. The big question is whether it will fly off shelves at lightspeed or not. While I initially thought the idea of a double-album was too much, now I have to give Matthew Knowles his props, because based on that “Oprah” interview, Beyonce was dead set on recording the so-called “more personal” songs on I Am. For those who’ve already heard the deluxe edition, can you imagine if Bey dropped a regular length album with only those songs???

Oh the fans would definitely be in revolt. While “Disappear” is still my favorite track on the whole thing, I have to admit songs like “Ego” “Single Ladies” and “Diva” hold my attention much better than the “slow side of the album” I just like the things Bey does with her voice on fast songs better than the slow ones. Beyonce can sing, but when I want to hear a big ballad I’m looking for Whitney Houston or Celine Dion or even Toni Braxton. I still love ya tho Bey…

And speaking of tracks, if you don’t like the I Am… side of the album you can blame it on her role as Etta James in the upcoming Cadillac Records (out December 5th) Beyoncé told the Los Angeles Times that she gained 20 pounds and dotted her arms with track marks to play the role of the singer, who struggled with heroin addiction during that era. Bey even did some research at the Phoenix House, a rehab center in Brooklyn, to study that heron lean she uses in the film.

And while the part took it’s toll on the normally sunny-spirited Beyonce, she says the film role carried over to her album.

When it was over, Beyoncé told the LA Times she realized she was still living with James’ spirit, and that influenced the way she performed the songs on I Am . . .