The set up is pretty simple except only this time her voice showcases the harsher, rawer tones that we’ve heard at her concerts, but never really with her material. The promotional single sees Beyonce once again step into balladry. The same fate was to be cast upon the album opener 1+1. It’s ‘out there’ nature is a great way of grabbing attention, but it is a misconception from what to expect from 4. In some ways is was a good choice for a comeback. Plus, it could go down as one of the best songs she has done lyrically – “ my persuasion could built a nation.” Don’t be put off by its aggressive vibes, give it a catch! However, after a stunning music video and numerous high profile performances to follow the song stalled at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100, a shameful number for the diva. It portrays a much fiercer, gritty Beyonce and opens up a different take on female empowerment with heavy club beats and chaotic drums set for the dance floor. For I have grown to love Girls(Who Run The World). But, two months on and my opinion has completely changed. Others even went on to state that “ misses the mark big time here” and that it is “plain daft.” Hell, even I wasn’t impressed and I’m like a baby with a dummy when it comes to music – give me a good enough beat and I’ll shamelessly strut to it. Some commented that whilst she has taken risks, this was too diverse from her previous efforts. But, unlike previous lead singles( If I Were I Boy, Déjà Vu) Girls was met with generally negative reviews. The 4 era got off to a troublesome start when a demo from the controversial Girls(Who Run The World) leaked, so B and her team rushed the original to release. It is filled with soothing, heartfelt and sometimes mellow ballads which is admirable to a certain extent as one can appreciate the fact that there may be just too much of the same type to hold an album together. The material on this set is far from “bad,” however there is nothing ground breaking to found either and is it not what some are calling “her best album yet” for the glorious B’Day holds that title. And with her forthcoming album 4 things are no different. There has always been mixed opinions when it comes to Beyonce’s solo albums – some who love it and some who hate it. If your looking for the up-tempo, radio-friendly feel that was ever so present on I Am…Sasha Fierce then you better go give that another spin because, apart from a few, 4 is filled with emotion, not club beats. Y’all need to take your stilettos off for this one.įor the most part, anyway.