Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Beyonce – 4 (2011) – Review

Beyonce – 4
Beyonce’s fourth album, appropriately (or lazily) titled 4, is powerful. It has some fun pop songs for those that still like the more modern R&B sound, but mostly features ballads full of emotion. Beyonce has never sounded so forceful, making her message and lyrics feel paramount, which really draws in the listener. She still has moments in which she lets us in, but really to describe this album in a word: it is commanding. What I like about Beyonce is that with each album her sound changes as she explores new emotions and sonic places, something that is not as typical in the pop music landscape sadly. Her lead single Run the World (Girls) is poppy enough to work in the club, but exudes the power of this album. It is infectious. Beyonce produces a lot of the album herself, but also works with a great group including: The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Ryan Tedder, Switch, Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Babyface, and Shea Taylor. She also writes most of the songs herself, but also worked with The-Dream and Frank Ocean (the song I Miss You sounds like a song that could easily be off his great mixtape nostalgia, ULTRA.). The album (video about the album) should appeal to her fans and yet again change the landscape of pop R&B. 4/5

Editor’s Song Picks:
1)      Party – Featuring Andre 3000, produced by Beyonce Knowles and Kanye West
2)      I Care – Produced by Jeff Bhasker
3)      I Miss You – Produced by Beyonce Knowles and Shea Taylor

Available on CD and Digital Download (MP3)

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