4 (Beyoncé Knowles album)

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4
Studio album by Beyoncé
Released June 24, 2011 (2011-06-24)
Recorded 2010–11
Genre
Length 46:33
Label Columbia
Producer Antonio Dixon, Babyface, Brent Kutzle, Beyoncé Knowles, Jeff Bhasker, Diplo, Kuk Harrell, Kanye West, Kaskade, Luke Steele, Los Da Mystro, Ryan Tedder, Shea Taylor, Switch, Symbolyc One, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart
Beyoncé chronology
I Am... World Tour
(2010)		 4
(2011)		 4: The Remix
(2012)
Singles from 4
  1. "Run the World (Girls)"
    Released: April 21, 2011
  2. "Best Thing I Never Had"
    Released: June 1, 2011
  3. "Party"
    Released: August 30, 2011
  4. "Love on Top"
    Released: September 12, 2011
  5. "Countdown"
    Released: October 4, 2011
  6. "I Care"
    Released: March 23, 2012
  7. "End of Time"
    Released: March 28, 2012

4 is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Beyoncé. It was released on June 24, 2011, by Columbia Records. It is Knowles's first release since severing professional ties with her father and manager, Mathew. In 2010, Knowles began a career hiatus, which she claimed helped reignite her creativity. 4 incorporates R&B and pop styles with elements of 1970s R&B, 1990s rock and roll, and hip hop; its main lyrical themes revolve around womanhood and monogamy. Knowles took inspiration from artists including Fela Kuti, The Stylistics, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Adele, Florence and the Machine and Michael Jackson.

Upon its release, 4 received generally favorable reviews from critics, who viewed it as a progression from Knowles' previous albums, though some criticized its balladry and songwriting. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 310,000 copies in its first week. By October 2012, it had sold over 1.3 million copies in the United States. 4 also topped charts in Brazil, France, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, where it had sold 603,548 copies by May 2013.

The first two singles, "Run the World (Girls)" and "Best Thing I Never Had", both reached the top ten in several worldwide charts. "Countdown" and "Love on Top" were released as the third and fourth singles respectively. The latter peaked at number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks. "End of Time" was released as a UK-only single in March 2012.

Contents

Background[edit]

Before starting to record her album, Knowles drew inspiration from the music made by late Fela Kuti (pictured).[1]

Per the request of her mother Tina and a hectic schedule promoting I Am... Sasha Fierce, Knowles announced a career hiatus in 2010, where she wished "to live life, to be inspired by things again".[2][3] However, Knowles had begun writing and producing material for what would become 4 in 2008, following the release of I Am... Sasha Fierce.[4] Knowles announced in February 2010 that she "killed" her alter ego Sasha Fierce "because I've grown and now I'm able to merge the two [personalities]".[5] She stated that the was using live instruments in her recordings in an effort to create a dynamic sound.[6] Knowles said that the album was inspired by several musicians, including Fela Kuti, The Stylistics, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson.[6]

In March 2011, Knowles ended her professional relationship with her father Mathew.[3][7] He had managed her career since the late 1990s, when Knowles was a member of Destiny's Child,[7] and also managed those of her groupmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams; both had ended their professional ties with Mathew several years prior.[7] As a result, 4 became Knowles' first album made without the guidance of her father. Knowles stated that the decision came as she chose to pursue her own career ideas, adding that her family remains supportive of each other.[1] She later commented to MTV News, "My focus is not bigger; it's quality, and I want to make sure it's something I'm proud of years from now... It's very difficult managing myself. Every night when I go to sleep, I ask hundreds of questions. I'm making mistakes, and I'm learning from them. I've never been afraid to fall — and I say all these things, but now I'm being tested."[3] She admitted, that when times got rough, she thought about how Madonna took control of her career.[8]

Development[edit]

"The album is definitely an evolution. It’s bolder than the music on my previous albums because I’m bolder. The more mature I become and the more life experiences I have, the more I have to talk about. I really focused on songs being classics, songs that would last, songs that I could sing when I’m 40 and when I’m 60."

—Beyoncé Knowles, Rap-Up.[9]

Aiming for a new approach, Knowles stated that much of 4's inspiration came from "touring, traveling, watching rock bands, and attending festivals".[10] She added to Billboard, "Having time to grow as a human being really inspired me and gave me a lot of things to pull from for this new album...I feel like I know who I am and don't feel like I have to put myself in a box. No one can define me. I can just have fun, and have the artistic freedom to do whatever I want."[1] As stated by Knowles during an interview with Gabriel Alvarez of Complex magazine in July 2011, the inspiration for 4 came from a variety of sources during her break from her music career when she traveled, read, and watched films.[11] Dissatisfied with the state of contemporary radio, Knowles looked to develop a new sound for her music, which included reviving elements of R&B from the 1970s and 1990s rock 'n roll.[11] She added that 4 was more of "a labor of love";[12][13] feeling that she "earned the right to make artistic music", Knowles' main objective was to bring back "the emotion and live instruments and just soul missing out of the music industry."[12]
"End of Time"
The bridge and chorus of "End of Time", whose bass line was inspired by late Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti.[1]
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She remained inspired by Fela Kuti,[1] where Knowles commented that she appreciated his "feel for the soul and heart of his music; it's so sexy, and has a great groove you get lost in,". She stated that it takes a major inspiration on 4 with drums and horns and "how everything was on the one".[1] The album was also inspired by 1990s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie with additional influences by The Jackson 5, New Edition, Adele, Florence and the Machine, and Prince.[1] Knowles also acknowledged the direct influence of Jay-Z's own work as well.[11] Knowles added that with certain influences she added her character of hip-hop for a more broad sound. She also looked to bring soul singing back stating, "I used a lot of the brassiness and grittiness in my voice that people hear in my live performances, but not necessarily on my records."[1] Speaking more on the type of songs she wanted on the album, Knowles elaborated "I have found that with hit records the melody and lyrics come together [naturally]. I usually know from the hook if the song is something that transcends language, race, and genre, and if it is something that affects pop culture. It is something I can visualize people singing in stadiums all over the world. But my favorite songs on my albums are usually not my singles."[11] Before ending her interview with Gabriel Alvarez, Knowles stated that she aims for individuality and not setting limits for her work.[11]

Production[edit]

Warren (pictured) had wanted to work with Knowles since Destiny's Child, but revealed that "I Was Here" was the perfect time.[14]
An Afro-American man wearing a white shirt, a black cap and sunglasses is walking onto a stage while holding a microphone.
An Afro-American man is smiling. He is sitting in a control room, which includes a mixing console and monitor speakers. He wears sunglasses, a black shirt and a wristwatch.
The-Dream (left) and Christopher Stewart composed the opening song, "1+1".[15]

Knowles played music with the band from Fela!, the Broadway musical based Kuti's life.[11] Producers Jim Jonsin and Ne-Yo were known to have contributed to the album, with the latter stating "It’s coming along nicely. I can’t speak too much on it, but it’s another direction for her, and she’s carving out her own niche. In a minute nobody will be in Beyoncé’s lane. They really can’t get in her lane now, but they really can’t get in her lane after this album."[16] Jonsin spoke of his intention to incoprorate the use hard drums into the project.[16] In January 2011, producer S1[17] and Sean Garrett[18] confirmed their contributions; Garrett mentioned Knowles' interest in making "party music".[19] On January 24, Diplo announced that he had been recording music with Knowles, Switch and Derek Miller of Sleigh Bells.[20] Christopher "Tricky" Stewart,[21] The-Dream[22] Bangladesh,[23] Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins,[24] Frank Ocean,[25] Kanye West,[26] Q-Tip and Alja Jackson[27] are also working with Knowles on the album. Sia[22] and Talay Riley[28] have written songs which they pitched for the album. On May 31, American rock group OneRepublic confirmed that they worked on the last song for the album.[29] Diane Warren announced her songwriting contributions in June 2011, calling it the "best" and "favorite" piece she has written.[14] After hearing the music of Odd Future member Frank Ocean, Knowles invited him to work on her record. After the emotion and "vulnerability" expressed in his single "Runaway" (2010) drove Knowles to tears, Kanye West became responsible for the production of her song "Party".[11] Knowles credited the works of Etta James for inspiring her to use more passion and a "rawer" sound for 4.[30]

Recording[edit]

Recording sessions for 4 took place at various recording studios around the world, including at Record Plant in Los Angeles.

Most of 4 was recorded at MSR Studios, New York City; other New York City recording studios used were Jungle City Studios, Germano Studios, Roc the Mic and KMA Music. Recording also took place at Conway Recording Studios, Enormous Studios and Record Plant in Los Angeles, The Studio in Las Vegas, Patriot Studios in Denver, Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston, Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, Triangle Sound Studios in Atlanta, Lear 60/G2 Studios, and Avex Honolulu Studios, Honolulu. Outside of the United States, Real World Studios in Box, Metropolis Group in London, and a studio in a Sydney mansion built specifically for the album.[31][32] Knowles' husband Jay-Z was working with Kanye West on Watch the Throne in the Sydney studio at the same time; it was created in the mansion's attic with a microphone and Pro Tools software platform. Knowles' vocals for 4 were recorded through an Avalon Design 737 preamp, and compressed in an 1176 Peak Limiter with a 4:1 ratio.[31]

In May 2010, DJ Swivel started working with Knowles at Rock The Mic, initially recording "Party" to see what kind of a working relationship might form. Knowles was pleased with his work ethic, and he would become involved with the rest of the album.[33] Several weeks later, they moved into a larger space in KMA Studios for a week and a half.[33] The project then moved to MSR Studios, where most of the work was accomplished, although a total of over ten studios were used over the course of the album.[33] With DJ Swivel, Knowles began to experiment with horns, drums, guitars, and percussion instruments.[33] Knowles served as 4's executive producer.[31] In February 2011, the project was nearing completion.[22] Nearly three months later, Knowles submitted 72 songs to Columbia Records in preparation for the album’s release;[34] they were reportedly overwhelmed with the "sheer volume of material she presented to them."[35]

Composition[edit]
"Love on Top"
A 24-second sample of the chorus of "Love on Top", which carries its final two minutes through four key changes, as Knowles' voice keeps reaching higher and higher into a rarely-used high range.[36]
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Knowles describes 4 as taking on heartfelt matters with a mixture of ballads, mid- and up-tempos, all built around "classic songwriting."[37] The album has been noted as a "musical departure" for Knowles, with late 20th century R&B influences and "mellower" tone.[38][39][40][41] The album's primary themes concern the enjoyments and struggles in monogamous relationships.[42][43][44] "1+1" is a downtempo R&B and soul music power ballad.[45][46] that uses simple arithmetic to describe her undying love for her partner.,[47][48][49] "I Care" is an R&B power ballad,[50][51][52] which contains elements of futuristic soul music;[53][54] it writhes through the ache and the obsession that come from being the one left in love, as interpreted by Holly Gleason of Paste magazine.[54] "I Miss You" is a midtempo R&B ballad with some influences of pop music.[38][51][55][56][57] It features Knowles ruminating over her relationship with her ex-love interest without firm verdicts.[40] "Best Thing I Never Had" is a midtempo pop and R&B ballad with influences of gospel music[29][40][58][59][60] that addresses the end of a relationship between Knowles and her lover, a situation that suits both of them.[61]

"Party" is a midtempo R&B song[62] that exhibits elements of funk[52] and soul music.[40][42][49][51][63][64] It finds Knowles as the female protagonist as she references to a get-together for two persons.[65] Its chorus harmonizes over the sample of the 1985 song "La Di Da Di".[66] As a featured vocalist, André 3000 makes philosophical remarks about his own career.[63] "Rather Die Young" is an R&B and soul power ballad,[38][55][67][68] It talks about the inability to fight what the heart's desires.[69] Knowles, as the female protagonist, tells her indifferent love interest that she would rather die young than to live her life without him.[55][68][70] "Start Over" is a midtempo R&B ballad that contains pop and soul elements.[39][71] Knowles affirms her individuality and expresses her love for a man with whom she tries to start a relationship all over again.[72] "Love on Top" is an uptempo R&B song[49][62][73] with elements of retro-soul music and the 1980s pop music.[62][74][75][76][77] Knowles sings praises of her love interest, while simultaneously sending him subtle digs because he did not give her his full attention in the past.[36][73] "Countdown" samples American group Boyz II Men's "Uhh Ahh" and explores a variety of genres.[78][79] The song features Knowles delivering her "message of ten years of loyalty seeming just as thrilling as the first time" to her love interest.[42] "End of Time" is an uptempo R&B-dance song[80] that also contains elements of funk,[81] Afrobeat and Latin jazz.[82][83][84][85] It finds Knowles professing her everlasting love with both ferocity and passion.[80][86] "I Was Here" is a downtempo New Age and R&B ballad[41][51][87] It features Knowles singing about the desire to make her mark in life.[41][51][87] "Run the World (Girls)" is an R&B[88] and pop song[89] with dancehall influences[82] in the tradition of Knowles 2007 song "Get Me Bodied".[90] It is thematically about female empowerment,[91] like several of her previous songs, including "Independent Women" (2000)—with Destiny's Child—and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008).[92][93][94] and samples "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer and Vybz Kartel.[89][95] Knowles is dominant over men in "Run the World".[96]
"Dance for You"
A 30-second sample of "Dance for You", a sensual number, in which Knowles sexifies her vocals over echoing drum patterns and a lap-dance theme.[97]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Schoolin' Life" is an uptempo R&B and funk song, which also contains elements of dance-pop and disco music.[56][98][99][100] Throughout the song, additional background vocals provided by Knowles are layered as she sings in the whistle register, can be heard.[101] The song finds Knowles detailing her experiences as she was growing up.[102] On "Lay Up Under Me", Knowles tells her love interest: "You ain't gotta worry [a]bout a club, just come on lay up under me tonight." Ryan Domabal of Pitchfork Media found the song to be largely reminiscent of the Off the Wall era.[42] "Dance for You" is a midtempo R&B song with a sensual vibe.[97][103][104] an electric guitar,[105][106] Thematically, the song is similar to Knowles' "Speechless" (2003) and Destiny's Child's "Cater 2 U" (2005); it is about showing appreciation and gratitude.[105][107][108]

Titling and artwork[edit]

In an interview with Billboard, Knowles stated that despite having another concept for the album, she was ultimately influenced by her fans and named the album 4. She also described the number four as being "special" to her, as her birthday, several family and friends' birthdays, and her wedding anniversary fall on the fourth day of the month.[109]

The cover of the standard edition was revealed on Knowles' website on May 18, 2011.[4][110] She is seen looking into the distance with her arms raised over her head, wearing smokey eye makeup, thick gold cuffs, and a fox-fur stole by the cult French designer Alexandre Vauthier embellished with Swarovski crystals by the Lesage embroidery house.[4][110][111] The cover of the deluxe version was shown on June 16, where Knowles is dressed in a tight-fitting blue-purple dress the French designer Maxime Simoens[111] holding her hands in her hair.[112] For its artwork, she opted to for clothing made by lesser-known designers of the time;[111] Knowles’s creative director Jenke-Ahmed Tailly and her stylist Ty Hunter had suggested some of the designers.[111] Tailly stated that that each song had its own "personality", and chose for the artwork to match each style.[111] The back cover sees Knowles in a vintage Azzedine Alaïa jacket and a high heels by the Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. The artwork was photographed by Ellen von Unwerth, Tony Duran, and Greg Gex; the latter was introduced to Knowles by Tailly.[111]

Robbie Daw of Idolator compared Knowles' pose to that of Raquel Welch.[113] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News described Knowles as looking "sexy and empowered" on the cover art.[110] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard felt that the cover artwork was similar to that of her previous albums in that it showed a "seductive shot" of Knowles in front and center.[114] The writers of Paste magazine put the cover artwork at number 7 on their list of "The 50 Best Album Covers of 2011".[115]

Release[edit]

"The story about us being unhappy with the record and stuff is just not true. There's never been any doubt or conversations about moving the record or changing it [..] Those conversations never existed. The numbers are very good everywhere. We thought the record is great from the beginning, and some of the stuff that is happening now is vindication of it. We're really, really happy with it. We didn't want the leaks to happen. But there was never any discussion of this album moving. It has always been that date (June 28). It's been that date for four months now. There was never a conversation about pushing it back, bringing it forward, changing the songs – none of it."

—Rob Stringer, chairman of Columbia Records.[116]

4's release date in the United States was confirmed on May 18, 2011.[117] On June 7, the album leaked in full; Knowles' legal representatives issued warnings to infringing websites, and leaked tracks were soon removed from such sites.[118] On June 9, Knowles responded to the leak through Facebook, commenting "My music was leaked and while this is not how I wanted to present my new songs, I appreciate the positive response from my fans. When I record music I always think about my fans singing every note and dancing to every beat. I make music to make people happy and I appreciate that everyone has been so anxious to hear my new songs."[119] Following the leak, reports circulated that executive members at Columbia Records were looking to cover their assets in fear that the album may be a failure. Rumors had suggested that the label requested that Knowles make changes to the record in addition to reuniting Destiny's Child, both of which Columbia denied.[120]

The deluxe version was released simultaneously with the standard edition in several countries; in the United States, it was available exclusively through Target.[121] By January 2, 2012, the deluxe edition was available in the U.S. iTunes Store.[122] Each copy of 4 contained a sample of Knowles' fragrance, Heat.[123][124]

Promotion[edit]

Knowles performing "Run the World" on Good Morning America, July 2011.

On May 11, 2011, Knowles previewed four songs and the music video for the lead single "Run the World (Girls)" for a selected group of fans in New York City.[125] From June 16 through June 27, a new song and accompanying photography was available to listen to in full daily on Knowles' website.[126] Knowles performed "Run the World" live for the first time on May 17 on Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular at the United Center in Chicago.[127] She performed the song at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.[128] On May 25, "1+1" was made available for download through the iTunes Store in the United States.[129] The same day, Knowles performed "1+1" on the American Idol finale.[130] She introduced "1+1" as her "favorite" song.[130] Knowles appeared on Entertainment Tonight on June 16 to preview the deluxe version's exclusive Target commercial;[131] it began airing in the United States on June 24.[132][133] For the rest of June, Knowles performed at the Palais Nikaia in Nice, Zénith in Lille, and the Galaxie in Amnéville.[134] On June 26, Knowles flew to the United Kingdom to serve as the closing act at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. She was the first solo female artist to headline the Pyramid stage at the Glastonbury Festival in over twenty years.[135]

"I am a workaholic and I don’t believe in 'no'. I don’t believe in 'I need to sleep'. If I’m not sleeping, nobody’s sleeping. I’m one human being. It’s a lot. If I want to be a businesswoman, I’m a businesswoman. Independence is not easy."

— Beyoncé Knowles, MTV television special, Beyoncé: Year of 4.[136]

A pre-taped performance of Knowles performing "Best Thing I Never Had" and "End of Time" at the Glastonbury Festival was broadcast during the 2011 BET Awards.[137] The following day, Knowles' exclusive hour-long interview with Piers Morgan in London, was broadcast on Piers Morgan Tonight.[138] Knowles performed "Run the World" on Le Grand Journal in France on June 28.[139] She also appeared on the finale of X Factor France to perform "Run the World" and "Best Thing I Never Had".[140] A MTV television special, Beyoncé: Year of 4, premiered on June 30, documenting Knowles during the album's production.[136] That day, she appeared at the Target store in Harlem, New York, where kids from the local Boys and Girls Club danced onstage to "Countdown" and were joined halfway through by Knowles.[124] In July, Knowles projected images from 4 on a number of London's landmarks, including Madame Tussauds and Battersea Power Station.[141] On July 1, Knowles appeared on Good Morning America as part of the "Summer Concert Series" in New York City.[142][143] A few days later, Knowles performed for Macy’s 35th Annual July 4 Fireworks Spectacular, where she performed "Best Thing I Never Had" to members of the armed forces.[144] Knowles then traveled to Scotland to perform at the T in the Park Festival on July 10, 2011.[145] The next day, Knowles performed at the Oxegen Festival in Ireland.[146]

On July 28, 2011, Knowles performed "Best Thing I Never Had" and "1+1" on The View.[147] Later that day, Knowles appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and performed "Best Thing I Never Had" with The Roots.[148] From August 16–19, Knowles held the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concerts at the Roseland Ballroom to a standing room only audience.[149] The Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 DVD was released in November.[150][150] Knowles performed "Love on Top" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28.[151] A performance of Knowles singing "Countdown" live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon was taped in July 2011[152][153] and aired on November 11.[154]

Singles[edit]

"Run the World (Girls)" was released as the album's lead single on April 21, 2011.[155] After snippets of "Run the World (Girls)" were leaked on April 14, 2011,[156][157] the entire song was leaked four days later;[158] forcing the single release of "Run the World (Girls)" to be rushed.[155] Its accompanying music video was shot over the span of three days by director Francis Lawrence, starting on April 11, 2011 and ending on April 13, 2011.[159] The video premiered on May 18, 2011 on American Idol.[160] The single peaked only at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[161] Its commercial reception was better in Oceania and some European territories. It peaked inside the top ten positions in Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Belgian Singles Chart (Wallonia), and Norway. Further more, it reached the Top 20 in Ireland, the UK, France, Canada, and Belgian Singles Chart (Flanders).[162][163][164] "Best Thing I Never Had" was released as the album's second single. It premiered on US radios on June 1, 2011,[165] and was made available for download the same day.[166] "Best Thing I Never Had" peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[161] It performed well on the charts in Ireland and the United Kingdom where it achieved peaks of number two and three respectively. It also reached number five in New Zealand and number 17 in Australia.[163][164] The third official single, "Countdown", impacted both mainstream and rhythmic radios on October 4, 2011 in the United States.[167][168] It was digitally released in Belgium and Luxembourg on October 21, 2011.[169][170] It was released in Germany,[171] Switzerland,[172] Austria,[173] and Sweden[174] on November 25, 2011. "Love on Top" was digitally released in Belgium on December 7, 2011 as the fourth single.[175] It impacted urban radio in the U.S. on January 10, 2012.[176] "End of Time" was sent to UK mainstream radio on March 28, 2012, as the fifth single from 4.[177]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic 3.5/5 stars[178]
The A.V. Club B–[77]
Entertainment Weekly B[50]
The Guardian 3/5 stars[38]
NME 4/10[62]
Pitchfork Media 8.0/10[42]
Rolling Stone 3.5/5 stars[179]
Slant Magazine 3.5/5 stars[73]
Spin 8/10[44]
Uncut 4/5 stars[180]

4 received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 73, based on 36 reviews.[181] Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson found it "predominately intimate, ballad-heavy" and "dominated by mid- to no-tempo tracks, which, vocally speaking, gives her enough rope to hang either her doubters or herself".[73] Consequence of Sound's Chris Coplan dubbed it "pure pop excellence" and "truly dazzling" for "what it does with minimal production and simplistic lyrics."[78] Los Angeles Times writer Randall Roberts called 4 "a surprising, confident turn, even if the surprises are of a subtler variety."[182] Nitsuh Abebe of New York complimented Knowles' "newly settled mood" and "wonderfully convincing job of making [vulnerability] seem like a form of bravery."[43] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone commended her for "leav[ing] fashionable production styles behind" on an "eccentric ... unmistakably personal and quirky" album.[179] Michael Cragg of The Observer praised "the laid-back feel of her most accomplished album yet."[183]

Jon Caramanica of The New York Times found it "impressive" for "a torch singer", writing that Knowles "delivers heartbreak with purpose: to remind us just how overwhelming love can be."[39] Mikael Wood of Spin called it an "often-gorgeous collection of ballads and mid-tempo cuts rich with echoes of late-'70s/early-'80s pop-soul."[44] Rich Juzwiak of The Village Voice found its uptemo songs "passé in the best way possible" and stated, "Beyoncé's art is delivery, and 4 is a gorgeous frame for her voice at its absolute best."[184] Pitchfork Media's Ryan Dombal complimented its "carefree retro sensibility" and felt that most of it "has one of the world's biggest stars exploring her talent in ways few could've predicted, which is always exciting."[42] Allmusic's Andy Kellman stated, "the strength of most of the material, propelled by Beyoncé’s characteristically acrobatic vocal skills, eases the trouble of sifting through the disjointed assortment" and concluded, "No one but one of the most talented and accomplished singers ... could have made this album."[178]

In a mixed review, David Amidon of PopMatters found much of its material "beneath a woman as talented as she is".[51] Despite calling its up-tempo songs "genre-busting", Adam Markovitz of Entertainment Weekly found its first-half "lumbering ... a sleepy recital of ballads" and stated, "Vocally, she's never sounded better — throaty and precise — but the songs here just aren't her equal."[50] Claire Suddath of Time criticized its lyrical substance, writing that it offers "well-executed songs performed by a talented woman who refuses to scratch anything more than the surface."[81] Chicago Tribune writer Greg Kot observed an "inexplicable inconsistency" and stated, "the album feels skimpy, half-finished."[185] Hamish MacBain of NME found its ballads "boring" and stated, "there’s the unmistakable sense of someone treading water, with even the OK bits here sounding uninspired."[62]

Accolades[edit]

"So many pop stars seem trapped in time, eternally chasing a hit to beat their last, but not B[eyoncé]. For her, 2011 was a year of evolution, one of growth both personal and artistic. ... She is setting the stage for something new and exciting. That she's opened herself up so much to fans is heartening because now we know that no matter where life takes her, we'll be invited along for the ride."

— John Mitchell, MTV News.[186]

4 was included on several year-end lists by music critics and publications. James Montgomery of MTV News put 4 at number 20 on his list of "The 20 Best Albums Of 2011" calling it an "artfully anachronistic album."[187] Montgomery also noted "But given time, most (myself included) have come to love its classy flourishes and classically influenced roots. From big-boned ballads to weirdo world-music jams, 4 is clearly the disc on which Beyoncé makes her bid for artistic credibility."[187] The writers of BBC Online put the album at number seven on their list of "Top 25 Albums of 2011".[188] NPR also listed the album on the list of "50 Favorite Albums of 2011" and commented: "A record made up of amazing singles, 4 leaps beyond the restraints of its Top 40 cultural signifier to cultural significance, as Beyoncé celebrates her lasting, loving relationship with her man, as well as her fluidity as an artist who refuses to be thrust into any single box."[189] Rolling Stone listed 4 as the 25th best album of 2011 and commented, "The world's shrewdest diva turns on her star power full blast, indulges her oddball side and flaunts her mastery of seemingly every modern pop mode".[190] The Guardian also placed the album at number 4 on its year-end list claiming that it was "the sound of a pop star maturing" and a "sound of a world-class superstar, insisting she's in it for the long haul."[191] The writers of Spin named 4 the 39th best album of 2011 stating that it was "shifted into a totally different lane" and a "proof that Sasha doesn't need to be fierce to run the world".[192] They additionally put the album at number 2 on Spin's list of "20 Best Pop Albums of 2011".[193] Rap-Up listed 4 at number 5 on its list of "10 Best Albums of 2011".[194] On The Village Voice's year-end chart Pazz & Jop, 4 was ranked at number 26.[195]

Pitchfork Media put the album at number 27 on its list of the best albums of 2011[196] while The New York Times put 4 at number 10.[197] Amazon.com listed the album at number 2;[198] The New Yorker ranked 4 at number 10 on its list of "The Best Music of 2011: The British Singers"[199] and at number one on its list of "The Best Music of 2011: The American Singers", also giving Knowles the title of the best artist of 2011, writing: "Beyoncé doesn’t win the pop gold for America because she had the best single ... [She] wins 2011 simply for loving the job more than everyone else."[200] MSN, Digital Spy and Associated Press ranked the album at number 3.[201][202][203] Chicago Sun-Times put the album at number 6 on the list of "The 11 Best Albums of 2011". The writers commented that in the album, Knowles "wisely relaxes and explores a series of emotions as contradictory as the music styles underpinning their expression."[40] They also noted that 4, follows "B[eyoncé]'s usual pop formula and accelerates slowly through considerable creativity. She goes from 0 to 60 in about half an hour, gliding through some impressive balladry (not always her strong suit) before careening through the clubs of the world".[204] Mark Edward Nero of the website About.com, put the album at number 13 in his list of best albums for 2011, adding that "Beyonce remains one of the more talented, hardworking vocalists of our time, and it seems like this project is an example of her evolving into a more mature artist and person."[205] Consequence of Sound ranked the album at number 13, concluding:

"Born from bits and pieces of Fela Kuti, Broadway musicals, and Lionel Richie, 4 is simultaneously one of Beyoncé's most musically diverse and personal records. It's a master class, of sorts, of pop music over the last 40 years. [...] 4 is a hit factory extravaganza – only with more substance. It's incredibly personal; far deeper than anything else in her otherwise emotionally available career. Yet it's also quite compact, doing away with some fluff and filler that plagued her past LPs. Already, we’re bubbling over with joyous anticipation for what 5 has to offer"[206]

In 2012, the album was ranked at number 37 on the women's list of "The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine. The writer of the publication further wrote "Ever since she broke out of Destiny's Child, Beyonce has been the world's favorite pop princess, whether she's in a feisty mood or making nice". "Countdown" was chosen as the essential moment of the album.[207]

4 was nominated for Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the 2011 American Music Awards,[208][209] and Album of the Year at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards.[210][211] It was also nominated for Album of the Year at the 38th People's Choice Awards,[212] and Best Album at the 2011 Virgin Media Music Awards.[213] At the 43rd NAACP Image Award presented on February 17, 2012, 4 was nominated in the category for Outstanding Album.[214] At the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, the album won in the Top R&B Album category.[215]

Commercial performance[edit]

On its first day of sales, 4 shipped more than 10,000 copies in Poland,[123] more than 120,000 copies in Brazil,[116] and sold around 32,000 in the United Kingdom on its first day itself.[216] According to The Official Charts Company data, 4's opening day sales were more than the combined sales of its three nearest challengers, being Adele's 21 (2011), Lady Gaga's Born This Way (2011), and Adele's first studio album 19 (2008) for that day.[216] After a complete week of sales, 4 debuted atop the UK Albums Chart on July 4, 2011, with first-week sales of 89,211,[217] In its second week of release, 4 remained atop the chart, selling 44,929 copies.[218] In 2011 it was the 18th best selling album in the UK, selling 451,000 copies.[219] It was also the fourth biggest selling R&B / hip hop album of 2011 in the UK.[220] For the week commencing July 4, 2011, 4 opened at number two on the Australian ARIA Albums chart, giving Knowles her highest ever chart debut on that chart,[221] and started at number one on its urban chart.[222] 4 debuted at number three on the Canadian Albums Chart selling 8,700 copies in its first week,[223] and at number one in France selling 12,393 copies in its first week.[224] According to the Japanese music charting site Oricon, the album debuted at number ten, selling 18,984 copies for the week ending July 11, 2011.[225]

In the United States, 4 debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 310,000 copies.[226] This gave Knowles her fourth consecutive solo debut at the top of the chart and makes her the second female artist and third artist overall, to have her first four studio albums debut atop the Billboard 200.[226] 4's first-week sales became Knowles' lowest sales start with a studio album to date.[226] However, Keith Caulfield of Billboard magazine commented that the album was not released during the festive season and that Knowles was so far lacking a hit single, which could help explain the album's softer entry.[226] Its lead single, "Run the World (Girls)" peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 – the first time the first single from a Knowles' studio set has missed the top ten. He finally added that "4's bow is pretty big for 2011. It marks the third-largest sales week of the year, after the [number one] bows of Lady Gaga's Born This Way and Adele's 21."[226] 4 became the ninth solely-numerical titles (including roman numerals) to have reigned since the chart launched as a weekly survey the week of March 24, 1956.[227] In its second week, the album remained at number one on the Billboard 200, despite an 63% sales decrease, selling 115,000 copies. It hence became the first album by Knowles to top the Billboard 200 albums chart for more than one week.[228] On August 1, 2011, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for shipments of one million copies to retail stores.[229] For the week ending September 10, 2011, 4 fell to number 12 on the US Billboard 200,[230] after having spent eight consecutive week in the top 10 positions.[231] However, after Knowles' performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, 4 registered an 87% rise in sales, allowing it to re-enter the top 10 of the US Billboard 200 at number seven, selling 39,000 copies for the week ending September 7, 2011.[232] As of October 2012, 4 has sold over 1.3 million copies in the United States and as of May 2013, 603,548 copies in the UK.[233][234]

Track listing[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of 4.[15]

No. Title Writer(s) Producer(s) Length
1. "1+1"  
  • Knowles
  • Nash
  • Stewart
 4:33
2. "I Care"  
  • Bhasker
  • Knowles[a]
 3:59
3. "I Miss You"  
  • Knowles
  • S. Taylor
 2:59
4. "Best Thing I Never Had"  
  • Knowles
  • Edmonds
  • Dixon
  • S. Taylor
  • S1 & Caleb
 4:13
5. "Party" (featuring André 3000)
  • Knowles
  • West
  • Bhasker[a]
 4:05
6. "Rather Die Young"  
  • Bhasker
  • Knowles[a]
  • Steele[a]
 3:42
7. "Start Over"  
  • Knowles
  • S. Taylor
 3:19
8. "Love on Top"  
  • Knowles
  • Nash
  • S. Taylor
  • Knowles
  • S. Taylor
 4:27
9. "Countdown"  
  • Knowles
  • S. Taylor
 3:32
10. "End of Time"  
3:43
11. "I Was Here"   Diane Warren
3:59
12. "Run the World (Girls)"  
  • Switch
  • Nash
  • Knowles[a]
  • S. Taylor[a]
 3:56
Total length:
 46:33
Notes
  • ^a signifies a co-producer
  • ^b signifies an additional producer
  • ^c signifies a vocal producer
  • ^d signifies a remixer
  • The deluxe edition contains an exclusive version of the music video for "Run the World (Girls)".[237]
  • "Party" samples "La Di Da Di" as performed by Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew featuring MC Ricky D., and written by Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters.[15]
  • "Countdown" samples "Uhh Ahh" as performed by Boyz II Men, and written by Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris.[15]
  • "Run the World (Girls)" samples "Pon de Floor" as performed by Major Lazer, and written by Afrojack, Adidja Palmer, Wesley Pentz and David Taylor.[15]

Personnel[edit]

Credits taken from Knowles' official website:[15]

Managerial

  • Meaghan Lyons – A&R operations
  • Ty Ty Smith – A&R
  • Teresa LaBarbera White – A&R

Performance credits

Visuals and imagery

  • Tony Duran – photography
  • Neal Farinah – glam team
  • Greg Gex – photography
  • Ty Hunter – fashion director
  • Kimberly Kimble – glam team
  • Lisa Logan – glam team

Instruments

  • Alex Asher – trombone
  • Morgan Price – baritone saxophone, tenor
  • Shea Taylor – alto saxophone, horns arrangement
  • Luke Steele – guitar
  • Robert "R.T." Taylor – guitar
  • Pat Thrall – guitar
  • Johnny Butler – tenor saxophone
  • Jack Daley – bass guitar
  • Ryan Tedder – drums, piano, additional programming
  • Brent Kutzle – cello, guitar, additional programming

Technical and production

  • Mark Gray – engineering assistant
  • Jason Sherwood – engineering assistant
  • Steven Dennis – engineering assistant
  • Pete Wolford – engineering assistant
  • Scott Barnett – engineering assistant
  • Tony Maserati – mixing
  • Val Brathwaite – mixing assistant
  • Ryan Kelly – engineering assistant
  • Serge Nudel – mixing assistant, engineering assistant
  • Gloria Kaba – engineering assistant
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing
  • John Hanes – mixing engineer
  • Phil Seaford – mixing assistant
  • Gaylord Holomalia – engineering assistant
  • Christian Mochizuki – engineering assistant
  • Edwin Delahoz – engineering assistant
  • Justin Hergett – engineering assistant
  • Jon Castelli – engineering assistant
  • Ramon Rivas – engineering assistant
  • Chris Soper – engineering assistant
  • Smith Carlson – engineering assistant
  • Eric Aylands – engineering assistant
  • Jon Sher – engineering assistant

Charts[edit]

Weekly charts[edit]

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Argentine Albums Chart[239] 3
Australian Albums Chart[240] 2
Australian Urban Albums Chart[222] 1
Austrian Albums Chart[241] 13
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)[241] 4
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)[241] 4
Brazilian Albums Chart[242] 1
Canadian Albums Chart[243] 3
Croatian Albums Chart[244] 2
Czech Albums Chart[245] 2
Danish Albums Chart[241] 5
Dutch Albums Chart[241] 2
Finnish Albums Chart[241] 24
French Albums Chart[246] 1
German Albums Chart[247] 5
Greek Albums Chart[248] 5
Hungarian Albums Chart[249] 8
Irish Albums Chart[250] 1
Italian Albums Chart[241] 4
Japanese Albums Chart[225] 10
Mexican Albums Chart[241] 31
New Zealand Albums Chart[241] 3
Norwegian Albums Chart[241] 4
Polish Albums Chart[251] 2
Portuguese Albums Chart[241] 3
Russian Albums Chart[252] 5
Scottish Albums Chart[253] 1
Slovenian Albums Chart[254] 6
South African Albums Chart[255] 5
South Korean International Albums Chart[256] 1
Spanish Albums Chart[241] 1
Swedish Albums Chart[241] 13
Swiss Albums Chart[241] 1
Taiwanese Albums Chart[257] 16
UK Albums Chart[258] 1
UK R&B Albums Chart[259] 1
US Billboard 200[226] 1
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[260] 1
Chart (2013) Peak
position
Polish Albums Chart[261] 2

Year-end charts[edit]

Chart (2011) Position
Australian Albums Chart[262] 26
Australian Urban Albums Chart[263] 3
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)[264] 61
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)[265] 81
Brazilian Albums Chart[266] 11
Brazilian International Albums Chart[266] 2
Danish Albums Chart[267] 93
Dutch Albums Chart[268] 29
French Albums Chart[269] 77
Hungarian Albums Chart[270] 77
Italian Albums Chart[271] 99
Japanese Albums Chart[272] 100
Polish Albums Chart[273] 52
Russian Albums Chart[274] 36
Swiss Albums Chart[275] 57
UK Albums Chart[219] 18
UK R&B Albums Chart[220] 4
US Billboard 200[276] 21
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[277] 7
Chart (2012) Position
Australian Urban Albums Chart[278] 24
UK Albums Chart[279] 79
US Billboard 200[280] 91
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[281] 13

Certifications[edit]

Country Certifications
Australia (ARIA) Platinum[282]
Canada (Music Canada) Gold[283]
France (SNEP) Gold[284]
Ireland (IRMA) Platinum[285]
Poland (ZPAV) Platinum[286]
Russia (NFPF) Gold[287]
United States (RIAA) Platinum[288]

Release history[edit]

Region Date Format Edition(s)
Australia June 24, 2011 CD, digital download Standard,[289] deluxe[290]
Austria[291] Digital download Standard
Switzerland[292]
Belgium[293][294] CD, digital download Standard, deluxe
Germany[295][296]
Ireland Standard[297]
Netherlands Standard,[298] deluxe[299]
France[300][301] June 27, 2011 Standard, deluxe
Hong Kong[302][303]
New Zealand[304]
Poland[305][306] Eco, standard, deluxe, reissue
United Kingdom[307][308] Standard, deluxe
Argentina June 28, 2011 Digital download Standard[309]
Brazil[310][311] CD, digital download Standard, deluxe
Canada[312][313]
Spain Digital download Standard[314]
United States[315] CD, digital download Standard, deluxe
Japan[316][317] June 29, 2011
Denmark[318][319]
Philippines[320] July 1, 2011 CD
Thailand July 6, 2011 Standard[321][322]
China October 20, 2011
United States[238][323] July 24, 2012 Expanded edition
March 29, 2013 Digital download Reissue

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