Rap-Up.com || Review Roundup: Beyoncé

Eight years after launching her solo career with her Grammy-winning debut Dangerously in Love, Beyoncé remains one of pop’s most formidable forces. With the release of her fourth album 4 in stores today, the 29-year-old singer explores new territory—mixing the hypnotizing sounds of Diplo and Switch (“Run the World (Girls),” “End of Time”) with Diane Warren’s big ballad (“I Was Here”) and Kanye West and André 3000’s old school anthem (“Party”). How did the critics grade her latest work? Find out below.

Entertainment Weekly: The terrific “End of Time” seethes with off-balance harmonies, MJ-style Off the Wall horns, and a bionic Bo Diddley beat, all while Bey howls her eternal love to everyone and no one in particular. It’s exactly the kind of genre-busting risk that few other current pop stars would even attempt, let alone pull off flawlessly with  a no-big-thing shrug. B

Rolling Stone: 4 might be her strangest record. It’s a big-budget megapop album with an A list of guest stars (Kanye West, André 3000) and songwriter-producers (Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Diplo, Ryan Tedder, Diane Warren). Yet it’s as eccentric—as unmistakably personal and quirky—as anything that Sufjan Stevens ever cooked up in his bedroom. 3.5/5

USA Today: Compared with Beyoncé’s three previous albums, which arrived on a wave of hit singles, the release of 4 seems relatively quiet. Neither lead single “Run the World (Girls)” nor “Best Thing I Never Had” has caught fire on the charts. But after [Sasha] Fierce‘s duality, Beyoncé does not seem to need to make a cutting-edge statement. This time, she’s content to stay in her comfort zone. 3/4

New York Daily News: For her fourth solo work, assigned the informational title 4, a singer long obsessed with self-empowerment finally lets herself play pining wretch or devoted lover far more often than her usual role of answer-back queen or preening pinup. 4/5

The Washington Post: On Tuesday, Beyoncé drops 4, as in her fourth album. It’s also her fourth-best album, as in her worst. Both cool and low-key, its subdued tone suggests that she’s turning an intimate new leaf. Surprise! She isn’t. Instead, Beyoncé sounds more precise and distant than ever, making these mid-tempo tunes feel vexing at first, then dull.

Chicago Tribune: Beyoncé finally puts a bounce in her step with the goofy “Love on Top” and “Countdown,” and “End of Time” mixes boisterous marching drums, staccato horns and dipping, diving vocals. It’s an all-too-brief glimpse of the “mad scientist” at work. Maybe next time she’ll get in the lab with some better songs. 2.5/4

The Guardian: This isn’t by any means a bad album. … It’s just that it isn’t the album you might have been led to expect. The high points offer hints of what it might have been: it’s hard not to feel that what it might have been sounds better than what it is. 3/5

The Boston Globe: This album is also one of Beyoncé’s most natural efforts, standing out for the simple fact that it doesn’t try to stand out. Its 12 songs are often rooted in neo-soul, the kind Maxwell and Erykah Badu were recording for baby-making soundtracks back in the ’90s.

SPIN: The lack of in-your-face future-funk arrangements isn’t a sign that Beyoncé has lost her appetite for domination; indeed, as a singer’s showcase, 4 will probably end up bested this year only by Adele’s 21. 8/10

Rap-Up’s Favorite Tracks: “I Care,” “Party,” “Countdown,” “End of Time”

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148 Comments

jacques francois
June 28th, 2011 at 7:45 am
“I Miss You” is THE ULTIMATE! I dig the album! #4

[Reply]
isabella! Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@jacques francois, I Miss You is the best powerful slow song on the album.

[Reply]
Dizzle Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@isabella!, i AGRREEEEEEE love it!!!!

[Reply]
Rauol Remy Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@isabella!, Thats because Frank Ocean worte and produced that one, very powerful!…. not a fan but i think its a good album!

[Reply]
mikaju Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@Rauol Remy, “i miss you” was produced by FRANK OCEAN with whom Chris Brown started a beef. Apparently chris had a problem with frank being so prolific and a visionary singer/songwriter.

[Reply]
Rauol Remy Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@mikaju, he also wrote it

[Reply]
thatsuperbass Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:52 am
@mikaju,

Chris didn’t start any “Beef” with him. FRANK OCEAN started it so lets get our facts in order before we comment. This is a post about BEYONCE not Chris.

Anyway, I Miss You is most definitely a favorite of mine.

[Reply]
justme Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@isabella!, I got emotional when I first this song.. I was like wow this is the ALBUM OF THE YEAR

[Reply]
GOD/JESUS
June 28th, 2011 at 7:47 am
Horrible album. I rather download it for free, but that ain’t even worth it either.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@GOD/JESUS, & You have thee nerve to title your self God/Jesus .. Ima leave you alone just for that .

[Reply]
Nas Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@GOD/JESUS, your irrelevant right now ..

[Reply]
c.j
June 28th, 2011 at 7:48 am
COUNTDOWN IS THE SHHIT….

[Reply]
p
June 28th, 2011 at 7:49 am
i personally liked it :) i agree with Rap-up’s favourite tracks. Countdown and End of Time should of been released as single’s in the first place tbh. O well :) i give it a 3.5/5 :)

[Reply]
Mya
June 28th, 2011 at 7:50 am
COUNTDOWN needs to Be a single! Talking about HOT!

[Reply]
maya Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Mya, I think it will be since it was in her commercial

[Reply]
London Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Mya, Countdown is the best song on the album. I expected more from Beyonce but I’m pretty sure the album will do well because it is BEYONCE.

[Reply]
Oh Please Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@London, Yup…i expected more too. I’m a huge Bee stan, but i was a bit disappointed.

[Reply]
Name here
June 28th, 2011 at 7:52 am
chicago tribune gives horrible reviews to everybody but any way i bought it and it NOT bad at all

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Name here, They do that because nobody has heard of their newspaper or whatever it is .

[Reply]
aaliyah Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Real Issh, What are you talking about???? It’s a well-known newspaper.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@aaliyah, Welp – This Beyonce post is thee only time I’ve ever heard of it ..

[Reply]
Lo Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@aaliyah, Its well known in chicago not where im from!

[Reply]
ovo
June 28th, 2011 at 7:52 am
this is beyonce worse album. i think her time is up as a fan every time i hear her now its like i heard it all before

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@ovo, Umm – It’s either you grow with her or don’t . If you’re not growing with her , the exit is available .

[Reply]
Mike's brother Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Real Issh, now thats some real ish. LOL

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Mike’s brother, Lmao ! =)

[Reply]
Delroy Roach Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@Real Issh, COULDN’T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Delroy Roach, We gotta let them know !

[Reply]
Lo Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@ovo, Then You weren’t a fan, you were a listener.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@Lo, Couldn’t have stated that any better !

[Reply]
MeloRocksarr
June 28th, 2011 at 7:53 am
They can keep their comments cute though….Bey still in it forsho

[Reply]
mike
June 28th, 2011 at 7:54 am
Party, Start Over and I Was Here are the best songs in the album… the rest is a mediocre attempt to a quality album

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@mike, BTINH , Countdown , 1+1 , & End of Time should be added on that list of yours .

[Reply]
Mya
June 28th, 2011 at 7:56 am
The album is great! But the only thing missing is the lack of Uptempo Dance Pop songs Beyonce is known for

[Reply]
David
June 28th, 2011 at 7:58 am
I actually like it, it has a cool 80s, 90s, and 21st century vibe to it. It has that reminiscent M.J “Off The Wall” vibe.

[Reply]
Lexi
June 28th, 2011 at 8:03 am
I think this is one of Beyoncé best albums next to B-Day. This album shows versatility and has a little more edge to the songs. Love the album, but my favorite tracks are “Dance For You”, “I Miss You”. “1+1″, “Party”, “Love On Top”, “End Of Time”, “Countdown” and “Start Over”. This is album is going to be very underrated!

[Reply]
Jay Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@Lexi, I’m 100% with you, there isn’t a sing I don’t love on there. The Deluxe Edition tracks are not only amazing but they provide more a balance to the album.

[Reply]
Jose
June 28th, 2011 at 8:05 am
The album is her best yet, Beyonce showed off her vocals to her peak and the tracks are nothing i’ve heard before..Very different and fresh. In LOVE with End of Time and I Was Here !

[Reply]
yooo
June 28th, 2011 at 8:08 am
awful album..mediocre seems to be the name of the game these days and 4 is no exception. shes just following the trend thats out now. rtw would have been hot if it was released 5 months earlier… the one track i do think is fire is party

[Reply]
Mya Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@yooo, Cut the Crap Following the trends? There’s Not ONE Euro Dance song on thise album. You’re just a HATER

[Reply]
Name here Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@yooo, what trend do u speak off? only her and adele are doing mostly ballad albums..

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@yooo, Lol – Following the trend ? You’ve got to be bullshitting . Nobody’s album is in her kind of music .. Beyonce has had ballads on every album .

[Reply]
yooo Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@Real Issh, Mya, Name Here

So all of you are telling me that y’all have NEVER heard anything like “4″ and that it is a game changer? GTFOOH! You stans are delusional.

[Reply]
Name here Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@yooo, i think ur delusional who was talking about a game changer…u said it is like everybody else’work which is dance pop/electro at the moment …her album is stricly R&B

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@yooo, What artists is making the kind of music that she has on 4 ? NOBODY , that’s why shes doing it . A non-stan could see that .

[Reply]
yooo Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
@Real Issh, but you’re not a non stan so please stop

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Lol , I’m thee biggest Beyonce’ stan on this bitch .
LilRoyalty
June 28th, 2011 at 8:16 am
That shit whack

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@LilRoyalty, Yes – a wack album is at the top on all charts .. Check em .

[Reply]
OVER!
June 28th, 2011 at 8:17 am
The critics were so very generous. This album is filled with throw-up moments. People, if u bite in buying, keep ur trash bins handy and nearby.

[Reply]
Name here Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 8:54 am
@OVER!, okay understand u dont like it but”throw up moments”like are serious

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@OVER!, Maybe because you’ve never been in love before . You probably don’t understand what she is singing .

[Reply]
aaliyah Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Real Issh, Stan over here much? Just because people have DIFFERENT OPINIONS doesn’t mean shit. It’s actually healthy.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@aaliyah, Umm – Fucking duh I’m a stan . It’s healthy , that’s why I reply to get my health up . & All this hate ain’t cute , learn when to shut the fuck up .

[Reply]
Nas Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@OVER!, then why waste ya time commenting on it ? oh cause clearly you LOVE every song now sit okayyy !

[Reply]
LoveCrime
June 28th, 2011 at 8:25 am
I hated the album, but now I can’t stop listening to it. She really delivered! R&B heads will love this album!

[Reply]
Nick
June 28th, 2011 at 8:32 am
the best songs on the album to my opinion are “I Miss You” ( her voice sounds angelic), Party ( its a feel good BBQ song ), Love On Top ( the vocals at the end are AMAZING ), Countdown & End of time are great party songs and are good for those who like the Sasha Fierceness of Bey.

Overall this is my 2nd favorite album behind Dangerously In Love…

Favorite Bey albums are…
1. Dangerously In Love
2. 4
3. B’Day
4. I Am…Sasha Fierce ( thought it was too extra..if that makes any sense )

[Reply]
Caribean boy Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@Nick, i hated this album but now im in love with it.
The best top 5 songs that i love on this album are: End of time, Love on top, Countdown, lay up ndr me,and I care.

Albums rate:
1. B-day
2. 4
3. Dangerously in love
4. I am

[Reply]
Billionaire
June 28th, 2011 at 8:33 am
I’m not feeling this era, like in one of the reviews mentioned, it’s not what i was led to expect! I’ll give it a B since it’s different from what she normally do, this shows she’s evolving as an artist it’s just that the sound & impact is a little weak & like mentioned in another review it’s quiet too quiet for me! For someone like Beyonce, it needs to be loud especially with that fantastic voice of hers!

[Reply]
c.webb
June 28th, 2011 at 8:36 am
what are the projections for the fw? i don’t think she’ll flop,but she won’t sell much either.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@c.webb, She’s #1 on all thee charts . Already Gold in 1 country .. I don’t know thee exact .

[Reply]
Lo Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:02 am
@c.webb, She already sold 300,00 on brazil…..

[Reply]
ThankMeLater
June 28th, 2011 at 8:36 am
Bey is better then all those other bitches in the game for sure and she actually brings something new unlike the other girls with the same old shit. This has to be her best album and I love it <3 KingB all the way.

[Reply]
Tyrique D.Rashad
June 28th, 2011 at 8:43 am
illegaly downloaded it (shame on me,lol),and imma buy 2 copies tomorrow,thats how good it is :)

[Reply]
kiki.
June 28th, 2011 at 8:46 am
I’ll stick with her ‘b’day’ album for now and anyway music after 2006/2007 was never really for me worth a second glance but her ’4′ album is better than a lot of others out there currently.

[Reply]
Lisa
June 28th, 2011 at 8:48 am
I downloaded my copy for free, but I agree with Rap-Up’s picks for best songs. I would add “I Miss You” too.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Lisa, Buy it – Buy it – Buy it !

[Reply]
Jay
June 28th, 2011 at 8:53 am
I swear to God, the first time I heard the songs, I said to myself that it’s not what I wanted after waiting for years, but after listening for like hundred times, I said to myself that THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM. And I can already imagine Beyonce singing the songs in 4 LIVE.

P.S. Listen closely to “Love on top”. Her voice is so INCREDIBLE.

[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@Jay, I agree. I think she’ll SLAY these songs LIVE. I can’t wait to see her perform “I Was Here,” “Love On Top” and “I Care.”

[Reply]
Erica
June 28th, 2011 at 9:05 am
The album is great, I love it.

[Reply]
Kyle
June 28th, 2011 at 9:13 am
I think this goes to show that it’s IMPOSSIBLE for QUEEN B to please everyone. I personally enjoy this album and I respect the fact the fact that she took some risks and didn’t want to go the usual route and try to rack up a #1 hit on the pop charts. This is what artists do: they grow, progress, and try NEW things and that is what I think “4″ is all about. She has already proven herself and has sold millions of albums, racked up numerous #1 hits and I don’t think she’s too concerned with how this album will sell. She just wants to make music that feels right for her and it’s up to her fans to accept that and I do. *HITS PLAY*

[Reply]
Bunnnita
June 28th, 2011 at 9:15 am
People are so mainstream; it disgust me. Shes trying to do something different. In my opinion, her album is wonderful and well produced. The lyrics in ‘i miss you’ (my favorite) is so beautiful and clever. Everybody wants to listen to crazy music with dumb lyrics and a good beat; that would most lykly get old in a month. smh….

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Bunnnita, Exactly – You couldn’t have stated that any better !

[Reply]
Lo Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
@Bunnnita, Preach!

[Reply]
mrmagoo
June 28th, 2011 at 9:16 am
The critics were very nice. This album is awful. She totally missed the mark.

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@mrmagoo, Awful is a strong word .. & I understand if you don’t know what music is – But don’t state something that isn’t even close to being correct .

[Reply]
Lisa
June 28th, 2011 at 9:19 am
Exactly what I’ve expected. Beyoncé isn’t doing the mainstream thing anymore, and now the “fans” and critics are dropping like flies… Well, I got my deluxe copy today and I love the album. It’s different, but it’s definitely some of her best work to date.

[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@Lisa, Very well said!

[Reply]
tavia
June 28th, 2011 at 9:23 am
4 is #1 in 23 countries go out & buy :)

[Reply]
Tan
June 28th, 2011 at 9:32 am
I am listening to it online now and I like “Best I Never Had”. It’s a song I could put on repeat. I am disappointed that there is not an up tempo jam like Diva, Upgrade U or No, No, No, featured on the CD. I know she’s made an attempt at a party anthem on a few tracks, I will have to listen to them over and over and let them grow on me. Overall, I am proud of Bey. She’s a solid entertainer. She can sing, dance and write/produce her own music and that is not common enough in today’s music scene. I am craving for good music and she’s made a solid attempt and giving us her attempt at challenging herself as an artist and not settling on the fact that she’s rich and famous. She still has lofty goals while being at the top of her game, so I am enjoying 4. I will go by Target and buy it today. I want to see her doing well. Besides Bey, let me just say if you are a music fan, pick up Jennifer Hudson’s CD. Another piece of art that deserves to be celebrated. Not too many real singers out there to celebrate!

[Reply]
MaZ
June 28th, 2011 at 9:48 am
It’s definitely an album people wouldn’t except from her.

[Reply]
Ezze
June 28th, 2011 at 9:48 am
The album is amazing! Don’t let Beyonce haters fool you..One of her Best album’s to date! I sho did support! We needed this.

[Reply]
isabella!
June 28th, 2011 at 9:57 am
i love this album, my favorite songs are i miss you, countdown, end of time, best thing i never had, party, and run the world (girls), even though almost everybody hates that song but i love it. i got the standard edition of 4 but im also getting the deluxe edition because i heard her song schoolin life, and it was amazing so i have to get it to support bey. i love you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Trina
June 28th, 2011 at 9:59 am
The album isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but B could’ve came harder. I wish she would’ve hired Ne-Yo as a songwriter for this album instead of The Dream’s team. You saw what he did to Mariah & Ciara’s last album. They flopped smh. The tracks I do like on her album are:
“Rather Die Young”
“I Care”
“End of Time”
Dance for You”
“Start Over”
“Run the World”

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Trina, Lmao @ Mariah & Ci-Error flopping . & You’re right .. Did Sean Garrett write on this album ?

[Reply]
Trina Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@Real Issh, lol its the truth. & Naw, he didnt

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@Trina, Chile , he was pressed to state that he did on a Rap-Up post a few months ago .

[Reply]
saditty Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@Trina, Sorry but Neyo gets a HELL NO from me. I heard one of his demos for this album and let’s just say I’m so glad she passed on that. Beyonce and the Dream make a good team because she makes an input – she has a good ear for music and is good at arranging the sound. He won’t produce the same calibre of music for other artist because of that.

[Reply]
Jason K
June 28th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Don’t forget Start Over that definitely should be a single

[Reply]
Lawrence
June 28th, 2011 at 10:51 am
I love this album.
1. Party.
2. End of time.
3. Countdown.
4. Love on top. ( don’t you feel the Jackson 5 wave? )
5. I miss you.

[Reply]
A RihYonce' Stan,
June 28th, 2011 at 10:52 am
Countdown, End of Time, Party, I Miss You,Love on Top …. All my favorites…

But, am I the only one that likes Rather Die Young? lol. I think its great…

Honestly, this isnt Bey’s best album… But it shows a lot of growth, and it damn sure has potential!

So, give respect where respect is due…

[Reply]
maya Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@A RihYonce’ Stan,, I LOVE Rather Die Young, it’s so sweet & makes me feel like I’m in a movie :)

[Reply]
CHARLES ASANTE
June 28th, 2011 at 10:53 am
BEST SONGS IS SCHOOLIN LIFE, COUTDOWN, DANCE FOR YOU, START OVER, I CARE, EVERYTHING ELSE IS CUTE, BUT DOES ARE MY TOP FAV

[Reply]
sha85
June 28th, 2011 at 11:05 am
I love R&B & the music that has been dropping from this genre in the past year has been good! Add beyonce’s shit right to the list!!! I am enjoying “4″

Rather die young is my shit!!! I love the whole album but that song has been the victim of my repeat button lol

[Reply]
Trina Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@sha85, me too! I love that song

[Reply]
WhiteChocolate
June 28th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Rather Die Young is my shit

[Reply]
Sharp Tongue
June 28th, 2011 at 11:34 am
I love, Beyonce and this album is one of a kind it shines a different light on her as an artist for taking a change in her music career so, I say you go girl.

[Reply]
obamarocks
June 28th, 2011 at 11:45 am
Everybody go to Youtube. Beyonce and Nicky Minaj are on a remix of her leading single Run the World Girls together. This guy name Fyuchur produced it. Its Hot!! Both of their fans love it

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@obamarocks, No .. Nobody is checking for a remix that doesn’t exist .

[Reply]
keisha Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@obamarocks, beyonce is her OWN woman she doesnt need to rock with boozo minaj

[Reply]
...
June 28th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
1. Run The World (Girls)
2. Countdown
3. Best Thing I Never Had
4. 1+1
5. Schoolin’ Life

the rest isn’t soooo

[Reply]
sasha kii
June 28th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Da whole album is amaaaaaaazzzin

[Reply]
antonio
June 28th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Why can’t Beyonce fans realize not everyone is a fan of hers, will like her music and will compliment everything she does. I gave this album an 8/10. It’s definitely one of the best of 2011, but it’s also nothing special at all. I personally still feel the best 3 albums of 2011 are Late Nights and Early Mornings by Marsha Ambrosius, 21 by Adele and Born This Way by Lady Gaga. But my favorites off 4 are 1+1, End of Time, Start Over, Dance for You and BTINH

[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@antonio, We want to figure out why people that aren’t fans keep commenting . It leaked a month ago , thee same people said they didn’t like it A MONTH ago . It’s a month later & they’re still saying it . We get it .

[Reply]
ahahahahahahahahahaha Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Real Issh, i agree

[Reply]
maya Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@antonio, I respected your opinion until you said Lady Gaga…I CAN’T w| that egg hatching bitch -_-

[Reply]
ahahahahahahahahahaha
June 28th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
to me its a relaxing album its not up-tempo nor slow its just right and this album i listen to on trips i love this album even tho its not her best album (compared to her last three terrific album) but its good…keep doing your thang bey!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Queen Beyonce
June 28th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
i love this album…. my fave tracks are countdown, start over, best thing i never had.

[Reply]
Manjeo22
June 28th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
This is beyonce best album to date.

[Reply]
Sha'Nesha
June 28th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I honestly love the whole album, I can see her growth.

My favorite songs are:

1. End Of Time (LOOOOVEE IT)
2. I Care
3. Party (MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, GREAT SUMMER SONG)
4. Best Thing I Never Had
5. Rather Die Young
6. Dance 4 You (This shit is so hot! Makes you really think what the hell is Jay Z doin to Bey?!
7. Schoolin Life (LOOOVES IT, great message too)

All in all tho this album is different, and I will be blastin it alll summer!!

Love you Bey, you my girl!

[Reply]
Sha'Nesha Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Sha’Nesha, Oh I love Countdown too!

[Reply]
Orlando
June 28th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

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Sha'Nesha Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Orlando, I agree. (:

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B,Uused to b hair..now u gone nair Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Orlando, lol is that how many copies you went to go get?

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Real Issh Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
I got 4 because that’s thee title .
1- iTunes
2- Amazon
3- Deluxe physical album
4- Regular physical album (I gifted 2) .. Wbu bitch ?

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Orlando Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@Orlando, <- me again, damn i wish i could buy all her albumz & make her over sell on gaga cd by 2milli lol (dat will never happen tho)

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HiH8ter Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:12 am
@Orlando, yall know her album aint that good to buy that many copies in about a couple years your gonna look back wtf was i thinkin! that album is garbage!

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Orlando Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@HiH8ter, i love my haters, so keep on beenin a hater 4 life & i thank you makin BEYONCE be irrelevant lmao…

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andy
June 28th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
i LOVE every song except “I Was Here” & “Rather Die Young” other than that, AMAZING :)

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keepin it real
June 28th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
4 is an album that grows on u I Miss You & I Care are standouts! She blends Adele’s 21 & soul together for a great mix!

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Jay
June 28th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
4 is hands down Beyonce’s best album!! Love every song! It’s also the best I’ve ever heard her sing. The album is just so honest, raw and pure. I love it!!!

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Jay
June 28th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
…another thing. Anyone saying this album is good is just brainwashed by all that other over-processed crap that’s out there. This is REAL music!!!

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@matt_hamrick
June 28th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
I was skeptical about this album because i did not care for “run the world.” I’m in love with this album though. I think it’s my favorite Bey album. Stand outs for me include: “I Care,” “End of Time,” and “I Miss You.”

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maya
June 28th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
-1+1 is still my fave ballad on the album.
-I Care is going to have to grow on me.
-Best Thing I Never Had is amazing, her voice is perfect in that song.
-I honestly despise party, omg -_-
-Rather Die Young is so sweet & uniqe, if she do a video to that song I know it’s going to be very creative.
-Start over dope, good feel to it.

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maya
June 28th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
-Love on Top just makes me smile, reminds me of Michael Jackson’s “Baby Be Mine”
-Countdown is MY SHIT :) #repeat
-End of time is the best omg, can’t stop playingit!
-I was here is sweet & has a cool meaning
-RTW is simply my shit.

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Teya
June 28th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
’4′ is #1 on iTunes in multiple countries! Its already certified 3x Platinum in Brazil and is Gold in Poland. Shame to those haters who said she was gonnr flop :P

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fizzle
June 28th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
I LOVE this album, my fav is still B’Day, but when you listen to the vibes of the album it mixes between Dangerously In Love melodic powerful meaning with the soul-funk rhythms of B’Day. This music is pure emotion & vocals, she IS singing for her life on these tracks and you can see the growth. Everybody wanted dance tracks but this album needed to be done, she need to reach past songs of appearance & step into meaning with her music. These are the songs that will be timeless for her & as usual there is a massive list of tardiness within the world!

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jay
June 28th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
i love the album forget the haters just cause she not going with the NOW radio sound

love you BEY forever

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andres
June 29th, 2011 at 12:00 am
i am going to stick with ciara’s basic instinct cd better much better and interesting next ;)

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HiH8ter Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:08 am
@andres, thats what i’m sayin i know it didn’t do all that great on the charts but lets face it 3 tracks outta however many songs is on that shitty album doesn’t make it a good album

and using music from the 70s/80s doesn’t make it different she used a whole bunch of samples which to me wasn’t creative at all when i think of creative and different that means you made everthing from scratch and its tight not something thats the same and a snoozer

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Real Issh Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@HiH8ter, lol – How sad for thee both of you .. Smh . Listen to that shyt at KFC .

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Name here Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@andres, that album was horrific the first 4 songs were decsent the rest was put me to sleep

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andres Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@Name here, hey i love beyonce always have but this album i am not feeling it howver ciara album was all R&B like i like it and eventho it didnt did well it was a great album!!! ;)

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Melvin Carson
June 29th, 2011 at 12:25 am
#BESTTHING is now at #1 in UK ITUNES, SOUTH KOREAN CHART (BILLBOARD)
PLATINUM in BRAZIL is 80,000. Beyonce’s “4″ went 3x PLATINUM=240,000.She’s 60,000 away from being DIAMOND. ALL IN ONE DAY! #QueenBeyonce =))
#teamB

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Antonio Reply:
July 10th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@Melvin Carson, Diamond in Brazil is 800K, not 300K because Diamond is 10x Platinum so 80K x 10 = 800K which is Diamond

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wah
June 29th, 2011 at 2:31 am
Her album just requires a lot of listening.
When I first time heard it I was like – wtf with Bee.
But now is different.
It’s an album full of emotions,and it’s not some shit.
She has great lyrics,and that is most important in one song.
I love – I Was Here,End Of Time,Best Thin I Never Had, Start Over,Run The World,Countdown..

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MaZ
June 29th, 2011 at 5:03 am
My favorite songs on the album are:

I Care, I Miss You, Party(Ft. André 3000),
Start Over, Countdown, End of Time, I was Here, Run the World and Schoolin’Life.

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Lexx_Janay
June 29th, 2011 at 7:32 am
#honesthour i did not like her single “who runs the world” so i automatically thought her cd was gonna be trash! sorry guys…but now that ive heard a few songs i kinda like it! my fav songs are “dance for you” and “1+1″(listened to that song bout 50 times already)

SN: im still listening to the album

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maya
June 29th, 2011 at 10:41 am
I got somebody to buy the album today :) HAHA Flop what?

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kapi
June 29th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
For those who downloaded the album for free when it leaked and are enjoying it–you should STILL BUY THE ALBUM. It’s well worth the $. Beyonce made real music with amazing vocal performances. Some people who complain haven’t even listened to the album. It’s better than everything I’m hearing on the radio. Love it.

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kapi
June 29th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@maya, I did something similar by buying a copy for a friend who had not bought it yet. This album is worth supporting. Beyonce did not try to copy the generic pop sound that is blasted on radio stations on a daily basis. Real music should enjoy commercial success also, not just the junk, so I hope this album does well.

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maya Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@kapi, Me too! I’m loving the 80/90 feel to it. I hope Party & Love On Top get a video <3 regardless of them doing well on the charts or not.

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TeamTM
June 30th, 2011 at 2:31 am
her best album and most critically acclaimed so far

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maya
June 30th, 2011 at 11:03 am
“Best Thing I Never Had” video comes out today :) be on the look out on vevo!

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YAS!
June 30th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
This is album is the business. My Favorite tracks are “Party”, “Best Thing I Never Had”, “Rather Die Young” (YAS!!!! Mes’ love it!!) and “Love on Top”…Runner up is “Countdown”

This album to me is her best lyrically, concept wise and of course vocally. Her past two albums sounded generic and not that passionate. This albums KNOCKS and the background vocals are chilling. It’s everything I could ever ask for from Beyonce without me even asking her. Beyonce, LeToya and Mariah and doing for me. I’m so proud of King Beyonce!!!! YAS!!! I will be spoiling myself with purchases of two copies!

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Antonio
July 10th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
I thought the album was okay, not great though. There are a lot of forgettables, which for any album, isn’t really good.
1. 1+1 (8/10) – Really good ballad, but the lyrics are a bit generic “I don’t know much about algebra, but I know 1+1 equals 2″, really Beyonce.
2. I Care (8/10) – Good ballad, but ultimately forgettable
3. I Miss You (10/10) – Very strong ballad and one of the stand outs. The lyrics are very deep and pure
4. Best Thing I Never Had (7/10) – Typical Beyonce. We’ve heard this before in songs like Single Ladies and Irreplaceable
5. Party (6/10) – I just don’t like thing song, Beyonce does sound good on this song IMO
6. Rather Die Young (7/10) – From the title, I was expecting something grand, but I got a small hill. There is nothing special or memorable about this song
7. Start Over (10/10) – Great mid tempo ballad. I love the lyrics and Beyonce’s vocals are superb. Major standout
8. Love on Top (7/10) – The only good thing about this song is Beyonce’s vocals. It’s generic to me. I could picture any other singer: Alicia, Fantasia, Jennifer or Monica singing this song the same way as Bey.
9. Countdown (8/10) – Very catchy, definitely a future single
10. End of Time (9/10) – The beat is one of the best instrumentals in years and the song is also very good, should’ve been the first single
11. I Was Here (8/10) – Typical Diane Warren ballad
12. Run the World (7/10) – The instrumental is great, but Beyonce lyrics are generic and very bland
13. Lay Up Under Me (8/10) – Good midtempo ballad, I really like the old school 80s vibe
14. Schoolin’ Life (7/10) – I don’t see the hype surrounding this song, there is nothing special about it
15. Dance for You (9/10) – Beautiful love ballad. This song had a Prince/Janet Jackson vibe to it. I like the futuristic sounding beat as well
So overall I give 4 a 8/10. This album is good, but songs like I Care, 1+1, Schoolin’ Life, Lay Up Under Me, Party, Rather Die Young and Love on Top are all very forgettable IMO. Start Over, I Miss You, Countdown, End of Time, and Dance for You are the standouts. I am predicting US sales around 1.5 million and WW sales around 4.5 million

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Beyoncé Sought Critical Acclaim with ’4′ | Flymindstate.com
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:47 am
[...] may denounce their critics or not read reviews at all, the singer paid close attention to what reviewers were saying. “I really wanted to make a great body of work and a great classic album, and I [...]
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