The Platinum Fate of Beyonce Knowles...?

At the close of 2008, we have seen several major pop music icons burst back onto the scene with new albums that are all seemingly reaching for the same goal; to remind listeners and fans that there is a definite reason why he or she has remained a veteran in an industry which is for all other intensive purposes, dead. From Britney Spears' titanic comeback with her pop/dance/hip-hop declaration, "Circus," to Brandy's reaffirmation of musical honesty in "Human," vocalists and entertainers alike are trying to reclaim (or redeem) their stardom and success, to various financial and numerical ends. That being said, one of the most poignant (and perplexing) releases of the 4th quarter has been that of a younger veteran who, while still maintaining her star-power as well as her anonymity, has apparently created an undeniable schism in her fan base with her latest album. The veteran? Beyoncé Knowles. The album: I Am...Sasha Fierce.

The 2 disc-set put forth by Beyonce in November was set to be B's deepest and prolific project, separating her more vulnerable and honest side from her stage alter-ego, aptly named Sasha and given the surname "Fierce (no doubt by some tawdry make-up or choreography queen she keeps by her side)..." sorry, I digress. For this musical attempt at revealing more of herself to her audience, she is to be commended...but only for the attempt, not the execution. The reviews have already spoken:

"On her third solo CD, which purports to be her most confessional yet, does she finally break through her superstar scrim? Not really..."
--Entertainment Weekly

"...based on these dreary songs, it appears that when she finally closes her front door, her downtime is spent reading self-help books and listening to dull ballads."
--The Sunday Times Review

"Her first mistake, noted in other early reviews, was to separate Beyoncé from Sasha and give each lady her own disc. Dispensing with the idea that the one sharing her name is any more genuine makes it clear that Beyoncé has accepted standard thinking about what “real” is for a woman."
--L.A. Times

And yet, through the puddle of mixed commentary, her stellar success still shines, having still gone platinum with "Sasha," although far later than the first week of sales as her subversively influential father had predicted. So what does this mean to a multi-million dollar music & media diva? Has she reached the height of her success only to realize what many who have come before her already know; that fame is a heavy price to pay? Or is she retaining her classic, nonchalant, laissez-faire demeanor as well as on camera in regards to it all? Along with these personal questions is the one for you:

What do you think Beyoncé's next move is in the media industry, and to what end would your decision benefit her? Feel free to open up the floor if you think you have a good answer!