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. cheiry4
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    Beyoncé's underrated album! Love every song on this album! Vocals are amazing as always!
  2. ewhite
    Jun 24, 2019
    10
    One of her most underrated albums. In this album Beyoncé takes elements of 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B, funk, disco, dancehall and rock and blends them in together perfectly to make a cohesive sound. In my opinion, this is equally as good as "Lemonade" and "Beyoncé". The album has vulnerable slow tracks such as "I Miss You", "Start Over", "i Care", upbeat bangers "Run The World (Girls)",One of her most underrated albums. In this album Beyoncé takes elements of 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B, funk, disco, dancehall and rock and blends them in together perfectly to make a cohesive sound. In my opinion, this is equally as good as "Lemonade" and "Beyoncé". The album has vulnerable slow tracks such as "I Miss You", "Start Over", "i Care", upbeat bangers "Run The World (Girls)", "Party", "Love On Top" and haunting ballads "I Was Here", "Dreaming". Also, I think 4 is her best album vocal wise. Overall 4 is a very strong record with no fillers and for sure will go down as one of her best albums. A shame it hasn't sold as well as her other 5 albums.… Expand
  3. Yanagitani
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Beyoncé é definitivamente a maior artista de todos os tempos. Trabalhos bem minimalistas, coesos e com impacto cultural.
  4. snsknowles
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    R&B perfection que envelheceu como vinho. Músicas como run the world e love on top não precisaria serem #1 para se tornar hits.
  5. Viniciusvalles
    Nov 6, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. VOCALS, that is the best word to define it.
    It's like if you're hearing her singing in your ear    … Expand
  6. jajajajaja
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Vocals, vocals everywhere. Bops, bops everywhere. The looks, the videos... all that involvex this album was fire
  7. bopopabe
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Мен қолымнан алдым, мен мәнімді алдым
    мен жазда ұйықтамауға тырыстым.
    Міне, қандай бұрыштар өсті - шықтан Радуга алтын... Дұрыс голубка ау-ау және өзім білмеймін. Бұл аспан асты? шеңбер қандай? Сіз бір кездері табасыз, сүйкімді дос. Алма, жүрек түні бойы шаршады ма, құпия салқын, жанып - шам. Жақындап, тұмсықты ашты және кездейсоқ "сүйемін". ...Мәңгілік-тамыз қысқа сәт,    Мен қолымнан алдым, мен мәнімді алдым
    мен жазда ұйықтамауға тырыстым.
    Міне, қандай бұрыштар өсті -
    шықтан Радуга алтын...

    Дұрыс голубка ау-ау
    және өзім білмеймін.
    Бұл аспан асты? шеңбер қандай?
    Сіз бір кездері табасыз, сүйкімді дос.

    Алма, жүрек түні бойы шаршады ма,
    құпия салқын, жанып - шам.
    Жақындап, тұмсықты ашты
    және кездейсоқ "сүйемін".

    ...Мәңгілік-тамыз қысқа сәт,
    көбелектер, құймақ өзендері.
    Мұнарадағы құс үшін не?
    Сенімен айналасады, ал маған ауырады.    … Expand
  8. yiyet
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Ataria Poems.ru eskaintzen egileek aukera libreki argitaratzeko bere literatur obra Internet bidez oinarri bat erabiltzaile-hitzarmena. Guztien eskubideak obrak sartzen egile eta legeak babesten ditu. Inprima lanak posible da bakarrik baimena bere egilea, nori ahal izango duzu erreferentzia bere egilearen orria. Egileek bear erantzukizuna testuak lanak independentean oinarri arauakAtaria Poems.ru eskaintzen egileek aukera libreki argitaratzeko bere literatur obra Internet bidez oinarri bat erabiltzaile-hitzarmena. Guztien eskubideak obrak sartzen egile eta legeak babesten ditu. Inprima lanak posible da bakarrik baimena bere egilea, nori ahal izango duzu erreferentzia bere egilearen orria. Egileek bear erantzukizuna testuak lanak independentean oinarri arauak argitaratu eta legeria errusiako Federazioa. Ere ikus ditzakezu buruzko informazio gehiago ataria eta harremanetarako jabetza.sadasdasd… Expand
  9. divinediablo
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Best album vocally, and is an absolute gem in her discography. She really showcases her vocal and her vocal technician skills here.
  10. marcelicious
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Very intimate album. It's clearly heard that album is Beyonce. Not someone else. I feel like she decided this album will be just her. Really good songs. For me it's Beyonce classic album that you have to go with in journey.
  11. gr4ndi
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    this album is a perfect comeback to the late r&b sound, loooooooooove it, bey once again showed her power
  12. AlejandroR
    Jul 25, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Uno de los mejores álbumes de Beyoncé. Lastima que se filtró días antes y por eso no tuvo el éxito esperado. Pero sin duda un excelente disco.… Expand
  13. Nuninhos
    Aug 10, 2020
    10
    O interessante da Beyonce é q ela é uma artista muito plural, ou seja, ela é pop,R&B, hip-hop e até raper e ela se sai muito bem em todas essas facetas. E o R&B desse album é incrivel, um dos melhores trabalhos de R&B da musica e o genero q mais gosto d ver a Bey fazendo. Eu amo esse album pois marcou muito minha adolescencia. Pra mim, foi a melhor era dela. AMO UMA RAINHA
  14. diol-
    Mar 22, 2021
    10
    good and different from whatever was being produced then in 2011 different sound
  15. submnibiriyae
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...Her 3rd best album. AOTY 2011. The rnb vibes are fayaahhhhh
  16. juancho017
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Primer álbum de Beyoncé desde el alejamiento profesional de su padre que ha dirigido su carrera desde sus inicios en las Destinys Child, Beyoncé estaba segura que quería lanzar un álbum que destacará sus vocales y así lo hizo.
  17. Aleknowles
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Beyonce is a living legend of our time, undervalued for the great artist who is none like her
    The greats masterpiece
  18. Gsaf
    Nov 12, 2022
    10
    É carismático, é forte, é carinhoso, é triste, é amoroso, é perfeito!!! Essa álbum é um mix de emoções. Simplesmente magnífico!
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. amir_manraj
    Jul 1, 2011
    9
    Mesmerizing! Even though Lady Gaga is my favorite singer, "4" is better than "Born This Way". "1+1," "Best Thing I Never Had," and "Countdown" are all fantastic. This album deserves to go platinum.
  22. KevinRapeau
    Jun 28, 2011
    9
    Where to begin ? 3 years after I Am... Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé releases her fourth album, 4, which has completely blown me away. I am so in love with it. From the deep and emotional ballads to the fun up tempo songs, everything is on point and showcases Beyoncé's vocal ability and sense of rhythm. Beyoncé's voice makes you feel like she's vulnerable butWhere to begin ? 3 years after I Am... Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé releases her fourth album, 4, which has completely blown me away. I am so in love with it. From the deep and emotional ballads to the fun up tempo songs, everything is on point and showcases Beyoncé's vocal ability and sense of rhythm. Beyoncé's voice makes you feel like she's vulnerable but yet strong and confident, and the whole album is a journey through a relationship which lead to the woman Beyoncé now is. I highly recommend this album to every music lover as I think it's so far the best album of 2011.… Expand
  23. cprice45
    Jul 2, 2011
    9
    Fans of B'Day and Sasha Fierce maybe a little crestfallen with this ballad heavy album (if so, look for Run the World (Girls), Countdown, End of Time, and Schoolin' Life) but it shines above most other mainstream albums from this year, and I feel it seems like a perfect sequel to I Am... The mid-tempos show a small glimpse of her hip-hop and dance sound that she boasted in her secondFans of B'Day and Sasha Fierce maybe a little crestfallen with this ballad heavy album (if so, look for Run the World (Girls), Countdown, End of Time, and Schoolin' Life) but it shines above most other mainstream albums from this year, and I feel it seems like a perfect sequel to I Am... The mid-tempos show a small glimpse of her hip-hop and dance sound that she boasted in her second studio album and the signature R&B/Soul ballads are all on par, if not beyond, songs such as "Halo" and "If I Were A Boy". Whether it is a grooving, uplifting dance track or a beautiful soul masterpiece, this album, whether partially or in its entirety, is sure to appeal to most all of old and new Beyoncé fans.… Expand
  24. ari14se
    Jul 5, 2011
    9
    I feel that this album is one of the most risky of the year and definitely of Beyoncé's career. She has totally moved away from mainstream trends to bring something that is fresher, more pure, and more exciting than most pop music out now. The album is her most coherent and finds the singer struggling with problems that go deeper than those of the dance floor. The part ofI feel that this album is one of the most risky of the year and definitely of Beyoncé's career. She has totally moved away from mainstream trends to bring something that is fresher, more pure, and more exciting than most pop music out now. The album is her most coherent and finds the singer struggling with problems that go deeper than those of the dance floor. The part of the CD is her singing by far, the showcasing of her remarkable talent that sets her apart from most "singers." Still I wish there were more up-tempos on the album, but I am more than happy with the emotion I am given in the production, songwriting, and her beautiful voice.… Expand
  25. perni4an4e
    Jul 7, 2011
    9
    Beyonce has been in the game for almost 15 years now and this album shows how maturer she has become and how much she has grown as an artist. She doesn't want to be just a superstar anymore - she wants to be a legend and she feels like she already is a legend. And legends are allowed to take risks - furthermore, they're supposed to take risks. This album is full of beautiful risks.
    Every    Beyonce has been in the game for almost 15 years now and this album shows how maturer she has become and how much she has grown as an artist. She doesn't want to be just a superstar anymore - she wants to be a legend and she feels like she already is a legend. And legends are allowed to take risks - furthermore, they're supposed to take risks. This album is full of beautiful risks.
    Every song on the album is such a beautiful piece of art - starting with 1+1, an ode of love with strong vocals, I Care and I Miss You - you get the most emotional side of the love ballads. Best Thing I Never had is one of the highlights of the album with its catchy sound and unforgettable funny lyrics. Party is another funny song. Even though it's not what its title supposes it to be, the song is really nice with some 90s sound. After that we have some more ballads with mid-tempo sound - Rather Die Young and Start Over. Whereas the first impresses with it's melodic beautiful sound, Start Over is one of the strongest songs in vocal terms on the album. After Start Over, we get nothing but potential smashes and solid songs. Love On Top is one of the best here. After it Countdown and End of Time are the ones with the biggest potential to be smash hits and sit on the top of the charts for a while. Both are really melodic and have catchy sound. I Was Here is another vocally strong ballad, which is very appreciated by the fans because of its message. Run The World (Girls) closes the set with style.
    Even though the tracks are really risky because they are so different from everything on the radio, at the end of the day the quality is the thing that matters and an artist like Beyonce deserve all the support and the success, because to have the courage to not follow the trends, but inventing the new trends is what must be appreciated the best.    … Expand
  26. 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
  27. Fruity
    Nov 19, 2012
    9
    Beyonce's masterpiece. There's not much else to say... She really brought the vocals especially to this album. Some of the ballads are really amazing to listen to
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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