Ms. Beyonce Giselle Knowles is set to release her highly anticipated 4th solo album, June 28th, 2011. Any artist doing a follow up to the previous phenomenal work that this new album is coming behind may feel a tremendous pressure that is quite intimidating. Many would opt to stick to safe music that borrows from the winning formula that has proven to work in the past rather than delve into their passion to evolve artistically and experiment.
Who would take the risk on the 4th outing, when your expected to live up to a certain status? The answer to this question in 1 word: Beyonce. She is obviously gunning for being respected as a true artist, by seeking to make a more heartfelt, personal album, rather than following the latest trends. This is what makes legends who they are and if your truly inspired by them you must have the appreciation for music that they do. This means sometimes going against the grain and doing what's instinctual, which sometimes may be a bold move. With this album every move was bold and even risky. On "4" you will find a fusion of R&B, Urban Alternative music and elements of Pop and Rock. This album is well crafted and done by a perfectionist. The end result is very telling of all the hard work that was put into it.
Is it presumptuous to say that this album may be in the company of albums such as: The Velvet Rope, Secrets, The Boss, My Love is your love, Jagged little Pill, Waiting To Exhale , The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, M!ssundaztood, The Emancipation of Mimi, Private Dancer, True Blue and Off the Wall. That may be debatable, but this album certainly feels like your listening to classic work that will be appreciated for generations. Here's my review for each individual song:
1+1 - This is a song filled with tender moments, yet full of power. It unapologetically takes it time to capture the emotion conveyed in the lyrics and overall feeling of the song that seems to describe a love of a lifetime and how vital it is. The brillance of the artist Prince comes to mind, while Beyonce masterfully takes on his sense of interpretation with lingering phrases and by creating a certain mood and stillness. The message has the simple complexities of a love letter written by Curtis Mayfield that is touching, focusing on the fundamentals of love. (B+)
I Care - Beyonce aces this one. She sounds so crisp belting out notes over instrumentals that Phil Collins would go nuts for. She sings about pain inflicted on her from a nonchalant lover that isn't concerned about the things that concern her. She sounds fed up and hurt at the same time. Once the chorus kicks in, the catchy hook completely sells the song. The contagious la-la-la's in the background makes the song's likeability even more appealing. It sounds as if EnVogue is contributing flawless backing vocals that Beyonce is singing lead over, when in actuality it's a one woman show. The vocal gymnastics literally get your full attention here and are nothing short of impressive. This will surely be a fan favorite. (A)
I miss you - This track might go over your head intially, however if you give this a good listen it is more than likely that it will grow on you. In this song it feels like you're invading Beyonce's mind and peaking into her most inner thoughts where she's at her most vulnerable. This is a mellow song that Beyonce delivers with a quiet softness that speaks volumes. It's a different approach for Beyonce, but it's just as effective. This Frank Ocean composition has layers that continue to unravel as the song builds. This gives the album great balance. (A-)
Best Thing I never had - This is one of those songs that you've heard the likes of Toni Braxton skillfully perform with unmatched emoting from start to finish. Have you ever wondered how Beyonce would sound singing a Babyface penned track? On this song Babyface's passionate writing is met with passionate vocals. This is a simple tell-it-like-it-is kind of song where Beyonce gives you everything that you want in it, which only required that she sing with plenty of conviction. That's the main ingredient here that makes something that's already great, magnificent. (A-)
Party - This is a standout moment! This song really strikes a chord with listeners that loved groups like SWV and Xscape. Beyonce's golden touch bridges the gap between the smooth chill out vibe of the 90's and the more in your face approach in today's music. The vocals are warm and the track feels fresh and new, yet you find yourself wanting to reminisce on the good 'ole days at the same time. The end result is sublime. Andre 3000 is the icing. His verse is perfection, providing a cool lyrical flow that complimented the song as a whole. Well Done! (A+)
Rather Die Young - Finds Beyonce singing an 70's style arrangement that would make the members of Earth, Wind and Fire proud. The ode to this era is actually quite refreshing and cleverly added to this batch of songs, contributing to the albums variety. Beyonce's obsession with her bad boy on this song makes the story in it quite intriguing as well. (B+)
Start Over - This is yet, another solid track with outstanding vocals. It's well written and up to date. Solid! (B+)
Love On Top - This may be an album cut you underestimate as well. Beyonce coo's like the late great Michael Jackson (when he was a member of the Jackson 5) and on the hook jazzes it up like the well seasoned Natalie Cole. The climax at the end is sunshine! (B+)
Count Down - Is that hot summer hit (other than Party) that is going to make this summer complete. It finishes what is started by Party and has Beyonce's signature sound all over it. It's the spoonful of B'Day that's thrown into this project, which belongs in this mixed bag of music honoring great era's. The Boys II Men sample used, aides in the punch of the chorus, while avoiding to dominate the song. It's the song you'll find hard getting tired of. (A+)
End Of Time - It's the most innovate and futuristic of them all. The hook is catchy and sing songy enough to make you want to sing along with it. The saccato arrangement really gives it a little grit , yet it's melodic. Beyonce's harmonies shines the most on this track. This one is simply perfection. (A+)
I was here - They say that there's a time and place for everything. Whitney's "I will always love you" was her timeless classic and "We belong together" was Mariah's staple. While Single ladies will always follow Ms. Knowles, recording this song "I was here" was Beyonce's destiny and the song is indeed her child. This song sums it all up for those that have taken this musical journey with Beyonce and realized that once it's all said and done she will indeed, have left her mark. The beauty in the words make you feel a bit sentimental. (A)
Run the World - Many feel that this girls anthem was Beyonce's stamp on all that her music encompass over the last 15 years. Her main message of female empowerment is revisited and rightfully so. She was an example of a woman that's confident, but who practice what they preach by showing strenght in numbers. Beyonce wasn't afraid to unite with strong women such as: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga and others in one form or another, displaying her avid belief in "girl power". This song however serves dual purposes, it's the perfect segue into the album "4". I see it as our introduction to this album. Sometimes you have to release music that explains what your vision is and this particular song readies you for the sound and energy of "4". The song feels frantic as well as controlled and boast a vibrant chant. The Major Laser sample gives it a loose and carefree feel as well. It's the song you may want to dance to, but more so see performed by Beyonce. It's not one of the best songs on the album, but it is one of the most important. It doesn't have a category to box it in with. It's structure is unique in how it's composed (it's not verse-hook,verse-hook, bridge). Beyonce sings verses in 4 part harmonies. It's literally breaking all the rules - which sums up the project, this "4" era and by gosh, the artist Beyonce Knowles. (B)
Overall grade: A-
This album may be the one people consider to be Beyonce best to date. It captivating, it's mature and exceptional vocally. Beyonce continues to grow as an artist, challenging herself to evolve each time. This project is filled with creative masterpieces which takes you down memory lane in a clever and current fashion. It's totally gratifying.
