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. JaeB
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    This is absolutely Beyonce's best work to date. And one of the best albums of the year. The writing, the instrumentation, the production...everything about this album just flows. Every song is a winner. She's taken a bit of each genre that's influenced her and mixed them to make an immaculate work of musical art. You can dance, you can groove, you can cry, you can fall in and out of loveThis is absolutely Beyonce's best work to date. And one of the best albums of the year. The writing, the instrumentation, the production...everything about this album just flows. Every song is a winner. She's taken a bit of each genre that's influenced her and mixed them to make an immaculate work of musical art. You can dance, you can groove, you can cry, you can fall in and out of love with this album.… Expand
  2. Donatella
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    With titles such as "I Care" and "Rather Die Young" I was ready to be sung to sleep. I wasn't, Beyoncé blew me away with this collection of beautiful, soulful songs. The Ballads are what make this record, contrary to what some of these "critics" are saying. Hands down the best album I've heard vocal wise from any pop artist in years. She's an upcoming legend, more than that,With titles such as "I Care" and "Rather Die Young" I was ready to be sung to sleep. I wasn't, Beyoncé blew me away with this collection of beautiful, soulful songs. The Ballads are what make this record, contrary to what some of these "critics" are saying. Hands down the best album I've heard vocal wise from any pop artist in years. She's an upcoming legend, more than that, an icon. Brava Beyoncé!… Expand
  3. Swag
    Jun 28, 2011
    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.
  4. hugom2c
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beautiful album, possibly her best. Her voice has so much power and the uptempo songs are so good. And ou can't forget about the deluxe tracks, they're all amazing!… Expand
  5. Satellites
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    Beyoncé is one of the only remaining worldwide sensations, a diva who has more than earned her mononomial recognition; to underestimate her is to appear sour or stupid, or both.

    And so it should come as no surprise that 4 is hardly the debacle some have predicted; to the contrary, it's difficult to imagine any long-standing admirer feeling even the slightest disappointment    Beyoncé is one of the only remaining worldwide sensations, a diva who has more than earned her mononomial recognition; to underestimate her is to appear sour or stupid, or both.

    And so it should come as no surprise that 4 is hardly the debacle some have predicted; to the contrary, it's difficult to imagine any long-standing admirer feeling even the slightest disappointment with the record. True, it does not contain a single as immortal or immediately recognizable as "Crazy in Love" or "Single Ladies," but it also contains far less filler than the albums that feature those blockbusters. In many ways, 4 most closely resembles B'Day, Beyoncé's sophomore stumble: neither record possesses a clear thematic concept or authorial voice, but both display Beyoncé's willingness to experiment with more adventurous sounds, sometimes at the hazard of irritating her more conservative fans.

    Beyoncé hasn't produced anything as ferocious (or obnoxious) as "Ring the Alarm" on her fourth album, but "Countdown," a maximalist dancehall-cum-Baltimore drum banger, comes close. Packing steel drums, regal fanfare, a stealthy Boyz-II-Men sample, and the most exuberant vocal performance of the album into a deliciously overstuffed three and a half minutes, "Countdown" sounds like the work of an artist who is trying too hard to produce a classic (see: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), but over-eager as it might be, the song succeeds at what it sets out to achieve: It annoys its way into your heart.

    Aside from the aggressive rhythms of "Countdown" and "Girls," 4 is, for the most part, a slow-building, slow-burning growth spurt of an album. Of its 12 tracks, only "I Was Here" and "Best Thing I Never Had"are aligned along Nathan Rabin's "I'm awesome. **** you." thematic axis. In fact, over the first three songs â    … Expand
  6. charli_b
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    This album surpasses everything she's ever done. This album for me showcases what made B'day a success for me. It's that no one else...no other artist can do these songs. The vocals are beyond amazing and make you want to listen to the songs and you believe the things she's singing about. I am so glad that she took a risk and put this out.
  7. DJTQ
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Beyonce has came and with a SOLID, GREAT album. From track 1 to track 12 (or 15 with the deluxe). This is the first album in along time that every song on the album is just a great as the next. No Pop Gimmicks here, Beyonce is the truth. Her voice has matured and her lyrics has too. She teamed up with The Dream, Frank Ocean, Ester Dean, Baby Face, Shea Taylor, Diplo & Switch, & DianeBeyonce has came and with a SOLID, GREAT album. From track 1 to track 12 (or 15 with the deluxe). This is the first album in along time that every song on the album is just a great as the next. No Pop Gimmicks here, Beyonce is the truth. Her voice has matured and her lyrics has too. She teamed up with The Dream, Frank Ocean, Ester Dean, Baby Face, Shea Taylor, Diplo & Switch, & Diane Warren to produce this Classic piece. Beyonce is an underrated producer and vocalist who is here to prove her critics wrong.… Expand
  8. curtwill
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    This is an awesome album. I am happy to have the pleasure of listening to it. First of all, the vocal arrangements are outstanding. Lots of beautiful, rich harmonies, strong vocal depth and great syncopation. Listen to End of Time, Party and Love on Top for what I speak of. In fact, I will say that there are AT LEAST 5 songs that are the best Beyoncé songs that she has everThis is an awesome album. I am happy to have the pleasure of listening to it. First of all, the vocal arrangements are outstanding. Lots of beautiful, rich harmonies, strong vocal depth and great syncopation. Listen to End of Time, Party and Love on Top for what I speak of. In fact, I will say that there are AT LEAST 5 songs that are the best Beyoncé songs that she has ever recorded and I have been a Bey fan since the Survivor era. You can tell Bey really put her heart and soul into the vocals. The production is strong. The best of it, is the the work that Jeff Bhasker and The Dream did. Schoolin' Life is everything!!!! Ester Dean also did a great job with Countdown too. The lyrics which some people always say is a weak spot with Beyoncé's music, are very good. Now I am one who always view, Vocals/Sound>>>Lyrics so if someone wanted to cover Mary had a Lil Lamb and gave a Grammy caliber vocal performance, I might buy the Physical Single. But anyways, the lyrics from 4 are very good, and I always find simple is good because when some artists try to be super deep, it takes away from the other aspect of the song, but the good thing is 4 isn't shallow. It's all about love and relationships and it has songs that are for everyone. And it is great she didn't jump on the Electro Pop/Temo Bandwagon that is pervading Pop Entertainment. It may not reinvent the wheel so to speak, but sets itself apart that way and more important, if you love outstanding musician from the aspect of vocal arrangements, you will love this album.… Expand
  9. maxxthegr3at
    Jun 28, 2011
    9
    - This album is a whole lot different than I Am... Sasha Fierce and with this album Beyonce takes B'Day one step forward. The album reflects B's real personality and is not afraid of revealing even her most vulnerable sides. "End of Time", "Love on Top", and "I Care" are amazing! She is amazingly talented and there's no comparison to her art!
  10. Speakerphone
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Flawless album. Beyonce shows her growth. 4 is very different from a few other mainstream albums now. Beyonce plays with old school beats and creates an album that flows very cohesively. From the haunting 1+1 to the find booty shaker Run The World (Girls). Beyonce sings with such emotion and conviction on the track. Beyonce proves just why she is one of the top females in the game.
  11. Anthropoid
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Lyrically, '4' converses on the topics of love and life. The lyrics are maturely complicated, alike the topics they explore on this album. Vocally, Beyoncé craftily incorporates voice techniques that further lyrical emphasis. Thematically,
  12. Allthatjazz
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    I really enjoyed this album, it was a huge change from "I Am...Sasha Fierce" but a change for the better. It was both a throwback album and progressive at the same time. Beyonce not only reinvents herself but also rediscovers who she was in "Dangerously in Love" an innovator, but respecter of the old school musicians that paved the way for her. I am so glad that 4 came out the way it did.I really enjoyed this album, it was a huge change from "I Am...Sasha Fierce" but a change for the better. It was both a throwback album and progressive at the same time. Beyonce not only reinvents herself but also rediscovers who she was in "Dangerously in Love" an innovator, but respecter of the old school musicians that paved the way for her. I am so glad that 4 came out the way it did. Not too forced, and not slacking at all, not too hot, not too cold, this album is just right.… Expand
  13. cortez
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    Beyonce has capitalized on her positives and put forth, what I think, may be her second best or even best album. Beyonce's vocals on this album are undeniably at a peak. The range of her voice and the complexity of the vocal harmonies have not been seen since B'day, arguably since DIL. She demonstrates how aggressive her voice can be on "Run the World (Girls)" and "I Care", one of theBeyonce has capitalized on her positives and put forth, what I think, may be her second best or even best album. Beyonce's vocals on this album are undeniably at a peak. The range of her voice and the complexity of the vocal harmonies have not been seen since B'day, arguably since DIL. She demonstrates how aggressive her voice can be on "Run the World (Girls)" and "I Care", one of the immediate highlights of the album. However this album isn't all about aggressiveness, she displays subtle emotion on "I Miss", which shows just how talented the singer is at changing the emotional display she puts on with her voice. Vocals are not the only showcase of this album. The lyrics within each song are simple, however they are effective, and at times witty. It's amazingly produced as an eclectic mix of many genres, however it all flows together very well. From the throwback "Love on Top", which once again displays the singer's gifted vocals, to the futuristic-african horn-driven End of Time, the albums rhythmic foundation doesn't fail to excite. My favorite production may come from the Kanye West produced track "Party". This is one of the most genuine sounding early 90's tributes I've ever heard, this on top of Beyonce's ingenious vocal production on the song. I feel like this album could be her best.… Expand
  14. GabroMuzik
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    i love this album so much, is so different to her previous jobs, she sounds perfect in every aspect and this album has a great production!!! this is my favorite album fo the year...so far!!!
  15. Turine
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    '4' showcases Beyonce's vulnerability as a woman with emotional songs such as 'I Care' and 'I Miss You'. The album is magnificent, though I would prefer it if 'Best Thing I Never Had' or 'End of Time' would have been the lead single instead of 'Run the World (Girls)', because 'RTW(G)' is really average compared to the other songs in the album. I understand Bey's intentions though, since'4' showcases Beyonce's vulnerability as a woman with emotional songs such as 'I Care' and 'I Miss You'. The album is magnificent, though I would prefer it if 'Best Thing I Never Had' or 'End of Time' would have been the lead single instead of 'Run the World (Girls)', because 'RTW(G)' is really average compared to the other songs in the album. I understand Bey's intentions though, since her previous lead singles were mostly uptempo songs, and I think since the album only has two of them, 'RTW(G)' was a better choice. And I think it is. However, all of the tracks on the album are outstanding in its own way. 'I Miss You' and 'I Was Here' are truly masterpieces and are the highlights of this album.… Expand
  16. thebait
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    very good album. her best and one of the best released this year! great mixture of everything and i applaud her for sticking to her guns (releasing the music she wants).
  17. ReLLevantMUsic
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Beyonce is one of those artists where you really just wonder, "What is she going to do next?" While this album is in no way shocking, gimmicky or explosive in content, it confirms that Beyonce has reached a level where she is comfortable as an artist. She could have easily followed current trends of the industry (which is drowning by the minute in Euro-pop/Dance tracks), but she chose toBeyonce is one of those artists where you really just wonder, "What is she going to do next?" While this album is in no way shocking, gimmicky or explosive in content, it confirms that Beyonce has reached a level where she is comfortable as an artist. She could have easily followed current trends of the industry (which is drowning by the minute in Euro-pop/Dance tracks), but she chose to start in a lane that SHE felt most comfortable. I dig it.… Expand
  18. carla125
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    Beyoncé has grown so much and it really shows. This is certainly her best album yet. This woman has such a powerful voice, I wish her all the best with this release and I hope I get to go to one of her shows.
  19. johnh
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    Beyonce never really convinced me with her previous albums and I can now say that this album ticked every box in the checklist. This album is different to anything she has ever done. It is an album where she showcases her stunning voice with some beautiful ballads and mid-tempo tracks. There are still some tracks where it makes want to get up and dance. I predict big things for this albumBeyonce never really convinced me with her previous albums and I can now say that this album ticked every box in the checklist. This album is different to anything she has ever done. It is an album where she showcases her stunning voice with some beautiful ballads and mid-tempo tracks. There are still some tracks where it makes want to get up and dance. I predict big things for this album because it is a quality piece of work and I would say that this is one of my favourite albums this year if not the best.… Expand
  20. LucasBGK
    Aug 1, 2011
    10
    Beyoncé's best album! 4 is a masterpiece, it doesn't follow the trashy top charters songs nowadays, it's creative, pure, genuine and have such quality that you cannot stop playing it, and it's an album that you can't skip one single song. Everything sounds magical, very deep, we can clearly see that Beyoncé put all her love and soul into this record. She knowsBeyoncé's best album! 4 is a masterpiece, it doesn't follow the trashy top charters songs nowadays, it's creative, pure, genuine and have such quality that you cannot stop playing it, and it's an album that you can't skip one single song. Everything sounds magical, very deep, we can clearly see that Beyoncé put all her love and soul into this record. She knows perfectly what she does, she's the type of woman that you can't predict her next move, she will always surprise you and she can do no wrong, that's only one of the reasons why I respect her so much, she's a huge inspiration for me and so many others.
    It's a perfect album, I bet you won't even be able to choose your favorite track! All hail to the Queen!    … Expand
  21. Luv4Music
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    I admit that I was resistant towards this album due to the underwhelming first single that kicked off this project. However, once the album leaked online a month ago and I heard favorable feedback from music lovers whose taste & opinions I trust. I thought I'd give it a listen. To my surprise, the single "Run the World (Girls)" sounded the most out of place concerning the rest of theI admit that I was resistant towards this album due to the underwhelming first single that kicked off this project. However, once the album leaked online a month ago and I heard favorable feedback from music lovers whose taste & opinions I trust. I thought I'd give it a listen. To my surprise, the single "Run the World (Girls)" sounded the most out of place concerning the rest of the material. I don't know who convinced her to even include it let alone release it as a first single. The whole album is an eclectic body of work drawing musical influences from Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, The Stylistics and oddly Phil Collins on the somber "I Miss You" written by Frank Ocean.

    Although a great singer & performer, I always thought something was lacking on Beyoncé's albums. This year long break she purportedly took to create this album did a service to her because this is her most inspired work to date. It's also her strongest lyrically, production wise, and vocally (the girl has pipes!). Ironically, I was most impressed that she didn't follow this Euro-pop trend that has plagued the musical climate over the last 2-3 years. I had to give her extra points for that detail alone. Having said that, I just bought my first Beyoncé album, June 28th, and I have no regrets. I recommend it for any music lover.    … Expand
  22. robguy222
    Sep 4, 2011
    10
    I knoe a lot of the songs on this and best thing i never had and run the world girls! Hope she makes another album like this! I really like this style of Beyonce!
  23. BrandonRager
    Sep 1, 2011
    9
    with this album, beyonce proved her vocal abilities.. she sacrificed making #1 records for making quality music with great lyrics, and in the end we get a product that seems more mature and raw.. the emotion you hear in beyonce's voice is stunning. there are plenty of tracks that deserve recognition including Start Over, I Miss You, 1+1, and I Was Here; but these are DEFINITELY not thewith this album, beyonce proved her vocal abilities.. she sacrificed making #1 records for making quality music with great lyrics, and in the end we get a product that seems more mature and raw.. the emotion you hear in beyonce's voice is stunning. there are plenty of tracks that deserve recognition including Start Over, I Miss You, 1+1, and I Was Here; but these are DEFINITELY not the only hits on the album. i think every single song on the album is amazing in it's own right, and the more you listen to them the more they grow on you.… Expand
  24. Ukwwhoitiz
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    I love Beyonce and upon first listen, i wasn't sure how i felt about the album, but after the second & Third listen, I appreciated everything about the album, the production, the songwriting, the lyrical content, and her vocal performances. This is by far he best conceptual album to date.
  25. Labarron
    Oct 27, 2011
    9
    Beyonce has really matured and this album shows it. This is her best album and of course, it reach number one. Nice production, sound, lyrics, and songs. Keep up the good work, B.
  26. I_Am_F
    Jun 29, 2011
    8
    "4" is one of the best mainstream releases of 2011. The album is definitely worth buying. Standout tracks: "Best Thing I Never Had", "Party", "Rather Die Young", "I Was Here".
  27. bittersweet52
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    This is an amazing album. The instrumentation is rich, the production is full, and the vocals are impeccable. 4 is an album where you will enjoy every song, and IMO will become a classic. This is Beyonce's best work to date, and I'm excited to see what she will come up with next!
  28. iamrell
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Beyonce showed out with this one! I absolutely love this album! It's definitely her best yet! This is good quality music with vocals out of this world! Definitely one the best albums of the year!
  29. xscapeartist21
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Beyoncé has certainly outdone herself with this album. This is the most cohesive, understated, and flawless pop album that has been created in the last few years. Beyoncé has truly taken a risk with this album when you look at all of the fist pumping-glow light-rave pop music that is out right now. She has done the complete opposite of what was expected and goneBeyoncé has certainly outdone herself with this album. This is the most cohesive, understated, and flawless pop album that has been created in the last few years. Beyoncé has truly taken a risk with this album when you look at all of the fist pumping-glow light-rave pop music that is out right now. She has done the complete opposite of what was expected and gone her own route and what a turn it was. This album is a lyrical and musical feast that only a King can deliver and in this case that King is clearly Beyoncé and she is here to claim her throne.… Expand
  30. RhythmicBeats
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    Wonderful album which has most of it's songs capturing soulful singing and style from 70's and 80's inspired uptempos/midtempos. The lyrics also indicate that she is very much in love too (reminiscent to her debut album but a bit more convincing this time). Deluxe Edition bonus tracks are worth checking aswell, as they incorporate legend Prince and The Jackson 5 sound into them. Best R&BWonderful album which has most of it's songs capturing soulful singing and style from 70's and 80's inspired uptempos/midtempos. The lyrics also indicate that she is very much in love too (reminiscent to her debut album but a bit more convincing this time). Deluxe Edition bonus tracks are worth checking aswell, as they incorporate legend Prince and The Jackson 5 sound into them. Best R&B album of the year so far.… Expand
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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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