Music Review "4" by Beyonce

Hey Dolls -

The baddest chick in the game is one step closer to running the world. Beyonce lands the cover of W Magazine, now on stands nationwide. Both Christina Aguilera and Beyonce are featured in separate cover shots for the July Music and Style Issue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE HER!!!!

It has been nearly 3 years since Ms. Knowles (or is it Carter?) released a studio album. Avoiding the Hollywood spotlight, traveling and gathering inspiration for her fourth studio album, appropriately titled "4."

Who Run the World?  

Do You have to ask?

Well, Beyonce of course!

I officially love Beyonce's new album! It has been on repeat since I made the purchased. (The album was leaked, so I have had it for almost 2 weeks). Now, I have to admit - when I first listened to the CD. I wasn't all that impressed. However, after blasting the album, listening to the lyrics and riding out on 695, getting in my zone. I began to really enjoy "4." Surprisingly, the overall album has a techno/hip hop sound ----- It is more relaxed and emphasizes ballads over club bangers. My favorite tracks include:

Track #3  I" Miss You" - This is one of the best tracks on the album - Bey's vocals blend so well with the rhythm. She's telling her dude how much she misses him. "I thought that things like this get better with time, But I still need you, why is that? You're the only image in my mind. So I still see you, around. I miss you, like everyday. Wanna be with you, but you're away. Said I miss you, missing you insane. But if I got with you, could it feel the same." (Did you know that this song was written by Frank Ocean.)

Track #4  "Best Thing I Never Had" - Deals with a scorned woman who is trying to move on from her past relationship. "There was a time, I thought, that you did everything right, No lies, no wrong, Boy I, must've been outta my mind. So 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.  Thank God I dodged the bullet.  I'm so over you.
So baby good lookin' out." This track was produced by Babyface. It is definitely  "Irreplaceable" Part 2. Hands down 2011 summer anthem for  the ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Track#5 "Party feat. Andre 3000" -  Is the party anthem for the summer. The track also features Kanye on the intro and outro. "You a bad girl and your friends bad too" Hey!!!! ( he was talking about me and my girls) lol..This song gives you a little swag when you and your girls are on your way to a party! "So in love. I don't care what they say. I don't care if they talking tomorrow. Cause tonight's the night. That I give you everything, Music knockin' 'til the morning light."

Track #7 "Start Over" - I just began to listen to the lyrics on this track and it blew me away. Anyone, who has been in a problematic relationship, can relate to this song. When your tired of fighting, but you cant let your love die, as Bey states...."I can see that we're not happy here. So why would we keep pretending when there's nothing there. Maybe you like it, but I don't. And maybe you'll settle, well I won't. Maybe we reached the mountain peak. And there's no more left to climb. And maybe we lost the magic piece. And we're both too blind to find. Let's start over. Let's give love the wings. Let's start over. Stop fighting about the same old thing."

Track #9 "Countdown" - (Did you know Boyz II Men does the Harmony for this song in the background) " My baby is a 10 - We dressing to the nines - He pick me up at eight - Make me feel so lucky 7 - He kiss me in his 6 - "We be making love in 5 - Still the one I go to 4 - I'm trying to make us 3 - From that 2 - He still the 1." If you are in love and feeling your man. This song is perfect for you!!  On repeat in my car!!!!!

Track #1  "1+1"  - Bey opens with this powerful ballad, desiring the love for only her man (presumably her husband). "Hey , I don't know much about guns but I've been shot by you,and  I don't know when I'm gon' die but I hope, That I'm gon' die by you, and I don't know much about fighting, but I know I would fight for you, Just when I ball up my fist I realize, I'm layin right next to you."
This is by far my fav song. I love the lyrics!!!! It is such a serene love song. My sis sent me a link to a YouTube video of  Beyonce rehearsing this song backstage in her dressing room, before performing on American Idol. This video was  captured by her hubby......  TAKE A PEAK

I have listened to this song over and over again. If you disagree that Beyonce is talented, something is obviously wrong with you!!!! I tear up every time I hear this......Pure talent, no mic or audio. Just TALENT. FLAWLESS!!!! Which, is so rare in the music industry. Beyonce, inspires me so much!! I love her dedication and commitment. #GIRLPOWER

In conclusion....I love just about every song on this album. "Dangerously In Love" happens to be my favorite album of all time. Therefore, my expectations were increasingly high. Bravo for originality. And Kudos for taking chances. This new sound is definitely not the Beyonce we know and love. But, I think I like this "New Beyonce" If your a Beyonce fan....You will love this CD!!

Smooches : )