steals every song. Erlewine, however, summarizes his review with: "as a whole, the album winds up sounding too reserved and heavy-handed, which makes it a disappointment not only compared to what the group has done before, but also to what the girls have achieved outside the group".^[15] Sinclair has said that "Destiny Fulfilled comes off like a misguided attempt to emphasize that Destiny's Child are more than just The Beyoncé Show".^[17] Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times commented that it is "a surprisingly perfunctory disc that never quite justifies its existence". He added that it is not "fierce" enough to be "a triumphant return and not giddy enough to be a just-for-fun lark".^[23] The album earned Destiny's Child the Favorite Soul/R&B Band award and Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the 2005 American Music Awards.^[24]

Chart performance

The album debuted at number nineteen on the Billboard 200 for amassing sales of 61,000 copies. In its first official week of sales, the album sold over 497,000 copies, with an increase of 713% compared to its early sales; the album's chart position rocketed to number two on the Billboard 200.^[25] In the same week, it peaked at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for two weeks. Destiny Fulfilled has sold over three million copies in the US, and has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on January 14, 2005. The album has sold over 8 million copies worldwide.^[26] Destiny Fulfilled was named the eighth best-selling album of the year worldwide by the IFPI.^[27]

Tour and disbandment

In connection with the album's promotion, Destiny's Child embarked on a worldwide live concert tour dubbed the Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It. Promotions of the tour were aired over the radio and television across the United States.^[28] The tour's set list included songs from Destiny Fulfilled and previous albums. Each member had their individual performances of songs culled from their solo album. The concert was graced with colorful couture costumes. It was considered a fashion show because of numerous costume changes; the concert exhibited Knowles' products of her clothing line, the House of Deréon, a company she co-founded with her mother Tina Knowles.^[29]

In a visit at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain, Rowland announced before 16,000 spectators that it would be their last European tour, revealing their formal disbandment.^[30] After their final North American leg, the group would finally part ways.^[5] In a statement released to MTV, it reads that the tour had provided them the opportunity to depart from Destiny's Child on a "high note".^[30] Also written recalls the moment when the group started their musical endeavor and, after working together for years, how they realized the need of pursuing individual careers. At the end of the note, they thank fans for their support while not closing the chance of seeing them continuing each member's goals in music, film, and television.^[30]

Despite the disbandment, Destiny's Child explained that it was planned during the making of the album. While in the studio, they discussed individual aspirations and realized that remaining as Destiny's Child would prevent them in pursuing those interests. Rowland revealed that if they were to break up, they should do it while on they are still on top of the business and while they are "still friends".^[7] Knowles, however, emphasized that Destiny Fulfilled would not be their last album and disclosed the idea of a possible reunion.

The group said that naming the album Destiny Fulfilled was not a coincidence.^[7] Knowles noted that their destinies were already fulfilled. She said that "the group felt it still had something to offer musically with" the album.^[8] After more than 10 years of performing as a group, Destiny's Child retired under the name. The group released four studio albums that spawned a record of number-one singles; they sold 40 million records across the world, taking to them the recognition as one of the top-selling female vocal groups of all time.^[5][30]

Achievements

• World Music Awards
  • World's Best-Selling Pop Group
  • World's Best-Selling R&B Group
  • World's Best-Selling Female Group of All Time

• Billboard Music Awards
  • Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
  • Top R&B/Hip-Hop Group of the Year
  • Dance Club-Play Artist of the Year

• BET Awards
  • Best Group

• Soul Train Music Awards
  • Best R&B/Soul Album (Destiny Fulfilled)

• Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
  • Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Soldier")
  • Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (Destiny Fulfilled)

• NAACP Image Awards
  • Outstanding Duo or Group

• T4 Awards
  • Best Song of the Year ("Lose My Breath")

• MTV TRL Awards
  • Walk This Way Award (Best Entrance)

• TMF Awards (Holland)
  • Best Pop Group International

• American Music Awards
  • Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group
  • Favorite Soul/R&B Album (Destiny Fulfilled)

• Groovevolt Awards
  • Best Song, Band, Duo, or Group: "Cater 2 U"
  • Best Deep Cut: "Through With Love"

• NAACP Image Awards
  • Outstanding Duo or Group

• ASCAP Pop Music Awards
  • Most Performed Songs ("Lose My Breath")
  • Most Performed Songs ("Soldier")

• Soul Train Music Awards
  • Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievements
  • Best Group Single: "Cater 2 U"

• Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Hollywood Star

• MTV Asia Awards
  • Special Achievement In Popular Music

• MTV Video Music Awards Japan
  • Inspiration Award

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"Lose My Breath"	LaShawn Daniels, Sean Garrett, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams	Jerkins, Jerkins III, Garrett, Daniels, Knowles	4:02
2.	"Soldier" (featuring T.I. & Lil Wayne)	Dwayne Carter, Garrett, Rich Harrison, Clifford Harris, Knowles, Rowland, Williams	Harrison, Knowles	5:26
3.	"Cater 2 U"	Rodney Jerkins, Knowles, Rowland, Ric Rude, Robert Waller, Williams	Jerkins, Rude, Waller, Knowles	4:07
4.	"T-Shirt"	Angela Beyincé, Vidal Davis, Garrett, Andre Harris, Knowles, Rowland, Williams	Dre & Vidal, Knowles	4:40
5.	"Is She the Reason"	Victor Carstarphen, P. Douthit, Garrett, Knowles, Gene McFadden, Rowland, John Whitehead, Williams	9th Wonder, Knowles	4:47
6.	"Girl"	Beyoncé, Don Davis, Douthit, Knowles, Garrett, Eddie Robinson, Rowland, Williams	9th Wonder, Knowles	3:44
7.	"Bad Habit"	Kelly Rowland, Bryan Michael Cox, Kendrick Dean, Solange Knowles	Cox, Dean	3:55
8.	"If"	Big Drawers, Charles Jackson, Knowles, Rowland, Dana Stinson, Williams, Marvin Yancy	Rockwilder, Knowles	4:16
9.	"Free"	Big Drawers, Dana Stinson, Fonce Mizell, James Carter, Larry Mizell, Knowles, Rowland, Williams	Rockwilder, Knowles	4:52
10.	"Through with Love"	Garrett, Knowles, Rowland, Williams, Mario Winans	Winans, Knowles	3:36
11.	"Love"	Knowles, Rowland, Williams, Erron Williams	E. Williams, Knowles	4:32

International bonus tracks
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
12.	"Game Over"	Knowles, Rowland, Williams, Garrett, Michael Burton, Douthit, Phil Terry	9th Wonder, Knowles	4:03

Japanese bonus tracks
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
12.	"Got's My Own"	Knowles, Rowland, Williams, Garrett, Daniels, Jerkins, Jerkins III	Jerkins, Knowles	3:59
13.	"Game Over"	Knowles, Rowland, Williams, Garrett, Michael Burton, Douthit, Phil Terry	9th Wonder, Knowles	4:03
14.	"Why You Actin'"	Knowles, Rowland, Williams, Jimmy Moss, Paul Allen, Marcus Divine	Allen, Moss, Knowles	4:28

Tour edition bonus DVD

1. Destiny's Child interview
2. "Lose My Breath" (music video)
3. "Soldier" (music video)
4. "Girl" (music video)
5. "Independent Women (Part I)" (live in Rotterdam, 2002)
6. "Say My Name" (live in Rotterdam, 2002)
7. "Survivor" (live in Rotterdam, 2002)

Wal-Mart/Sam's Club limited edition 2CD tracks

1. "My Man" (featuring Beyoncé) – 3:33
2. "2 Step" – 3:24
3. "Survivor" (Extended Remix featuring Da Brat) – 4:24
4. "What's It Gonna Be" (featuring Beyoncé) – 3:38
5. "Independent Women Part 2" – 3:46

Wal-Mart exclusive DVD

A Wal-Mart exclusive DVD titled "Fan Pack" was released on November 9, 2004 a week before the release of Destiny Fulfilled.

DVD features:

• "Survivor" (music video)
• "Emotion" (music video)
• Kelly Rowland – "Can't Nobody" (music video)
• Michelle Williams – "Do You Know" (music video)
• Beyoncé – "Me, Myself and I" (music video)
• Video Megamix featuring "Lose My Breath"

The DVD was available at Wal-Mart for a limited time. There was also another DVD entitled "Fan Pack II" that was released as an exclusive Wal-Mart 2-pack with the #1's album.

Sample credits

• "Game Over" contains samples of Dee Dee Sharp Gamble's "Flashback"
• "If" contains a sample of Natalie Cole's- "Inseparable"

Credits and personnel

Noemi Bonazzi - prop stylist Jim Caruana - engineer Candice Childress - production coordination Bryan Michael Cox - keyboards, programming Tom Coyne - mastering Kendrick Dean - keyboards Vincent Dilorenzo - engineer Andre Harris - mixing Eric Hunter - engineer

Ty Hunter - stylist Rodney Jerkins - musician Kimberly Kimble - hair stylist Mally Roncal - make-up Ric Rude - musician Tom Tapley - vocal engineer Sam Thomas - Digital editing, editing Jeff Villanueva - engineer Rommel Nino Villanueva - digital Editing, editing

Production

• Vocal producers: Sean Garrett, Solange Knowles, B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams
• Vocal editing: Sam Thomas, Rommel Nino Villanueva
• Mixing: Andrew Dawson, Vincent Dilorenzo, Tony Maserati, Dave Pensado, Dexter Simmons, Phil Tan
• A&R: Theresa LaBarbera Whites, Huy Nguyen
• Production Coordination: Candice Childress
• Design: Alice Butts, Ian Cuttler
• Art Direction: Alice Butts, Ian Cuttler
• Photography: Fabrizio Ferri

Charts

Chart (2004)[31] Peak position Australian Albums Chart 11 Austrian Albums Chart 8 Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders) 13 Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)[32] 20 Canadian Albums Chart 3 Danish Albums Chart 11 Dutch Albums Chart 4 Finnish Albums Chart 33 French Albums Chart 9 German Albums Chart 3 Irish Albums Chart 5 Japanese Albums Chart 4 New Zealand Albums Chart 21 Norwegian Albums Chart 12 Spanish Albums Chart[32] 7 Swedish Albums Chart 20 Swiss Albums Chart 3 UK Albums Chart 5 US Billboard 200 2 US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 1

Year-end charts Chart (2004) Position Australian Urban Albums Chart[33] 16 French Albums Chart[34] 172 World (IFPI Top Selling Albums)[27] 8 Decade-end charts Chart (2000–09) Rank U.S. Billboard 200[35] 133

References

External links

• Destiny Fulfilled at Metacritic

v t e Destiny's Child Beyoncé Knowles Kelly Rowland Michelle Williams LaTavia Roberson LeToya Luckett Farrah Franklin Albums Studio Destiny's Child The Writing's on the Wall Survivor Destiny Fulfilled Compilations #1's Mathew Knowles & Music World Present Vol.1: Love Destiny Playlist: The Very Best of Destiny's Child Love Songs Remixes Single Remix Tracks This Is the Remix EP Love: Destiny Christmas 8 Days of Christmas Video The Platinum's on the Wall World Tour Live in Atlanta Destiny's Child: Video Anthology Tours Destiny's Child World Tour Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It Related topics Discography Awards Songs Super Bowl XLVII halftime show Book