Fellas brace yourselves: There is a new Beyonce CD on the horizon ..

[1of1]

I honestly believe cham is a girl.

 

[damobb2deep]

I honestly believe cham is a girl.

i was thinkin the same thing

 

[Pura~Diabla]

I honestly believe cham is a girl.

No, it has a flamboyant posting style...I think it's a Queen.

 

[KillaCham]

Like I m a really take time outta of my work day to research Beyonce.

You mean the same time out of your work day you used to post in this thread 10 times and counting? Shoulda managed your time better. Maybe you wouldn't have looked so foolish.

 

[Kame]

that 1 + 1 track is on point though........

 

[KillaCham]

LOL.

Okey dokey. I'll accept the fact that Beyonce doesn't have as much creative input as everyone would like to believe.

Doesn't have much creative input because she doesn't run her own graphics company and hired a professional to do the art direction of a backdrop? ROFL you don't use the Post Preview option we have here, do you?

These fags will stop at nothing to take away someone's shine. Bey just getting started so I feel sorry for y'all. She's so far ahead of her "competition" that its embarrassing. Your flop R&B favorite like AlizZzzZzia Keys better not even think of hitting the studio til 2013 at the earliest.

The stars are clamoring at all 3 performances Beyonce has done this week, the reviewers are raving at the 3 songs we've heard from the album, the album is #11 on iTunes based on pre-orders alone, and y'all will deal with it and continue to be bitter.

Checkmate;

View attachment 6853

Saying "i'm out", then returning only to co-sign out of incompetence? That's embarrassing. I would've just logged out.

 

[KillaCham]

I honestly believe cham is a girl.

No you don't.

 

[KillaCham]

that 1 + 1 track is on point though........

Beyonce singing an acoustic version of 1 + 1 in her dressing room, recorded by Jay-Z: http://lifeandtimes.com/pregame

Beyonce has released '1+1,' a brand new single from her upcoming album, '4,' due out on June 28.

The R&B diva debuted the song in a live performance on the season finale of 'American Idol' on Wednesday. The tune was penned by longtime collaborator The-Dream, and will be the first track on her new full-length.

'1+1' is an emotional declaration of love in which the 29-year-old explains that the only thing she's sure about is her feelings for this man. Let's just say that Jay-Z is one lucky guy.

"I don't know much about algebra, but I know one plus one equals two / And it's me and you, that's all we'll have when the world is through."

The minimal instrumentation of the song allows its lyrics to shine, and makes way for Beyonce to showcase her powerful voice and impressive control. The professions are so intense that there's no need for a complicated bridge or dramatic key change.

'1+1' follows the release of 'Run the World (Girls),' the pop star's first single from '4.' Her new album is the follow-up to 2008's 'I Am... Sasha Fierce.'

Listen to '1+1' on AOL Radio's New Pop First station.

http://www.aolradioblog.com/new-song/beyonce-1-plus-1/

Beyonce Does The Math On New '1+1' Track

Singer debuted the dreamy love song from her forthcoming 4 album on Wednesday night's 'American Idol' finale.

By Jocelyn Vena (@jocelyn1212)

Beyoncé may not know a thing about algebra, but when it comes to the math of power ballads, she totally gets it. On Wednesday night, Beyoncé premiered her new track "1+1" during her performance on "American Idol."

After changing into a gown following her medley performance with former "Idol" contestants, B was up on the stage surrounded by soft red mood lighting and smoke, slowing things down a bit and proclaiming her love for that special someone in song. The lyrics make sweeping statements about the power of her relationship.

She sings, "Hey! I don't know much about guns but I ... I've been shot by you/ Hey! And I don't know when I'm gonna die, but I hope that I'm gonna die by you/ Hey! And I don't know much about fighting, but I, I know I will fight for you/ Hey! Just when I ball up my fist, I realize that I'm laying right next to you."

The song is the second officially released single from her album 4, which hits stores on June 28. On Wednesday, Beyoncé revealed the full track listing for 4.

"1+1" opens the album and is one of 12 songs. The remaining 11 are: "I Care," "I Miss You," "Best Thing I Never Had," "Party" (featuring Andre 3000), "Rather Die Young," "Start Over," "Love on Top," "Countdown," the recently leaked "End of Time," "I Was Here" and the album's lead-off single, "Run the World (Girls)."

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664631/b...new-track.jhtml

Beyonce, ’1+1′ – Song Review- 4 of 5 stars

by: Amy Sciarretto 1 hour ago

Ethan Miller, Getty ImagesBeyonce has released ’1+1,’ another new song from her forthcoming album, ’4. It’s a power ballad that is almost a capella, as Beyonce’s beautiful voice is accompanied only by a piano. The singer debuted the song on last night’s ‘American Idol,’ too.

Put simply, it’s a love song, a celebration of romantic love. Beyonce sings, “I don’t know much about algebra / But I know 1 plus 1 equals 2.” Okay, we hate to be picky, but that’s simple arithmetic not algebra! But at the end of the day, who cares? We get Bey’s sentiments.

The Queen B also begs “Make love to me” repeatedly in a breathy, orgasmic voice. It’s certainly an inviting proposition for the legion of young men who worship at her altar. The song’s instrumentation is spare, allowing Beyonce’s voice to drive home all the emotional points. ’1+1′ is similar to ‘If I Were a Boy’ from ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’; not in tone or mood, but in its sparsity and it’s existence to be a vehicle for Beyonce’s attention-getting and emotive displays. While Beyonce never tries to shatter glass like, say, Mariah Carey, she is still able to move even the most cold-hearted stiff with her voice.

It’s worth mentioning that Beyonce played soul singer Etta James in the film ‘Cadillac Records,’ singing James’ signature, heart-wrenching hit ‘At Last’ in the film. She even delivered the signature Etta James hit at the Barack Obama inauguration — channeling James’ emotion on this song. While much of what we’ve heard from ’4′ is more aggressive and percussive than we are used to getting from Beyonce, she reverts back to the more familiar Beyonce on this song; but that does not mean that this song is a retread of her past or her playing it safe. Just listen to some of her sexified lyrical declarations. You listening, Jay-Z?

http://popcrush.com/beyonce-11/

In the first single off her new album, "4," Beyonce insisted with a stomp and shout that girls run the world. In her latest release, she strips bare all the bravado and makes a classic ballad plea for love.

The pop superstar debuted her new single, "1+1," with an epic, emotionally-charged performance on Wednesday night's "American Idol" finale, taking the stage alone and channeling every particle of the room's energy into her lung-bursting calls and cries. The song marks a departure from that caustic "Run The World (Girls)" bang and clatter, replacing the defiance with devotion.

The juxtaposing songs are the first shreds of evidence that she's keeping her promise that a whole new array of sounds will make their way into "4," which drew inspiration from an abundance of sources.

Along with the band of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Beyonce said she, "found a lot of inspiration in '90s R&B; Earth, Wind & Fire; DeBarge; Lionel Richie; Teena Marie." In addition, she said, "I listened to a lot of Jackson 5 and New Edition, but also Adele, Florence + the Machine, and Prince. Add in my hip-hop influences, and you can hear how broad it is. I also gave myself more freedom to really belt out some songs, and bring soul singing back."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/26/b...o_n_867309.html

MackPhillips Mackenzie Phillips

Good Lord Beyonce is amazingly talented and extremely hot.....

aplusk ashton kutcher

Beyonce is operating on different level than everyone right now! #imjustsaying

CherylBurke Cheryl Burke

Beyonce is my idol!! She is so inspiring and one of the best entertainers out there today!

mrskutcher Demi Moore

you are not kidding mind blowing performance! RT @aplusk: Beyonce is operating on different level than everyone right now! #imjustsaying

daxshepard1 dax shepard

I have never been so blown away watching someone sing on tv as when @beyonce sang on Idol tonight. Holy s**t.

ryanseacrest

She's unreal RT @aplusk: Beyonce is operating on different level than everyone right now! #imjustsaying

 

[lamontbdc]

why are yall niggas so high strung about beyonce

 

[damobb2deep]

im stubbon.... but nigga how can 1 strait man stan so hard 4 beyonce.....

even eminem's stan had homo tendencies

 

[Pura~Diabla]

Doesn't have much creative input because she doesn't run her own graphics company and hired a professional to do the art direction of a backdrop? ROFL you don't use the Post Preview option we have here, do you?

Oh puh-leese.

Beyonce:

"My makeup artist showed me the performance of Lorella Cuccarini a year ago, and it inspired me so much...I then met with the talented people who worked on it. The technology and concept were so genius. Thank god for YouTube or I would have never been exposed to something so inspiring. I never worked so hard on anything in my life as that performance for the Billboard Awards."

It was no mistake. She personally handpicked that production company...she has no shame in using recycled shit. She was so "inspired" by that ladies performance that she decided she wanted to copy it. Her and her team knew that the italian singer was not known in the U.S. and they took advantage. She stays being "inspired" and yet she never gives credit until she's been called out. Too bad she's not inspired enough to come up with her own damn ideas.

"Inspired" = Swagger Jacking

I get how it is though:

Before she gets called out: Beyonce's so creative, she can do everything. She's a multi-talented genuis.

After she gets called out: It was the production company/someone else....she has no control over that.

It's never the fault of the common denominator.

I'm done with this bullshit thread. You queens have fun.

 

[KinkyCurls]

Beyonce KILLIN it back stage before the American Idol rehersal! ACAPELLA.

KILLING IT.

[video=youtube;h88soSEw8eo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h88soSEw8eo[/video]

 

[KillaCham]

Oh puh-leese.

Beyonce:

It was no mistake. She personally handpicked that production company...she has no shame in using recycled shit. She was so "inspired" by that ladies performance that she decided she wanted to copy it. Her and her team knew that the italian singer was not known in the U.S. and they took advantage. She stays being "inspired" and yet she never gives credit until she's been called out. Too bad she's not inspired enough to come up with her own damn ideas.

"Inspired" = Swagger Jacking

I get how it is though:

Before she gets called out: Beyonce's so creative, she can do everything. She's a multi-talented genuis.
After she gets called out: It was the production company/someone else....she has no control over that.
It's never the fault of the common denominator.

"Having no control over that" would mean that she DOESN'T have any creative control. Her personally handpicking the production company and having mass input on the direction of her performance would mean she DOES. Lol wtf are you talking about? I'm not sure if you know industry terms correctly or not.

She has creative and artistic control with everything she does - albums, performances, tours, etc - meaning she knows the direction she wants to go with everything she does and if she doesn't like it, its gone. Just like how she kicked one of the biggest rappers out now off a track on the album because she didn't like his verse...and got Andre 3000 on it instead. She could easily release a pop hit written by RedOne and it'd go #1, but thats not what she wants.

She's not someone like Rihanna who has every single thing done, written, and handed to her to memorize. Stick to talking about what you know.

Either way, it was an innovative performance and she did way more than sit next to a dusty piano and sing people to sleep like the rest of 'em do.

And of course she didn't make the graphics. That's not her job. What matters is she knew what she wanted to do with the performance and she found a suitable concept. Every great artist has a team behind them. Pull out a better excuse if you're gonna try to discredit somebody. Lol and why do you keep bringing up Lorella Cuccarini like she was the one who created those graphics?

 

[Kame]

Party ft Andre 3000 (prod Kanye West)

http://youheardthatnew.com/2011/06/beyonce-ft-andre-3000-party-prod-kanye-west-consequence/

yo this might be tight when its finished...sounds like it need tweaking though. I aint even a beyonce fan but ive two out of maybe 3 songs I kinda fuck with

 

[ReppinTime]

Beyonce is a goddess and you faggots need to stop trying to bring her down like the typical blacks you are.

 

[KillaCham]

THE EARLY REVIEWS ARE IN!!! And KING B reigns supreme!!!!

Beyoncé returns with a vengeance on her fourth studio album – 4. While putting the finishing touches on it, Bey revealed the album would boast an immense amount of sounds and instruments. Her words were accurate. 12 tracks and they all are uniquely different. Kanye West, Consequence, The-Dream, Babyface, Ryan Tedder, Switch, Jeff Bhasker, Diane Warren, Shea Taylor and Symbolyc One all man the production boards on the project.

Surprisingly, the overall album doesn’t have a techno/urban sound – it leans more towards an R&B/Hip-Hop album; what I (and many others) have yearned for from Beyoncé.

Beyoncé opens with the powerful ballad, “1+1.” Desiring only the love for her husband (presumably), she gives her heart to him. Still embracing her vulnerability, she deals with a romantic other’s lack of care on “I Care (Bhasker).”

“You’re the only image in my mind, so I still see you.” Bey deals with distance and time separating her from a past lover on “I Miss You.” Conquering her feelings, Bey gets over the past lover by realizing he was the “Best Thing I (She) Never Had (Babyface).” “Thank God I dodged a bullet – I’m so over you, baby good looking out,” she belts.

Best way to get over someone is to get under someone else right? Not according to Beyoncé. She snatches André 3000 and Kanye West for a “Party.” This mid-tempo jam definitely deserves the single treatment. “Ain’t worried about them f*ck n*ggas over there, but they worried about me,” Dre spits.

“Boy you’ll be the death of me – you’re my James Dean… you make me feel like I’m seventeen,” Beyoncé aggressively sings during the opening of “Rather Die Young.” The dominating production fused with her vocals blend to create a powerful sound makes it one of my favorites on the album.

Boasting an uneasy intro, “Start Over” makes me want to stop the track and never start it over – when Bey’s smooth vocals hit the track, you’re compelled to listen. “Maybe we reached the mountain-peak, and there’s no more to climb,” she belts. “Love On Top” comes next and gives you a nostalgic feeling from the beginning. The electronic instruments, horns and Mrs. Carter’s upbeat spirit make this track a standout.

“10, 9, 8, 7….” the men of Boyz II Men harmonize on “Countdown.” The production boasts snares, heavy horns with a slight reggae flare. While listening, close your eyes and visualize Beyoncé performing to this. “Don’t f*ck with me, don’t f*ck with me,” says the inaudible voice as Beyaki’s vocals soar through “End of Time.” Handled by Swizz Beatz, the production is similar to “Countdown” – drum and trumpet-heavy.

If “Diva” were a ballad, “I Was Here” would be its more mature and pretentious sister. From the moment this track begins, chills… “I want them to know that I gave my all, did my best – brought someone some happiness…just because I Was Here.” Diane Warren spoke on penning a career-defining song for Beyoncé; with a force such as Beyoncé, those weren’t a bright choice of words. Nevertheless, the song is amazing.

“Run the World (Girls) (Switch)”…the worst decision Beyoncé has ever made in her life. (I’ve grown accustomed to the camel.)

In summary, this is Beyoncé’s best original work to date. (Cadillac Records’ soundtrack still experiences constant spins.) We asked for an R&B/Hip-Hop album, and that Houston flare Beyoncé portrayed during her Dangerously In Love era re-emerged. Although aggressive shouting and over-singing showed up frequently, it isn’t unbearable. Beyoncé’s ability to control said screams have become a distinctive trait of hers anyways.

Genius Report: A (Initially I gave it an A+… I forgot I moved RTWG in the trash while listening.)

Standouts: “Rather Die Young,” “Start Over,” “Love On Top,” “1+1″… the whole damn album minus “Run The World (Girls).”

4. A random figure for most of us. For Beyoncé it is the most meaningful number in her life. Explanation needed? Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born on September 4th, 1981. Momma Tina celebrates her birthday January 4th. Her husband rapper Jay-Z’s birthday is December 4th. This is why both of them tattooed the “IV” on their fingers. Consequently, they married on 4.4.2008. And now we are right before the release of Beyoncé’s FOURTH solo album which is, of course, named “4”. Makes sense, right?

She might say that she doesn’t “know much about algebra” but anyways the opening song is called “1+1” and is a beautiful ballad.

“I Care” and “Miss You” are both simply epic and I think a lot of people can relate to the lyrics.

“Thank God I found the good in goodbye” is the greatest line in this incredible powerful song. I can’t wait for Beyoncé to perform it live. Actually, “Best Thing I Never Had” gave me hope for “4” as I was not fully convinced by “Run The World (Girls)” and the previously leaked “End Of Time”.
“Party” definitely was one of the most anticipated tracks when the tracklist was revealed because the collaboration with Andre 3000 and Kanye West raised the expectation. The song is in the end just an ok midtempo song and not single material.

“You’re my James Dean, you make me feel like I’m 17, you drive too fast, you smoke too much but that don’t mean a thing cause I’m addicted to the rush” is the beginning of the next song. So Beyoncé “Rather Dies Young” than living without her significant other. The song is alright, nothing spectacular.

I really like “Start Over”. “Maybe we reached the mountain peak and there’s no more left to climb.”

“Love On Top” is a real stand-out track. The second this smooth track starts the positive vibe gets me and I want to tell the song that “baby it’s you!”.

As if we haven’t dealt with numbers enough already “Countdown” makes Beyoncé count down on the hook. Musically the song goes in the same direction as “Run The World”. Also “End of Time” is a percussion-driven song.

With “I Was Here” Beyoncé shows one more time what a great ballad singer she is.
Like I mentioned before I was not really into “Run The World (Girls)” but especially after the amazing Billboard performance the song grew on me.

Let’s reminisce. “Dangerously In Love” impressed with terrific singles, the rest of the album was mediocrity at its best. B’Day was a good but chaotic album. “I Am… Sasha Fierce” had great pop ballads and showed her urban side as well. “4” shows growth, not every song is radio-friendly. I can’t really get myself hyped for the up-tempo songs but the ballads overcome everything. So this album might really be Beyoncé’s best work to date.

“4″ is slated for a June 28th, 2011 release. The album will be available in a regular 12-track and a deluxe version which will feature 6 more songs.

 

[KillaCham]

OLOGY: Album Review: 4, Beyoncé (Release Date: 6/28/2011)

Now, I’ve never had the pleasure of sex with Beyoncé (I’m not Jay-Z, unfortunately), but I can picture it well enough: I imagine Ms. Knowles in a full on leather catsuit, thrashing and gyrating while screaming sentiments such as “WHO RUN THIS MOTHA?!” and a bunch of other sassy and demanding one-liners that run rampant all over the songstress and worldwide sensation’s fourth studio-album, the quite intricately named 4.

It’s an album so-far defined by its ferociously hostile lead single “Run The World”, a song that’s been met with mixed reactions and subpar sales, but no one would dare raise a hand to call it boring: over the now infamous Major Lazer “Pon De Floor” sample, Knowles growls and roars that rash new emancipation proclamation (“Who run the world? Girls!”). That’s, um, arguable, but the verses are far more tolerable: over a rousing syncopation of stuttering beats and twitching blips, Beyoncé is happy to boast her own Houston, TX swagger, with witty clauses for days: “I think I need a barber! None of these n*ggas can fade me! I’m so gooood with this- I remind you, I’m so hooood with this!”

Haircut jokes aside, perhaps “Run The World” sits as the last track on the album for a reason- ostensibly on purpose, it doesn’t mix well with anything else on 4. The rest of the album is intent upon stringing along a big band sound, with Motown-influenced jazz sitting next to somber mid-tempos and grandiose, trumpeting anthems, all exploding with brassy sass. It’s a wonder how 4 comes off as cohesive as it does, with Kanye West, The-Dream, and Ryan Tedder all with production credits, but it stands quite easily as Knowles’ most vibrant album; not saying it’s her best (B’Day still holds that title), but it begs to be performed live in front of hundreds of thousands of screaming fans unlike anything else she’s released yet.

Put bluntly, Bey just doesn’t calm the hell down. She never really has, but 4 really thrives on its emotional attention deficit: There’s the power ballad to end all power ballads, the vocal standout “1+1”, where Knowles allows you to make love to her, followed by the big and brassy fight that will eventually come after in the form of “I Care”, a heart-thumping accusation that you don’t give a damn about her, then the soft and somber make-up record “I Miss You”, and at last, the feisty kiss-off “Best Thing I Never Had”. But all of these emotions are as emotionally wired as they can get- “MAKE LOVE TO ME!” “I KNOW YOU DON’T CARE! I CARE!” “I MISS YOU EVERYDAY!” “SUCKS TO BE YOU RIGHT NOW!” The last one is the best of that group, a fusion of “If I Were A Boy” and “Irreplaceable” mashed with more powerful intstruments- but all throughout these, it’s as if she’s barely refraining from punching you in the face.

Though it’s all loud, not all of 4 is so aggressive: Kanye’s production on the funky “Party” is a groovy throwback with a Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick to match, and it’s nice to hear a rare Andre 3000 in stereo. It could be paired with the Motown bounce of “Love On Top”, and “Countdown” is another bubbly, fizzy track that’s appropriately fun. The huge, monumental Ryan Tedder ballad “I Was Here” sounds like a I Am… effort, but succeeds for what it is.

There’s a few tracks (“Rather Die Young”, “Start Over”) that succeed in fitting in but don’t make any real lasting effect on the album as a whole, yet it’s “End Of Time” that may just rank on top of 4, as the definitive track that best exemplifies all the record’s best elements: brass, sass, wit, and of course, huge vocals. Over larger-than-life trumpets and drums, Beyoncé is as complimentary to her man as she’ll get, but it still comes off as a command: “SAY YOU’LL NEVER LET ME GO!” she orders. And then she probably slaps you.

4 a whole offsets the failed duality of I Am… Sasha Fierce, and takes the best parts of them and fuses one cohesive sound. There’s certainly no “Single Ladies” this go-round, but with the power and gusto still displayed in Beyoncé’s music, I’d bet it’s only a matter of time.

SumOlogy: Knowles refuses to ease her aggression through powerful vocals and witty one-liners on a funky, brassy, sassy collection of tracks that beg to be performed live.

Grade: 8/10

Best Tracks: “End Of Time”, “Countdown”, “Best Thing I Never Had”, “1+1”, “Run The World”

On her first album since 2008, Beyoncé has moved actively away from the confusion of I Am … Sasha Fierce. 4 is a cohesive album that segues naturally from ballad to ballad, as if it’s a direct rebuke to anyone that was trying to dismiss her as a singles artist after I Am...Sasha Fierce. (Alternate theory: Is this just the album Beyoncé ended up making without her dad’s influence?) It may not have a monster radio hit on it (“Run the World (Girls)” has jumped up to No. 29 on the "Hot 100," still a middling position), but Beyoncé may not care.

You might, though! If you’re still looking for that dance-floor burner, your best bet is “Countdown,” a schizophrenic — random drum fills, jump-cut transitions — love ode in which Bey says something that sure sounds like “Me and my boof / in my boof boof riding.” (Thoughts on what a "boof" is? Please, share.) “Party” is another option: Kanye kicks it off by coining the phrase “swagu,” and the chorus interpolates the “we like to party bit” from “La Di Da Di.” But it’s still a mild moment: The BPM is moderate; Bey spends most of her time professing her love; and Andre 3000’s verse is typically nuanced in the kind of way that doesn’t exactly connote mindless fun (at one point he raps about feeling old). Otherwise, you’re mostly looking at some excellent heartbreak ballads: the yelpy “1+1,” the massive “Start Over,” the really fun “Best Thing I Never Had.” Spare thought: Does it affect the listening experience that Beyoncé — who, by all accounts, is in a stable and loving relationship with Jay-Z — is not reflecting any current real-world pain?

. .

 

[KillaCham]

1. "1+1" - The album opens with its most tender ballad, a slow-burning number that calls back to both Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" and Prince's "Purple Rain" without sounding like a retread of either tune. The song is already available as a single, but it sounds best in the context of the album, where its slow, steady build to a cathartic guitar break is the perfect introduction to a set of mostly low-key tracks about love and heartbreak.

2. "I Care" - "I know you don't care too much, but I still care," Beyoncé sings over cooing background vocals and dense percussion, delivering the words with a devastating blend of sadness and resentment. It may not be an obvious single, but it's one of the finest tracks on the record.

3. "I Miss You" - This is Beyoncé at her most understated. Her phrasing is cool, calm and collected as she sings over a simple metronomic beat and layers of atmospheric keyboards.

4. "Best Thing I Never Had" - "Irreplaceable Part Two," basically. It's a breakup ballad with a bitter, nasty streak: "When I think of the time that I almost loved you / you showed your ass and I saw the real you / thank God you blew it / I thank God I dodged a bullet." Beyoncé's vocal performance brings depth to a straightforward song about dumping a terrible suitor, conveying a compelling mix of wounded pride and genuine heartbreak.

5. "Party" featuring André 3000 - The first non-ballad on 4 is also the only song on the record to include a guest appearance by another star. André 3000 is sharp and effortlessly charismatic on his rapped verse, but the real attraction here is the track itself, which was co-produced by Kanye West and delivers a mellow Eighties-style smooth funk groove.

6. "Rather Die Young" - There's a great melodramatic kick to this song, which comes across like a quiet storm slow jam spiced up with modern drum programming. "I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you" is an unusually self-pitying lyric for Beyoncé, but she sells it well regardless.

7. "Start Over" - While the other songs on 4 all have a distinct flavor and give Beyoncé an opportunity to try something new in some way or another, "Start Over" just kind of sits there at the middle of the disc not doing much of anything. It's an inoffensive ballad that doesn't do much for the record aside from break its momentum at the halfway point.

8. "Love On Top" - This song is a shameless throwback to perky, squeaky clean mid-Eighties R&B, and it's a blast. Beyoncé sounds confident and joyful as she sings about a lover who can do no wrong. If you've been craving a modern take on old-school Whitney Houston, this is the song for you.

9. "Countdown" - 4's much-needed mid-album stretch of upbeat tunes continues with "Countdown," a playful, inventive jam that revisits the sassy spirit of B'Day's "Get Me Bodied," but swaps out that song's jumpy rhythm for a heavy brass riff and steel drum fills.

10. "End of Time" - This Fela Kuti-influenced track is one of the most adventurous cuts on 4, with Beyonce singing lovey-dovey lyrics over an ecstatic, beat-heavy arrangement.

11. "I Was Here" - A Dianne Warren-penned showstopper that disrupts the flow of up-tempo songs on the second half of the record, but it works well as a bittersweet emotional climax for the album. "I Was Here" is exactly the sort of blustery ballad you'd expect from a Warren/Beyoncé team-up, but it seems a bit flat and generic in comparison to other more emotionally nuanced tracks on 4.

12. "Run the World (Girls)" - Much like album opener "1+1," this intense club track based on Major Lazer's indie dance hit "Pon de Floor" was a bit underwhelming when it came out as 4's lead single but is exciting as the record's celebratory conclusion. After all those songs about romantic angst, "Run the World" feels totally joyous and liberating.

After managing to find success in genres of music that nobody expected, King Bee is back with new album '4' that returns to her R&B roots.

Beyonce has come full circle the growth in her music & vocal delivery is more present than ever. Taking some much needed time off to find herself as an artist has catapulted the superstar performer into a lane of her own as if she needed to set herself any further from her female counterparts struggling to keep up.

The best thing about being a artist/entertainer is knowing what works for you , and the knowledge of balancing it out. There is no doubt that Beyonce will go down in history as one of the top female vocalist and live performers that ever graced the stage, and if anyone dares to disagree her latest effort is proof that she is nothing short of perfection.

Standout Tracks:

"1+1" - Written and produced by 'The Dream' is an emotional ballad that finally allows Beyonce to let her hair down. When I first listened to this song I fell instantly in love. The vocals are so hunting and the delivery of her runs and modulations made this song an instant classic. Beyonce wears love well!

"Miss You"- This song will likely get the most play from me out of the entire album. I didn't possibly think she could top '1+1' but obviously I was wrong and I'm kicking myself for it. When I heard Frank Ocean penned the track I should have known it was destined for greatness. The lyrical content matches Beyonce's husky vocal effortlessly such a beautiful marriage. Timeless!!

"Best Thing I Never Had"- The second single from the album, is also known as the 'Irreplaceable' of the album. But of course it wouldn't be in typical fashion of the queen is she didn't have one of these songs on the record. Lets be honest this is what she does best. The song standouts for so many reasons but what I love about it the most is the versatility. You don't have to be a female to feel what this song is about and that's refreshing..

"Countdown"- This is my jam!! After hearing this song I just can't imagine why she released 'Run The World' (Girls), as the first single. This song is so strong the breakdown during the countdown is infectious. The song screams summer through and through. Takes me back to my Destiny's Child days. The girl I fell in love with, the Bee I truly love. BOMB.COM/ORG/NET!!!

"End of Time"- This was rumored to be the second single. Although it didn't happen I wouldn't have minded it. I love the arrangement and I dig the staccato vocal delivery. This is that fast paced vocal pattern that Destiny Child became known for. The African influence and mixture of sounds is so legit. Nobody meshes sounds as well as Beyonce.

Other standout tracks include (Start Over, Love on Top, Party)

So So Moments:

"Run The World (Girls)- The first single from the album which samples Major Lazer 'Pon De Floor' will always be one of those songs I will blast going 100 on the freeway. There is something about the way the song makes you feel that dares you to be bold. Unfortunately the rest of the album is just so much more advanced that the song ends up the black sheep.

"Rather Die Young" - Beautiful song. I love the throwback to 70's and 80's music. The vocal pattern really takes you to the days where music just sat in your soul. The chorus has that Glady's feel to it. Makes me some kinda way. The ooohh's remind me of her classic 'Dangerously In love' album.

"I was Here"- Passion. Passion. Passion.. Beyonce wants us to know that she has left her mark and that she gave her all.. Listening to it you absolutely get the feeling that through Beyonce's perspective her Destiny has truly been Fulfilled.

Final Thoughts:

Purchasing this album would surely be money well spent. It's so heartbreaking to see however that the album leaked three weeks ahead of release. I'm sure Beyonce has some tricks up her sleeve, and a promotional tour planned that will rival all. The record in my opinion is timeless and shows the most growth from Bee throughout her entire career. I've learned to never count Beyonce out!!!

The Jadon Files Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

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