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Revision as of 07:45, 14 June 2011

"Run the World"
Song

"Run the World (Girls)" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. The "female-empowerment" song was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Knowles, Nick "Afrojack" van de Wall, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, David "Switch" Taylor, and Adidja Palmer and production was handled by Switch, Knowles and Shea Taylor. Originally speculated to be titled "Girls (Who Run the World)", an unedited demo of the song leaked on the internet on April 18, 2011. "Run the World (Girls)" was later officially released on April 21, 2011 as the lead single from her studio album 4. The song heavily samples "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer, following the same alternative hip hop-dancehall genres, mixed with the pop and R&B sounds of Knowles. The song's title and lyrics contain an unapologetically aggressive message towards female empowerment.

"Run the World (Girls)" initially divided critics, most of whom complimented the song's sample and Knowles' aggressiveness while others criticized the song's musical direction. Several critics compared the track to other female empowering singles released by Knowles in the past such as "Independent Women" (2000), "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008), and "Diva" (2009), stating that "Run the World (Girls)" takes a more direct and assertive approach towards female empowerment.

The accompanying music video for the single was directed by Francis Lawrence and was filmed in California over the span of three days. A sneak peek of the video was revealed on Knowles' official website on April 20, 2011, describing the video as a "B Revolution". In an interview with MTV News, director Francis Lawrence described the music video as "one of the biggest Beyoncé music videos ever done," comparing it to that of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (2009).

Background

In an interview with The Capital FM Network in early March 2011, Shea Taylor confirmed that 4's "first single is huge and will premiere at the end of April".[1] "Run the World" was written by Knowles and Terius Nash and was produced by Knowles, Switch and Taylor.[2] The song was originally rumored to be titled "Girls (Who Run the World)".[3] On April 14, 2011, two snippets of the song leaked online[4][5] while an unfinished demo of "Run the World (Girls)" leaked online on April 18, 2011.[6]

After having been awarded the Millennium Award by Billboard in early May 2011 for recognizing her career achievements and influence in the music industry, Knowles was approached by the monthly magazine for an interview in which she discussed about her career as a solo artist and her then-upcoming fourth studio album. When asked about the boldness of "Run the World", Knowles elaborated:

It's definitely riskier than something a bit more... simple. I just heard the track and loved that it was so different: it felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras — things that typically don't go together — to create a new sound. I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am.[7]

Release

Because of the online leaks, the release of "Run the World (Girls)" was rushed.[2][8] It premiered on US radio on April 21, 2011 at 8 a.m. EST, and was made available for download on iTunes Stores worldwide the same day.[2] According to some reports, the single leaked on iTunes for free a few hours ahead of its official release. It was briefly available to download for free via podcast service Concrete Loop.[9] "Run the World (Girls)" impacated mainstream, urban contemporary and urban adult contemporary radio on April 26, 2011.[10][11] According to MTV News, "Run the World (Girls)" was very well-received by Knowles' fans on Twitter.[12]

Artwork

The cover art for "Run the World (Girls)" was released on April 20, 2011, the day before the songs official release. On the cover, Knowles strikes a bold pose while standing in the sand. With her fist in the air covered in fore-arm protectors, Knowles wears a hip cut draping yellow Emilio Pucci dress and black stiletto boots.[2] The Los Angeles Times indicated that the photos point to a "post-apocalyptic war zone, donning an elaborate gold headdress and holding a red flag emblazoned with a black 'B'."[13] The photo was taken on April 14, 2011.[14]

Tray Hova of Vibe complimented the cover art of the single, stating that Knowles looks "resplendent as hell" on the cover and additionally stated that "Nobody's complaining about Bey season here."[15] Similarly, Eleanor Young writing for Marie Claire described the cover art as "sizzling".[16] Ray Rogers of Billboard stated that Knowles "clearly transmits her trademark message of female empowerment" when she raises her clenched fist on the cover.[7] On the other hand, Becky Bain of Idolator gave the single cover a negative review, describing it as "pretty disappointing".[17] She stated that with a "ballistic, over-the-top club banger" song like "Run the World (Girls)", she expected something more than just a body shot of Knowles, and criticized the cover for being confusing regarding the location of the photo shoot; she wrote, "Where the heck is she? Under a freeway? At the beach?". However, Bain complimented Knowles on her choice of stilettos as "serious business".[17]

Composition

"Run the World (Girls)"
"Run the World" uses a militaristic beat sampled from "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer and has lyrics that speak of female empowerment.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Run the World" is an R&B[18] and pop song.[19] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News described the song as a "club banger"[20] as well as a "female empowerment/girl power type of song",[21] like several of Knowles' previous singles, including "Independent Women" (2000) with the Destiny's Child and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008).[22][23] Shea Taylor said that the track draws more from the pop music genre than R&B, and is reminiscent of Michael Jackson's "prime" work.[24] "Run the World (Girls)" also generates dancehall influences[25] in the tradition of "Get Me Bodied" (2007).[26] The "high energy" song contains elements of go-go,[27] and is set to a marching beat which samples popular club song, "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer and Vybz Kartel.[6][28] It consists of heavy synth pangs and a militaristic drumbeat beneath Knowles shout vocals.[19] Sharp African percussion is represented in the song by intense band-style drums.[29][30] Several music critics, including Kathy McCabe of The Daily Telegraph likened "Run the World" to "Single Ladies" and "Diva" (2009).[31] Additionally Johnston Breihan of The Village Voice compared the song to schoolyard chants, due to its "cheer-team beats" and the repetitive use of the word "Girls".[32]

As stated by Rap-Up, Knowles is dominant over men in "Run the World".[33] Lamb described the song's lyrics as a declaration that women run the world.[30] "Run the World" opens with a brief piano intro[34] and with a heavy club beat with Knowles chanting: "Girls! / We run this mutha / Girls! / Who run the world."[35] "Some of them men think they freak this like we do / But no they don't / Make your cheque come at they neck / Disrespect us no they won't [...] This goes out to all my girls that's in the club rocking the latest / Who will buy it for themselves and get more money later".[36] Briefly transitioning to smoother, more persuasive, but still boastful vocals, she chants: I think I need a barber/ None of these ho's can fight me/ I'm so good with this/ I remind you I'm so 'hood with this".[37] The song then features a breakdown, which serves as its bridge.[30] With gooey harmonies and sultry vocals, Knowles affirms that her "persuasion can build a nation".[30] She then delivers the repetitive hook lines which also serve as the chorus lines.[38][38] In the second verse, Knowles makes reference to how education makes women strong and independent: "I'm reppin' for the girls who're over the world / Have me raise a glass for the college grads [..]", and asks the opposite sex to "please accept my shine."[39] Other lyrics of this theme include the line: "smart enough to make these millions, strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business."[40] As stated by Jocelyn Vena of MTV News, Knowles sings in her signature staccato style on the second verse of the song.[35] She then chants the chorus again after the bridge lines.[40] Her vocals fade out as the song closes.[35]

Critical reception

If there is one current recording artist that would surprise no one in singing about running the world, it would be Beyonce. What is left for a musical star of her caliber, owner of 16 Grammy Awards, and a movie star as well? Female empowerment has always been a key element of the music of Beyonce from Destiny's Child's "Independent Women, Part 1" through her own "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". It just has never been so overt as a declaration that women do, in fact, run the world[...] The aggressive, addictive rhythm track and words of female power are enough to make this song stand out among current pop releases, but it is the break beginning with a sultry Beyonce seducing us with, "My persuasion can build a nation," that sends it all over the top.
—About.com's Bill Lamb on the aggressive theme and occurring message of "Run the World (Girls)".[30]

Amos Barshad writing for the New York Magazine described "Run the World" as "kind of a monster — aggressive and intense and totally committed". He called the song "declarative" and felt that as a lead single, it was "bluntly effective."[41] After the song's official premiere, Rap-Up described its beat as "hypnotizing".[33] Matt Donnelly of The Los Angeles Times compared it to several of Knowles' past singles, stating that the song has a "harder edge" than "Independent Women Pt. 1" (2000), but it does not contain "the gritty, futuristic chic of 'Diva'".[42] Latifah Muhammad of AOL's The Boombox felt that musically the song took a different route for Knowles, stating that it was much more unapologetically aggressive in its lyrical message than that of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".[43] Muhammad continued to compliment "Run the World"'s beat, stating that Knowles remained "draped fittingly" beneath the song's insistent marching beat.[43] Jenna Clarke of The Sydney Morning Herald referred to it as an " infectious sounding track" having a catchy dance beat with empowering lyrics. She also wrote that the song showcases "a grittier sounding Beyoncé", yet still following the "power footsteps" of her other chart topping hits such as "Single Ladies" and "Crazy In Love" (2003).[44] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News viewed "Run the World" as a "sassy [song with] girl-power lyrics paired with [a] club appeal." She also wrote that the song is loud and proud in its relentless message, and that Knowles "is clearly rallying the troops to her side" in this first single off her forthcoming fourth studio album release.[37]

Andrew Winistorfer of Prefix Magazine felt that some listeners will consider themselves "to be too cool for Beyoncé", and therefore they are going to act like "[they] hate this before [they] hear it." He went on saying that "Run the World" reminds him of Rihanna in 2004 and concluded by writing that those who have not yet realized that "women are powerful via a Beyoncé song, [wi]ll never learn."[25] Nick Minichind of VH1 lauded the song for several pointed comments on empowerment which according to him, "are skillfully weaved into the lyrics, without feeling out of place." He also wrote that "Run the World" restores the girls' own subjectivity. and that the bridge shows a "practically Cleopatra-channeling Beyoncé."[34] Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post considered "Run the World" to be one of the most exciting tracks Knowles has ever released.[45] Sadao Turner of Ryan Seacrest's website complimented the song's sample from "Pon De Floor" hook, while calling the song a "club banger" and its lyrics "infectious".[46] Lewis Corner from Digital Spy enjoyed "Run the World" and described it as "yet another female-empowerment revolution that is sure to dominate dancefloors this summer".[18] On a separate single review, Robert Copsey, also writing for Digital Spy, awarded the song four stars out of five, complimenting the "earthy beats, hypnotising hooks and militant drums pound[ing] relentlessly as Queen B declares it's 'GRLZ who run this mutha' with more woman-friendly conviction than Geri Halliwell at a Spice Girls convention circa 1998. He also added that "[...] with no identifiable structure, the uber-trendy, uber-squiggly Major Lazer 'Pon De Floor' sample is free to roam as it sees fit; adding up to an aggressive, head-spinning and ferocious club stomper.[47]

Bill Lamb of About.com awarded "Run the World" four and a half stars out of five, praising how seamlessly it manages to fit as a natural progression for Knowles' music dating back to classic work with Destiny's Child.[30] He also remarked that it is thrilling in its ability to push even further into exploration of Knowles' artistry and that "it just has never been so overt as a declaration that women do, in fact, run the world."[30] Lamb concluded by writing that the "aggressive [and] addictive rhythm track" and words of female power are enough to make the song stand out among current pop releases, and that Knowles ends up seducing listeners with the break lines: "My persuasion can build a nation".[30] An editor of OK! wrote that only after a few hours, "Run the World" has "become a permanent fixture on our playlists." He went on stating that "[...] Even as we write, the chorus to Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)' is replaying over in our heads, distracting us from anything non-Beyoncé/running the world related."[48] Kevin O'Donnell of Spin Magazine described the song as "a rousing girl power anthem", which bears resemblance to "Single Ladies" and "If I Were a Boy" (2008). He also mentioned that "Run The World" is far rowdier than any of those songs because of its "synth squiggles and raw chanting."[49] Nadine Cheung of AOL Radio noted that the song showcases "a healthy mix" of marching drums and African percussion.[29] Tom Breihan of Pitchfork Media wrote that "Run the World" is "as devotedly pro-female as the title would lead you to expect", and that it is "as dancefloor-directed" as Knowles gets, in the tradition of "Get Me Bodied" and "Single Ladies".[26]

"Run the World" garnered mixed reviews from some critics who, while commending Knowles for taking risks, agreed that the song was too divergent from her previous work. In his review of the song, Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani wrote "[Knowles] misses the mark big time here" and called the song "plain daft". He however praised the song's bridge, "which features B's warm, gooey harmonies and the lyric 'My persuasion can build a nation.'"[50] Despite lauding "Run the World" for its demandingly aggressive message as well as its club-status beat, Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly noted the continuation of past themes, writing that it would be "appreciated" to see Knowles "switching lanes a bit content-wise [...] She is fully capable of making a classic album as genius and relatable as Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."[38] Adam Rosenberg of the Rolling Stone awarded the song three and a half stars out of five, writing that "[f]rom 'Independent Women' to 'Single Ladies', girl power has long been Beyoncé's Topic A, and 'Run the World (Girls)' is a blistering return to the theme. She forsakes fashionable sounds — no Eurodisco synths! — to belt over Diplo and Switch's ferocious dancehall beat. The message is party-hearty feminism. But with [Lady] Gaga, Britney [Spears], Katy [Perry], Rihanna and Taylor [Swift] all vying to be the queen of pop, you can bet Beyoncé is not looking to share the throne."[51] Maura Johnston of The Village Voice disapproved of the lack of structure in "Run the World", calling it "a bit overstuffed, but fairly enjoyable".[52]

Chart performance

"Run the World" made its first chart appearance on the Netherlands' Single Top 100 chart at number 60 on April 23, 2011.[53] The following week, it surged to number eight, where it peaked.[54] Only three days after its release to digital download outlets, the single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 18 on April 24, 2011.[55] One week later, it moved to number 11 on the singles chart[56] and debuted at number five on its R&B chart.[57] After that, the song kept tumbling down the chart for five consecutive weeks. However, it rebounded from number 45 to number number 23 on the singles chart and from number 12 to number 6 on the R&B chart on May 29, 2011 thanks to the release of its music video.[58][59] "Run the World" was the hot shot debut at number 40 on Canadian Hot 100 chart issue dated May 7, 2011.[60] Paul Tuch of Nielsen SoundScan qualified the debut as "impressive" as the song was released mid-chart week at both digital and radio. It remains Knowles' best entry as a solo artist on the chart.[61] After tumbling down the chart for three consecutive weeks, "Run the World" fell out of the chart week ending May 28, 2011. For the week ending June 11, 2011, the single moved from number number 60 to number 16 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart, achieving the greatest chart mover as well as the greatest digital gainer titles.[62]

For the issue dated May 7, 2011, "Run the World" debuted at number 23 on the Hot Digital Songs chart with 77,000 downloads sold.[63] It also debuted at position 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and started at number 65 on the Radio Songs chart with 18 million listener impressions the same week.[63] For the same issue date, "Run the World" was the highest debut on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, opening at number 41.[64] The following week, the single registered a 39% decrease in downloads transitioning into a total of 47,000, causing the song to slip to number 39 on the Hot Digital Songs chart.[65] It also fell to number 71 on the Radio Songs chart with 16.2 million listener impressions.[66] Accordingly, the song fell to number 48 on the Hot 100 chart issue dated May 14, 2011.[67] "Run the World" was the highest debut starting at number 37 on the US Pop Songs chart issue dated May 21, 2011.[68] For the same week ending, the song continued to tumble down the Hot 100 chart, landing at number 65.[69] One week later, the single opened at number 43 on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Knowles' nineteenth solo entry on that chart.[70] The same week, the single fell to number 76 on the Hot 100 chart.[71] After having been tumbling down the Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks, "Run the World" gained 26 places, moving from number 76 to number 50 for the week ending June 4, 2011.[72] This movement was promoted by the song's re-entry on the Hot Digital Songs chart at number 44 after the worldwide premiere of its video.[73] The following week, the single escalated to number 29 on the Hot 100 chart.[74]

In Ireland, the single debuted at number 11 on April 28, 2011, being the highest chart debut of that week[75] and in France, "Run the World" debuted at number 33 with 2,065 copies sold.[76] It later peaked at number 18 in France.[77] On May 1, 2011, the song made its debut at number 12 on the Australian Singles Chart where it was the highest debuting single of that week,[78] and at number six on its urban chart.[79] One day later, "Run the World" debuted at number 21 in New Zealand, where it also got the title of the highest debut of that week.[80] After debuting in both Australia and New Zealand, "Run the World" began to fall down the charts in both countries. However, after the release of its music video, the single rebounded from number 42 to number 15 on the ARIA Singles Chart and achieved a new peak at number 4 on its urban chart on May 30, 2011.[81][79] The following week, it climbed to number 10 on the singles chart, where it peaked.[82] Similarly, the world premiere of the video helped "Run the World" re-enter the New Zealand Singles Chart at number 26 on May 23, 2011.[83] The following week, it escalated to number 9 where it has peaked so far.[80]

Music video

Background and development

The environment, I have to give her and Francis that credit. She really challenged Francis on finding a world that's unique to her. We could have easily done it in downtown L.A. We could have easily done it in downtown New York, but it was really important to her to find a world that was unique to her look and image to her new project
—Frank Gatson Jr to MTV News about the choice of the video's location.[84]

The music video for "Run the World (Girls)" was directed by Francis Lawrence, who previously directed two music videos for Destiny's Child: "Independent Women" (2000) and "Emotion" (2001).[21] Knowles worked with eight different choreographers,[5] including Frank Gatson and Sheryl Murakami. The executive producer behind the video was Missy Galanida.[85] Behind the scenes looks of the music video showed that the video was expected to be heavy on choreography and depicts Knowles in a blonde Pompadour and white Givenchy couture gown while filming scenes in the Mojave Desert, California.[20][86] Other scenes were filmed in Inglewood, California.[87] Images from the shoot leaked online on April 12, 2011, showing Knowles standing in a smoky, post-apocalyptic war zone,[88] wearing a gladiator outfit with a gold crown, and waving a red flag with a "B" logo.[87] She was surrounded by dancers in brightly coloured skirts, topped off with black military-style jackets and peaked caps.[89] Other images showed an army of women posing against a ravaged car graffitied with "Révolution", with posters of Knowles' face behind them.[87] On April 13, more images were leaked, showing Knowles wearing a bright yellow dress paired with black knee-high boots and gloves on the sand.[14] On April 20, 2011, a teaser for the music video was released on Knowles' official website which described the video as a "B Revolution". It opened with dawn breaking behind a barbed-wire fence, cutting to the word "Révolution" painted in red on a broken-down car.[3] Knowles then appeared riding a rogue black horse.[2][3] The video required three days of shooting, starting on April 11, 2011 and ending on April 13, 2011.[90] In an interview with MTV News on April 18, 2011, director Francis Lawrence discussed the music video more in depth:

"I just shot a Beyoncé video at the beginning of this last week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, which was fun, and I hadn't done a video since 2009. It'll be big, it'll probably be one of the bigger Beyoncé music videos ever done. And, I can say that I think the song is unbelievable. The Gaga thing took me by surprise, 'cause I've done videos for probably 15 years, and I had forgotten what it felt like to have a video premiere and have it be anticipated and have it explode. And yeah I hope the same for Beyoncé, but I don't know if that's gonna happen. It is a fantastic song, so I really hope that song catches for her, and I think the video's gonna be really fun and cool and different for her."[90]

On May 4, 2011, an additional 20-second sneak peek of the music video was revealed, showing a troupe of females modeling in rural terrain, however Knowles is not actually seen during the clip.[91] A third teaser of the video was released on May 10, 2011, showing Knowles standing in front of a burning car, riding a horse, and assembling her troops for battle in the post-apocalyptic clip.[92] At a private listening party held on May 12, 2011 for Knowles' fourth studio album, she offered a select group of fans a preview of five songs from her fourth studio album as well as the official video for "Run the World (Girls)", which reportedly features a lion walking into a dance number and the singer writhing around in the sand.[93] The video was scheduled to premiere on May 13, 2011 at 12:01 a.m,[94] however Vevo confirmed via Twitter that the video would be delayed, due to Knowles "perfecting it".[95] The video premiered on American Idol on May 18, 2011.[96] The same day, a clock appeared on Knowles' official website counting down to the online premiere.[97]

As stated by Billy John of Yahoo! Music, the militaristic themes of the accompanying video for "Run the World" borrow from both Tina Turner's 1979 film Mad Max and Janet Jackson's 1989 music video for "Rhythm Nation".[98] Additionally, Knowles revisits imagery from some of her own classic visuals including "Crazy In Love" (2003), "Baby Boy" (2003) and "Déjà Vu" (2006).[98] Her wardrobe in the video varies from armor and a high priestess headdress to lingerie and runway couture as she gets ready for her female revolution. Starting off, Knowles is seen sporting a red-and-gold embroidered Alexander McQueen dress from fall/winter 2010 and thigh-high boots from the same collection.[99] For a dance routine in the sand, she dons a black fringed Norma Kamali outfit, followed by Givenchy dress for a scene depicting her with two larger-than-life hyenas.[99] During a warrior-inspired shot where Beyoncé looks ready to wage war on the world, she is wearing a black cut-out dress shown at Jean Paul Gaultier's spring couture show.[99] A very short Gareth Pugh dress, glittering in golden sequins, and two gowns by Emilio Pucci - one lime green with a plunging neckline, and another in emerald green with an asymmetrical cut - complete the high-fashion showcase.[99] Knolwes hired 242 dancers[84] and Mozambican kwaito dance group, Tofo Tofo, to appear in the video.[100] The group taught Knowles some native dance moves, which were then incorporated into the video's routine.[101] One of the eight choreographers, Frank Gatson told MTV News that the aim of the video is to reflect several genres of dance moves:

"We prepared a lot for it. We had seen something on YouTube; we had seen these three guys from Africa, this Mozambique African dance troupe [...] we were like, 'Wow, this is an amazing movement.' And that movement has always been in the back of our head for the last year. From there, we talked about a lot of concepts. [..] We say, 'Share the light, you sparkle brighter,' and we share our light with a lot of new, creative people. I feel like we really nailed it and, again, my hats off to the Tofo Tofo guys [from Africa], because none of us could imitate that. We had to bring them around to learn that [move], which is really, really interesting. They had such a great vocabulary of movement. That was probably one of the most beautiful experiences for Beyoncé. They were so humbled. It was hard finding them. They were really in a remote area; we had to get the embassy people involved. That was a process that took about two months or more. Beyoncé really loved them and I'm pretty sure we'll see them again. It was magical."[84]

For most of the choreography, Knowles takes a minimalistic approach, sometimes focusing on a singular movement that accentuates the sample of Major Lazer's "Pon de Floor"'s rapid, dancehall riddim.[98] Knowles opens with "an intricate, 20-second shoulder bounce" while other dances focus on her legs, feet, or hands. She even works in some late 1980s hip hop, jazz, street, and African moves.[84][98] As reported by The Daily Mail staff, part of the dance routine of "Run the World" seems to have also been inspired from Riverdance, a theatrical show consisting of traditional Irish stepdancing, notable for its rapid leg movements while body and arms are kept largely stationary.[102] The energetic dance sequence with which Knowles and her all-female troop intimidate the members of the opposite sex in the video, is reminiscent of Michael Flatley's dance show of the 1990s ion the sense that they use the similar rapid leg movements and high scissor kicks.[102] In her 2003 music video for "Crazy in Love", Knowles-then boyfriend and actual husband Jay-Z throws a lighter on the floor, which starts a fire along a trail of petrol to a car. This scene was repeated for Knowles 2009 music video for "Diva" (2009) where she also lights a cigar and throws the still lit lighter at a car, prompting it to explode into flames.[103] A similar scene is also present in the music video for "Run the World" where a car explodes while Knowles is singing.[102][104] As stated by The Guardian, the music video of the single also recalls the work of South African photographer Pieter Hugo. His images of the "hyena men" of Nigeria – itinerant circus entertainers who perform with hyenas on chains – are echoed in a scene where Knowles holds two hyenas on chains. The work of another photographer, Ed Kashi, can also be discerned in shots of buffalo, Knowles dancing on the sand and burning cars.[84] In an interview with The New York Post, the video's producer, Missy Galanida explained that Knowles never had to hold the hyena and that no one could be on set when the hyena was being shot. Director Francis Lawrence kept two hyenas on set, but used only one, and he did not make them wear chains desptie wanting to do so because they were not allowed to do that. Galanida added: "They areactually the hardest animals to shoot, and the most dangerous, so you have to be very careful. We basically duplicated them and added the chains."[85]

Synopsis

File:Beyonce-runtheworldGIRLS.png
Knowles stands with her female army, clenching their fists in the air and waving "B"-flags.

The video begins with Knowles riding a black horse through an open deserted plain. As the horse lifts off the ground, scenes of Knowles standing atop a ruined vehicle are shown, as she leads a large "army" of females. Additional scenery include a large bull in the middle of the battleground, as well as of a large banner featuring an African themed drawing of Knowles on a banner. A woman seemingly nailed on a cross is later seen. As several scantily clad women are shown near various props, a SWAT team of men are shown charging towards the battlefield, during which instrumentation reminiscent to Major Lazer's "Pon de Floor" are played. As the male forces arrive, Knowles, wearing a large golden helm, is shown, surrounded by a lion and a large group of women. They are all seemingly prepared for battle and wearing battle garments, as well as banners featuring Knowles insignia. As the song begins to play, Knowles is stripped of her armor and confronts the male army, engaging in a series of shoulder-thrusting dance routines. Following the routine, Knowles solely makes her way over to the men, intimidating them with her seductive dancing. Consecutively, scenes of Knowles wearing several ensembles are interspersed; the first of Knowles wearing a white "Cruella De-Vil esque" evening gown as she grasps two large chained hyenas. As the confrontation escalates, she appears standing next to several flaming vehicles, while featuring another costume change. As the scene switches back to the main plot, Knowles appears in front of a small group of her female army, wearing the yellow ensemble and black heeled-boots from the single's cover art. As more dancing commences, scenes of the two clashing armies are shown while Knowles is seen writhing in sand. The females, now having gathered into an even larger group, are shown dancing in front of the male armed forces once again, however with alternating costumes, as well as the addition of several flags in the background. The video ends with the front line of females confronting the men face-to-face, raising their right arms and saluting to them as Knowles rips off the male general's badge, placing it on herself.

Reception

The video received general acclaim from critics. On the night of the video's premiere, Rap-Up complimented Knowles on starting a "dance revolution", and additionally favored Knowles' "heavily-choreographed visuals" and "menagerie of wild animals, outrageous fashion, and epic dance sequences".[105] Eric Hendersom of Slant Magazine was impressed with the video, writing: "Beyoncé comes off like a barely sentient but cohesive and rational human being in real life. Too much so for a star of her stature. Her reserve of crazy is far from bottomless, and she seems to save it all for her music videos, and I love her for that [...] [The video is] awesome in distressingly fragmented ways."[106] Billy Johnson of Yahoo! Music wrote that "[he] humbly bow[s] down to the Houston, Texas queen." after watching the video. He complimented her costuming as well as choreography and continued writing that Beyoncé unveils "her masterful game plan" in the "Run The World (Girls)" video. He also called it Knowles' best video in her near 15-year career. Johnson concluded by saying that "[...] while the set design is compelling, the true treat is Beyoncé's dancing. Beyoncé has always been a good dancer. 'Run The World (Girls)' is "America's Best Dance Crew" fly [...] It's refreshing to see Beyoncé, at this stage of her career, making a return embodying the passion and hunger of a new artist with a whole lot to prove.[98] Gina Serpe of E! Online commented that "for anyone still laboring under the illusion that Beyoncé does not mean business, well, just watch this video. Described by B herself as ‘futuristic,’ ‘electronic’ and ‘African,’ the 29-year-old fused all that and more into a still remarkably cohesive music video."[107] CBS News Staff was also smitten, writing: "We got to hand it to Beyoncé, she’s asking the right question: Who will run the world? She’s got the right answer too… Girls! [...] Beyoncé still has a smoking hot video that’s blowing up on the web and we can’t blame a girl for putting it out there."[108] The Huffington Post added that Knowles largely brings back the elements that made "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"'s video a "mega hit": women's empowerment, and a brand new dance.[109] Jarett Wieselman, writing for The New York Post complimented Knowles' wardrobe and dancing in the video, sating that "the couture is ill to death. Same goes for Beyonce's true bread and butter: the dancing. New moves, shapes and ideas ensure the lyrics 'my persuasion can build a nation" remain absolutely true'."[110]

Claiming that the "Queen B returns to claim her throne", James Montgomery of MTV News gave the video a positive review, adding that Knowles' message in the video is as subtle as "a jackhammer" and added to its theme as a "pneumatically powered anthem". He further praised the video, describing it as "a big, brash thing, full of elaborate, hip-displacing dance routines, haute-couture costuming, wide-screen cinematography and expensive-looking sets."[111] Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork Media teased that "a thousand YouTube bedroom dancers flood[ing] the Internet with their own takes" were to come in the near future.[112] Praising the way Knowles dances and whips her hair around along with her dancers in the video, Rolling Stone wrote that it "is the latest addition to the canon of dance pop videos with over-the-top apocalyptic imagery."[113] Both Nick Neyland of Prefix Magazine and a reporter from Popjustice felt that Knowles has made the best pop video of 2011. Popjustice picked out several scenes from the video as described them as amazing[114] while Neyland lauded it for its "big budget extravagance, full of preposterous costumes and ridiculously over the top dance routines."[115] Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "with all due respect to her contemporaries, no one brings it like Beyoncé when it comes to her steps—intricate, fun, and executed flawlessly. Britney Spears' moves are all but gone. And though Gaga tried, she could not hold a candle to her two-time partner in crime, especially in 'Video Phone'." Wete concluded by saying that the video is certainly a contender for best dance video of the year so far.[116] Sarah Anne Hughes of The Washington Post also gave the song a positive review complimenting how Knowles uses "the non-violent tactic of dance to fight off some bad guys in riot gear." She also mentioned that Knowles' alter ego, Sasha Fierce, "is out in full force as she uses an army of swiveling and shimmying women, her middle finger and two hyenas on leashes to keep control of a post-apocalyptic society."[117] Ann Lee from Daily Metro felt that Knowles looked "sensational" in the video, and referred to her hip-moving dance as "Bootylicious".[118] Becky Bain of Idolator gave the video a positive review, stating that the "epic clip" contains choreography that "rival[s] the moves in 'Single Ladies'".[119]

A reporter from The Daily Mail focused on the style of dancing in the clip: "[...] it’s difficult to imagine that Riverdance star Michael Flatley would one day be a source of inspiration for the singer. The Irish dancing phenomenon has seemingly been given a whole new lease of life by Beyoncé incorporating some of the rapid leg movements and high scissor kicks into the video [...] There is no doubting Beyoncé has brought some new and inspired dance moves to the table, and Riverdance fans the world over will not be able to miss the singer's attempts at Flatley-style footwork. Beyoncé's moves in 'Run the World (Girls)' will no doubt spark dance trends the world over."[102] Bill Lamb of About.com also felt that the "dancing is stellar and filled with unique new moves."[120] Billboard Magazine Staff wrote that "Beyoncé makes a triumphant return in the elaborate music video for new single 'Run the World (Girls)' after creating classic clips for 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)', 'Crazy in Love', and 'Ring the Alarm'."[121] Arielle Loren of CLUTCH Magazine commented that "all of the traditional feminist criticism of her 'Run the World (Girls)' video is just another example of the disconnect between intellectual theory and real life." She went on saying that the video of the single is an anthem for contemporary women who are not afraid of being "powerful, driven, smart, and sexy" and that almost every woman can feel some sort of empowerment from Knowles' music. She concluded by writing: "When Beyoncé sings about girls running the world while busting African-dance-influenced choreography and swiveling her hips, it should remind all women that it is okay to run this mother f***er and still appreciate our breasts, move our hips, and showcase our multidimensionality (and sexiness) in a public way. Beyoncé's video provides one more signal that women need a new movement. Can we finally declare first, second, and third wave feminism as history? Has the fourth wave of feminism finally arrived?"[122] Maura Johnston of The Village Voice was also positive while reviewing the video, stating that in contrast to Knowles' clips for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", "Diva" and "Crazy in Love", the one for "Run the World (Girls)" is "a positively maximalist affair [...] though the power of (admittedly well-done) choreography."[104]

On the other hand, Nina Shen Rastogi of Slate felt that "at a time when there are a lot of actual revolutions going on, the political 'message' of the video (which seems to be something like 'fierce outfits and killer dance moves = power') feels a little thin. But at the very least, the gorgeous video has sold me on the actual song.".[123]

Live performances

Knowles first performed "Run the World (Girls)" live on May 17, 2011 on Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular at the United Center in Chicago. She wore a tuxedo leotard with red heels, and was accompanied by 40 female back-up dancers.[124] The show was organised to commemorate the 25th and final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Celebrities including Madonna, Tom Hanks, John Legend, Dakota Fanning, Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes amongst others were also present.[125] Knowles altered the bridge's lyrics, singing: "Oprah, your persuasion can build a nation." The crowd held up blue lights in the arena as Knowles ran through the song twice while the guest of honor danced along.[126] According to the Chicago Tribune, Knowles "received the loudest applause" of the show.[127]

Next, Knowles performed "Run the World (Girls)" live and went through a similar dance routine present in the video of the single at the Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 22, 2011 for the first time on network television.[128] The performance generally showed Knowles interacting with futuristic video projections screened behind her on stage.[128] The set opened with the roaring head of a tiger. Then Knowles appeared wearing what seemed to be a "metallic 'spider's web' dress". She then received a set of flapping wings and started dancing in front of an array of random, abstract images before a sea of birds descended from the top of the frame.[98] As she continued to dance, the video projection showed a proliferation Knowles. Virtual duplicates of Knowles simultaneously followed every dance step she was doing. She then caught a set of virtual drumsticks and plays the snares that materialize onto the projection.[98] Finally, 100 back-up dancers emerged to dance collectively to "Run the World (Girls)".[128] Knowles initially received widespread praise for her performance from fans, critics and celebrities.[129] However, some controversies surfaced the following day, concerning the production which looked similar in certain ways to the one put on by Italian pop star Lorella Cuccarini in February 2010 at the 60th Sanremo Music Festival held in Italy. Kenzo Digital, who spent a month creating Beyoncé's interactive video, told Yahoo! News that Lorealla concert footage is only part of the inspiration for Knowles' show: "[The Cuccarini artists] are awesome and do incredible work as well, but there are a lot of different inspirations for where our piece came from [...] It's just a bare white screen. It's a technique in video art since the [19]80s in terms of frontal projection and interactive things. That's really nothing new. It's not even a new technology. It's just an incredibly simple, awesome storytelling device, and with a performer like Beyoncé it becomes incredibly powerful."[98] Knowles later responded to the controversy, stating that she was aware of the Cuccarini's performance. She was inspired after discovering the performance online: "My makeup artist showed me the performance of Lorella Cuccarini a year ago, and it inspired me so much. I then met with the talented people who worked on it. The technology and concept were so genius. She was inspired after discovering Cuccarini's performance online. Thank God for YouTube or I would have never been exposed to something so inspiring. I never worked so hard on anything in my life as that performance for the Billboard Awards."[130]

Formats and track listings

  1. "Run the World (Girls)" (Single Version) – 3:55
  1. "Run the World (Girls)" (Single Version) – 3:55
  2. "Run the World (Girls)" (Jochen Simms Club Remix) – 6:16

Charts and certifications

Radio dates and release history

Country Date Format
Worldwide April 21, 2011 Digital download[2]
Australia Contemporary hit radio[144]
United States April 26, 2011 Contemporary hit radio[10]
Urban radio[11]
Urban adult contemporary radio[11]
United Kingdom June 1, 2011 Contemporary hit radio[145]
June 3, 2011 Urban radio[146]
Germany June 10, 2011 CD single[132]

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