4 (Deluxe Edition)

Beyonce’s name works for itself

Before her third album I Am… Sasha Fierce was released in 2008 Beyonce was considered one of the most successful pop performers. Yet the quantity of awards received for the singles and videos of the album’s songs makes it possible to call the singer the most successful in the world of pop music to date in many ways, the one who has beaten several records of her compositions’ success and popularity. This year the girl from Texas turns thirty years old of which she has spent about twenty-seven singing supported by her family. It was her father Mathew Knowles that managed her since the era of Destiny’s Child in which Beyonce soloed, and early this spring it got known that the tandem was split because of professional differences. Now the singer has no manager, she has recruited her own team with which she chooses to continue her career. Besides she has already reached such heights that her name is working for itself. The first release marking the new chapter in Beyonce’s creative work is her fourth studio album that got called simply 4, for it is a too rich and many-faceted collection to get any narrower and concrete one. As before it offers some more noticeable and brighter songs against the background of the others, however, this album will definitely remain in history as a symbol of freedom from stylistic frames, vocal performance rules or any other existing standards.

Most varied styles and maximum emotions

The time out between the third and the fourth album has proved to be the longest in Beyonce’s discography though she started recording new tracks right after the I Am…Tour was over, but she also managed to have a little rest last year as well. Nevertheless, the work resulted in seventy-two tracks prepared of which twelve songs with different character and message were scrupulously selected and lead to perfection. The team of songwriters and producers many of which have worked with Beyonce more than once undoubtedly includes only the best professionals: Chad Hugo, Kanye West, David Taylor, Smith, Tricky and many others. Besides, the artist herself has taken part in writing most songs demonstrating her growth not only as the incomparable vocalist but as a talented songwriter, too. The musicians got inspired by the creative work of Stevie Wonder, Lauren Hill, Fela Kuti and Beyonce’s idol Michael Jackson and created tracks in which the elements of most varied styles are combined, from soul and rock to pop music and electronica. Yet no matter how wonderful the songs on 4 are, it would be just like all Beyonce’s other albums if it were not for her amazing vocals whose capacity has been definitely underestimated so far. The album keeps the listener in tension, calls to one’s feelings, offers one to dance and enjoy life, and it was probably only the above mentioned King of Pop who could fill his songs with so many emotions.

The album 4 is a very mature and solid creation

Despite the new record’s being so original, the previous albums’ basic formula remains practically unchanged: slow romantic ballads alternate with lively mid-tempo or danceable tracks. The album opens with one of the most sensual and passionate numbers 1+1, on which the melody’s soul blues is combined with the maximum strong vocals and a stylish electro guitar solo. The mid-tempo song I Care conquers with its unusual scale, a contagious beat and no less passionate vocals, whereas the partially electronic track I Miss You is built on layering the two vocal parts one of which is getting close to whispering, the other to shouting. The basis of the single Best Thing I Never Had is keyboards modulations and an expressive beat, and the only collaboration on the album, Party with Outkast’s Andre 3000, embodies all the contemporary hip-hop and pop music trends. The ballads Rather Die Young and Dance For You are passionate and heartfelt eternal love confessions, while Start Over deals with break up and the pain of loss through which the hope to start it all over is hitting. The nice retro flavor of Love On Top is underlined by the most optimistic melody’s major key, and another love expression Countdown is an incredibly contagious cocktail of afro-beat, winds ensemble and faultless production full of dance energy. The album’s first single Run The World (Girls), a song with bold lyrics affirming women’s power. It is quite an expectable composition from Beyonce though not the best on the album but its danceable versions on the Deluxe edition will surely become summer his. On the whole the album 4 is a very mature and solid creation proving that with all her numerous awards and statuses Beyonce still manages to surprise.