I think the very different theme makes it easier to see this separately to ST
Like if you take her first 3 albums to be her basic pop girl albums, starting from 4 the artistry really begins and that had such a throwback feel that she nailed, BEYONCÉ was completely about herself and will always be that album that reflects who she is because it was so raw and personal.
She's such a genius for focusing on a very specific theme for her follow up, it makes it a lot harder to compare to her previous album.
What does she possibly have up her sleeve