Destiny Fulfilled is the fourth and final studio album by American R&B trio Destiny's Child, released by Columbia Records on November 15, 2004 in North America.

The album's production began after each member completed solo album releases; the record saw each member active in songwriting and producing. The underlying theme of love, which the group referred to as friendship they found in themselves, reveals their individual experiences.

Destiny Fulfilled was released to generally mixed reviews among critics. The album has reached number two on the US Billboard 200, and has since been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Background

The album came in three years since the release of Destiny's Child's third studio album, Survivor. The group went on to a temporary hiatus; each member has released studio album, except group member Michelle Williams with two. With each of them experiencing domestic success, and others reaching international, however, group member Beyoncé Knowles has since been regarded as the most-successful with the release of 2003's Dangerously In Love. This led to speculations over the final disbandment of Destiny's Child, and that because they still had ongoing projects. Despite this, group member Kelly Rowland announced in 2004 their return into the studio to record what would be their final album. The group claimed that the reunion was destined to happen, and that their affinity to each other kept them cohesive.

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. Knowles has said that "the group felt it still had something to offer musically with" the album. 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 ..." 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."

Production

Production of the album begun in the summer of 2004. Destiny's Child worked with some American producers 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?" Once inside the studio, however, his skepticism vanished as he saw the group's "excitement", calling the process "natural".

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 goal, 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.

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. 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."

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.'" 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.

Release and promotion

Destiny Fulfilled was released on November 15, 2004 via Columbia Records. The earlier original release, November 15, was crapped 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". The album's lead single, "Lose My Breath", premiered at AOL Music and its high-mark debut on the Billboard Hot 100 has given the album an early boost.

Destiny's Child tied up with McDonald's, who would sponsor their tour promoting the album. 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.

Reception

Critical reviews

The album received generally mixed reviews among critics. Of the reviewers, some has commented on the uptempo 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". 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." 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". 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". Sinclair has similar criticisms, writing that the album is "weighted down with a preponderance of exquisitely executed but ultimately dull ballads".

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"; Tom Sinclair of Entertainment Weekly has also noticed its "overall air of democracy at work". 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 ..." 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.

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]." Henderson, however, lambasted Knowles to performing again with the group with the "full intention" of taking advantage to bolster her "divette" status to superstardom. 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". 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". 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".

Accolades

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.

Chart performances

The album debuted at number fifty 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. After their final North American leg, the group would finally part ways. 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". 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.

Despite their disbandment, Destiny's Child claimed the split was somehow planned when making the album with Knowles admitting that it was not coincidence it was named Destiny Fulfilled. While in the studio, they discussed individual aspirations and realized that remaining as Destiny's Child will prevent them to pursue those interests and continuing as a group as well. Rowland revealed that if they were to break up, they should do it while on top and while they "were still friends". Knowles, however, emphasized that Destiny Fulfilled would not be their last album and disclosed the idea of reunion.

Over 25 years of professional existence, 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—17.5 of which in the United States—etching the recognition as one of the top-selling female vocal groups of all time.

Track listing

1. "Lose My Breath" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, R. Jerkins, F. Jerkins, Sean Garrett, L. Daniels, S. Carter) – 4:02
2. "Soldier" (featuring T.I. & Lil Wayne) (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, R. Harrison, S. Garrett, D. Carter, C. Harris) – 5:25
3. "Cater 2 U" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, R. Jerkins, R. Rude, R. Waller) – 4:05
4. "T-Shirt" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, A. Harris, V. Davis, S. Garrett, A. Beyonce) – 4:40
5. "Is She the Reason" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, P. Douthit, S. Garrett, V. Castarphen, G. McFadden, J. Whitehead) – 4:46
6. "Girl" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, P. Douthit, S. Garrett, A. Beyonce, D. Davis, E. Robinson) – 3:44
7. "Bad Habit" (K. Rowland, B. Cox, K. Dean, S. Knowles) – 3:54
8. "If" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, D. Stinson, B. Drawers, L. Mizell, J. Carter, F. Mizell) – 4:15
9. "Free" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, D. Stinson, B. Drawers, L. Mizell, J. Carter, F. Mizell) – 4:51
10. "Through with Love" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, M. Winans, S. Garrett) – 3:35
11. "Love" (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, E. Williams, A. Beyonce) – 4:30International bonus tracks
12. "Game Over" (International bonus track) (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, S. Garrett, M. Burton, P. Douthit, P. Terry) – 4:03
12. "Why You Actin'" (Japanese bonus track) (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, J. Moss, P. Allen, M. Divine) – 4:28
12. "Got's My Own" (Japanese bonus track) (B. Knowles, K. Rowland, M. Williams, P. Allen, A. Beyonce, S. Garrett, J. Moss) – 3:59

Limited edition and dualdisc

1. Destiny's Child interview
2. "Lose My Breath" (music video)
3. "Soldier" (music video)
4. Bonus Audio
5. "Game Over"
6. "Why You Actin'"

Tour edition bonus disc

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)
8. "Cater 2 U" (music video)

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)	Peak position
Australian ARIA Albums Top 50	11
Austrian Albums Chart	8
Belgian (Flanders) Albums Chart	13
Belgian (Wallonia) Albums Chart	20
Canada Top 50 Albums	3
Danish Albums Chart	11
Dutch Albums Chart	4
Finnish Albums Chart	33
French Albums Chart	9

Chart (2004)	Peak position
German Albums Chart	3
Irish Albums Chart	5
New Zealand Albums Chart	21
Norwegian Albums Chart	12
Spanish Albums Chart	21
Swedish Albums Chart	20
Swiss Albums Chart	3
UK Albums Chart	5
U.S. Billboard 200	2
U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums	1

References