4
by Beyoncé
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 801 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 638 out of 801
  2. Mixed: 57 out of 801
  3. Negative: 106 out of 801
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  1. GarbageNOISE
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    If I Can Say One Thing About This Album. It's Bad. Just Bad. Everything Beyonce Stands For: Fun. Dance. Slaying. A Complete. Let Down. Too Many Awkward Ballads And Not Enough Club Bangers. The Songs That Are On Here Are She Screams The Whole Time. She's Trying To Prove She's Not Just A Pop Artist, But That's Why We Love Her.
  2. HoneyGotMeHookD
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    Yo not feelin this CD at all. Where's my grrrl at? BEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This CD is a snooze! Grrrl get it togetha!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Best Hit I Never Had" is good tho
  3. veronicacloset2
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    I heard a lot of smack from BEYONCE STANS. Saying this and that about 4lop saying it's a "timeless and classic record" PULEAZE. This album is a hot mess. It can't be listened to in one sitting. It's awful and they can write as many fake reviews as they want. The album sucks.
  4. BeYAWNce
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    A tasteless bore of an album. Typical of BeYAWNce. The album was supposed to be her grand artistic statement and it shows that she has no artistry. It's fitting that the album was only nominated for 2 minor Grammy awards. Without the help of her Daddy Papa Knowles, the album was a certified 4lop.
  5. HermanCainBM
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    I can't with this album. It was supposed to be flawless and it turned into a giant flop. Very un4tunate. I can't at them not releasing the best song on the album, "End of Time." So pathetic.
  6. Greta_Garbo
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    AFTER HEARING THIS ALBUM I CAN TELL YOU I WON'T BE REMEMBERING IT A FEW DAYS FROM NOW. THANK GOD. IT'S AWFUL. I HAD TO SET AN ALARM ON MY CELLPHONE TO WAKE ME UP WHEN IT'S DONE IT BORED ME TO SLEEP.
  7. BetterYetANavy
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    I was hoping BeYAWNce had changed her swaggerjacking ways, but it's clear she's only gotten worse. She need to listen to her own song, "Ego," and humble herself for once. Better luck next time, BIONCI.
  8. RihannaNavy2005
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    I'd rather die than have to listen to this CD. It's an A1 Certified Hot Mess. The only good song is a REALLY good song called "Miss You" which is a shame it's on this CD. This boring album is what we've come ot expect from the queen of 4closure.
  9. Beyonce4closed
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    After YEARS of stealing REAL ARTIST'S music, choreography, and concepts and TAKING CREDIT for them. BeYAWNce is OFFICIALLY done. She's over. The album is a FAILURE. No one cares. OFFICIALLY 4CLOSED.
  10. TheSkorpionShow
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    My girl. Bey. Girl. You put the snooze on us. What are you gonna do to give me my money back for this garbage? Cut me a check girl because I gave you my first week coins too!
  11. smithclark15
    Dec 3, 2011
    9
    '4' is Beyonce's best album to date. '4' outdoes 'Dangerously In Love', 'B'Day' and 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' by LEAPS AND BOUNDS. The best R&B album of 2011. It is a crying shame how it was snubbed at the Grammy Nominations. Reminiscent of 70's, 80's and 90's R&B and soul, '4' is a throwback to the days when live instrumentation, brilliant lyricism and exceptional vocal ability ruled'4' is Beyonce's best album to date. '4' outdoes 'Dangerously In Love', 'B'Day' and 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' by LEAPS AND BOUNDS. The best R&B album of 2011. It is a crying shame how it was snubbed at the Grammy Nominations. Reminiscent of 70's, 80's and 90's R&B and soul, '4' is a throwback to the days when live instrumentation, brilliant lyricism and exceptional vocal ability ruled American airwaves instead of auto-tuned, electro-pop, dance crap. Every song is beautifully written, produced and sang. '4' is mostly about monogamy; after listening to this, you will know for a fact that she loves her husband with all her heart. The album is diverse; '4' consists of powerful ballads like '1+1' and 'I Miss You', smooth old-school R&B jams like 'Party' and 'Rather Die Young', rousing girl power anthems like 'Best Thing I Never Had' and 'Run the World (Girls)' (the latter, I am embarrassed to like because I'm a guy) and club bangers like 'Countdown' and 'End of Time'. Beyonce flaunts her astonishing vocal talent on tracks like 'Start Over', 'Love On Top' and 'I Was Here'. The very best songs on '4', however, are the bonus tracks included on the Target Deluxe Edition. 'Lay Up Under Me', a funk-filled song pulled straight out of the disco, 'Schoolin' Life' a fun rock-tinged song reminiscent of Prince and the slow and sexy 'Dance for You' enhance the overall album greatly. Get out of your computer chair, go to the nearest music store and buy '4' now. It is worth every dollar you spend and then some.… Expand
  12. DanceVera
    Dec 12, 2011
    8
    Beyonce finally gives us a full album that keeps us moving all the way through! She proves on this record that she has a handle on r&b of the past ("Love on Top"), present ("Countdown"), and Future ("End of Time"). Hopefully we didn't write this album off as a result of the poor choice for lead single in "(Girls) Run the World", because nearly every track beats it in listenability.Beyonce finally gives us a full album that keeps us moving all the way through! She proves on this record that she has a handle on r&b of the past ("Love on Top"), present ("Countdown"), and Future ("End of Time"). Hopefully we didn't write this album off as a result of the poor choice for lead single in "(Girls) Run the World", because nearly every track beats it in listenability. Whether you want to party or stay home with someone special, this album has got something perfect for your evening.… Expand
  13. DMB
    Dec 14, 2011
    7
    Beyonces best work. Her prior albums consisted of a few strong singles and alot of album filler. I found myself listening to less than half the album for IASF, BDAY, and DIL. 4 is a solid effort. I dont think its packed full of hits, but aside from Party and Rather Die You, the songs are quality songs. Fav songs: I Care, I Miss You, Start Over, End of Time
  14. Kool_Aid_King
    Dec 28, 2011
    9
    Much more mature than her new albums. With the exception of "Run The World," the album contains fewer cliche dance numbers as noticed from her previous effort. The album is very well developed and contains the best Beyonce has to offer. Her ballads are the best they have ever been and keep the listener interested with her powerful voice. The overall quality displayed in this album isMuch more mature than her new albums. With the exception of "Run The World," the album contains fewer cliche dance numbers as noticed from her previous effort. The album is very well developed and contains the best Beyonce has to offer. Her ballads are the best they have ever been and keep the listener interested with her powerful voice. The overall quality displayed in this album is visible as Beyonce goes from song to song effortlessly. With songs like "Best Thing I Never Had," "Love On Top," "Party," and "End of Time," the listener notices a much more mature side to Beyonce. She's no longer trying to appeal to the radio with pop songs like that from her previous albums, but more for the listener to enjoy. Overall, it is a timeless album that one can listen to again and again and still feel freshed. Although some songs seem like fillers --Rather Die Young-- the rest of the album shines. Definitely one of the best albums of 2011.… Expand
  15. chrisalvin07
    Nov 29, 2012
    10
    Best of her albums. This is clearly the best female work of 2011 and even 2012 ! my song is SCHOOLIN' LIFE and I love so much Love On Top & Party !
  16. super-adn23
    Apr 23, 2012
    8
    If you are not her stan or at least her fan it is impossible to be fond on it from the beginning. After awhile you realize is Beyoncé's best album. I think she could have done a very commercial album which includes very danceable and generic tracks and have # 1's with them but she preferred to not betraying herself as an artist. I think this album make her becoma an icon, sheIf you are not her stan or at least her fan it is impossible to be fond on it from the beginning. After awhile you realize is Beyoncé's best album. I think she could have done a very commercial album which includes very danceable and generic tracks and have # 1's with them but she preferred to not betraying herself as an artist. I think this album make her becoma an icon, she doesn't need of the high positions on charts to get that title.… Expand
  17. liamconnor
    Jan 21, 2012
    0
    ... over produced to my likings, it just seems like she is yelling and just has no true emotions in it, sadly this album has great lyrics to songs, but the singer lacks in the ability to produce emotions. Poor beyonce, she tried but fell apart. :(
  18. KleineSean
    Feb 5, 2012
    10
    One of the best albums of 2011. Stunning vocals, great production and amazingly innovative. I believe this is her best album to date. It it amazing how Beyoncé managed to reinvent herself. All of the tracks in this record are incredible, from the up-tempo 'Run the World (Girls)' to the 80's R&B-like 'Love On Top' this album is excellent. The first time I listened to it, I wasOne of the best albums of 2011. Stunning vocals, great production and amazingly innovative. I believe this is her best album to date. It it amazing how Beyoncé managed to reinvent herself. All of the tracks in this record are incredible, from the up-tempo 'Run the World (Girls)' to the 80's R&B-like 'Love On Top' this album is excellent. The first time I listened to it, I was very hesitant and wasn't very sure if it was a good move, but I can assure you that if you give it a chance, you will see how deep and well-developed this album is. I honestly cannot understand how The Recording Academy didn't include this record in the Album of the year nominations.… Expand
  19. Seasz
    Apr 14, 2012
    0
    I used to like Beyoncé, but unfortunately I'm so dissapointing with this album, it sounds so boring, repetitive and tired, hopefully her next album will be better.
  20. edwardmatias
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    4 is the most evolved version of her past albums from B-Day up to I Am... Sasha Fierce. It is a total musical development in R&B. The vocals in Countdown, Love On Top, and Start Over are excellent. On the other hand, the musical and lyrical composition of I Was Here tried to be over-the-top that it does not even catch the emotions of the listeners. What I like most about this album is the4 is the most evolved version of her past albums from B-Day up to I Am... Sasha Fierce. It is a total musical development in R&B. The vocals in Countdown, Love On Top, and Start Over are excellent. On the other hand, the musical and lyrical composition of I Was Here tried to be over-the-top that it does not even catch the emotions of the listeners. What I like most about this album is the musical and strong lyrical compositions of 1+1, Best Thing I Never Had, I Care, Start Over, and Dreaming. These five songs deliver the sensation that will chill everyone's bones. 4 also offered some addictive tracks and danceable beats evidenced by End Of Time and Countdown. Dance For You is also an effective stripteasing slow jam matched with a complete package of vocal power shown by Beyonce… Expand
  21. Zone111
    Mar 23, 2012
    0
    another crap from her.
  22. RIProo
    Mar 25, 2012
    7
    She changed a lot form "I Am.... Sasha Fierce" with this album! Good R&B songs, love her voice, her great voice!!! My favourite track is "Love On Top" And also "End Of Time" is good. ( sorry for my English )
  23. Fidelove
    Mar 31, 2012
    10
    4 is the more developed, mature, and experienced sister album of 2006's B'Day. With convincing emotion, shocking vulnerability, and slick cohesive production to tie it altogether, Beyonce delivered the best album of 2011 and also her career.
  24. SmokyEyes
    May 20, 2012
    10
    It's so sad how other reviewers rate this album 0 just to tear the general score down. The point of a review is to express your point of view on something, not to influence the general score.
    Hands off Beyonce'! Because the truth is she did it again! In my opinion this is her most complete album under many points of view. Beyoncè allowed artistic freedom to record songs in    It's so sad how other reviewers rate this album 0 just to tear the general score down. The point of a review is to express your point of view on something, not to influence the general score.
    Hands off Beyonce'! Because the truth is she did it again! In my opinion this is her most complete album under many points of view. Beyoncè allowed artistic freedom to record songs in which she wanted the melody and lyrics to come together naturally. She mixed the 1970s R&B, the 1990s rock â    … Expand
  25. GagaForGhibli
    May 31, 2012
    9
    Beyonce Show's Us She Can Make A Really Good Album! Her Last Albums Have Been Seen As "Shallow And Bland" This Album Gives You Wanting More From The Queen Of R&B
    I Enjoyed 90% Of The Album
  26. MontiCarlo
    Jun 25, 2012
    6
    Beyonce has made an album that will keep her reputation as a powerhouse with vocals, but played it too safe with her songs.

    Highlight: Countdown

    Lowlight: Love on Top

    6/10
  27. cjstrickland879
    Jul 12, 2012
    8
    The best thing about "4" is the production. As a huge Beyonce fan, I've listened to each one of her albums hundreds of times. Looking back, some of her songs aren't as full as they could be, but this is not the case on "4". Every song is produced masterfully. Besides the production, I admire Beyonce for making an album that experiments with different sounds, and nods to so many differentThe best thing about "4" is the production. As a huge Beyonce fan, I've listened to each one of her albums hundreds of times. Looking back, some of her songs aren't as full as they could be, but this is not the case on "4". Every song is produced masterfully. Besides the production, I admire Beyonce for making an album that experiments with different sounds, and nods to so many different musical genres. The best song on the album is "Countdown". It's like the daughter of "Get Me Bodied". It's a jam for sure. It's one of those songs that you instantly enjoy, and never stop enjoying. "End Of Time" finds Beyonce moving beyond the boundaries of her own genre, and is a sonic masterpiece. The horns and drum line hit you right away, and make you wanna get up out of your seat and start marching. When the chorus kicks in, Beyonce's voice soars above the beat. Beyonce has always been great at half - rapping over hardcore beats, and this song further cements her as the queen of Hip Hop/R&B. The album's first half is full of ballads, the two best being "I Care" and the Frank Ocean penned "I Miss You". Beyonce sounds vulnerable, majestic, and commanding. You could throw away "Start Over" and "Rather Die Young", although I am a fan of the latter. "Love On Top" sounds like a mix of Whitney Houston and early Micheal Jackson, and the melody is very catchy, good luck not running around singing this song. The bonus material on the deluxe version is awesome. My favorite track is "Lay Up Under Me". "Schoolin' Life" is the most realistic song about Beyonce's life there could be, and reminds me of Prince. Overall, the album is great, minus one or two throw away tracks, it's definitely worth repeated listens. Highlights: "I Miss You" "I Care" "End of Time" "Countdown" "1+1" "Love On Top".… Expand
  28. Plamen
    Aug 3, 2012
    10
    With "4" Beyoncé really proves that she is still the Queen of R&B. The album consists of soaring and emotional ballads like 1+1, I Care, I Miss You, Rather Die Young, I Was Here; amazing midtempos with sensual vocals - Party, Love on Top, Schoolin' Life and risky uptempos like End of Time, Countdown and Run the World (Girls). As a whole, the album is so cohesive and it is a piece of art.
  29. BrunoZrZr
    Mar 9, 2013
    9
    Beyoncé it's not getting worse, she's going up, and this songs are an example of that evolution, the album presents very different songs, with more mature and emotional features, perfects to dance, relax, whatever you want to do! Great work.
  30. tonto
    Jul 9, 2021
    9
    Beyoncé’s 4, is a triumphant return for the queen and she is in top form. With a rich voice, she can easily carry a tune. The production is fantastic, with synths and horns creating harmonious melodies. Although none of the songs are quite as good as her iconic Irreplaceable, Crazy In Love, or Sweet Dreams, they are all solid entries to her catalogue.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2011
16
#16 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. Uncut
    Aug 18, 2011
    80
    The lyrics are occasionally hackneyed, but overall 4 is a very strong record indeed. [Sep 2011, p.79]
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 16, 2011
    60
    At Glastonbury she dazzled; here she plays it safe. [Sept. 2011, p. 105]
  3. DJ Booth
    Aug 2, 2011
    70
    While I suspect 4 was made in large part to sound more natural and real, it doesn't succeed entirely. The album is a refreshingly understated change from the constantly banging and bumping sound of modern R&B, but it doesn't really bring us closer to the Queen B.
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