2011 has seen the return of major successful female artists like Rihanna, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga but perhaps one of the most hotly anticipated debuts is Beyonce Knowles.
Is fourth time the charm for the appropriately named fourth studio effort from Honey B? 'I Am...Sasha Fierce' was immense. Debuting at number one on the US billboard album chart and spawning a multi-tude of singles, it is one hell of a tough act to follow. So has she lived up to the high standard previously set?
Its unlikely what with lead single 'Run The World (Girls)' failing to make a significant dent in charts worldwide and with second single 'Best I Never Had' also incapable of dominating on the same scale as 'If I Were A Boy' and 'Single Ladies' which has sold 6.1 million copies to date.
Mancrush reviewed 'If you're expecting 4 to be "I Am...Sasha Fierce" 2.0, you're in for a bit of a let down." Continuing, "On this album, Sasha Fierce takes a back seat."
'4' is not a complete write off however, evident by album opener '1+1' premiering on American Idols' live finals, deemed Queen B's equivalent to J-Hudz 'I Am Telling You'. Although follow up tracks 'I Care', 'I Miss You' and 'Best I Never Had' become too much in the grand scheme of things forcing the album to be ballad heavy overall.
Standout tracks include club anthem RTHW(Gs), '1+1', Kanye West produced track 'Party' featuring Andre 3000. Other notable highlights are the 80s inspired feel good song 'Love On Top' reminiscent of her Dream Girls sound. Whilst fresh, funky beat-driven 'Countdown' is nicely polished off with drumesque 'End of Time'. Skip 'I Was here'. Sorry B.
Although not as energetic or chart-friendly as previous efforts, it is more than obvious that '4' is a back to basics affair showcasing B's raw vocal ability. Too many ballads, not enough Sasha Fierce.
Who Run This World? Beyonce...into the ground. Somebody get Matthew Knowles on the blower because Honey B needs her daddy back stat!
Slant Magazine gave the album 3.5 stars out of five. Beyonce's new album '4' drops June 27.
Is fourth time the charm for the appropriately named fourth studio effort from Honey B? 'I Am...Sasha Fierce' was immense. Debuting at number one on the US billboard album chart and spawning a multi-tude of singles, it is one hell of a tough act to follow. So has she lived up to the high standard previously set?
Its unlikely what with lead single 'Run The World (Girls)' failing to make a significant dent in charts worldwide and with second single 'Best I Never Had' also incapable of dominating on the same scale as 'If I Were A Boy' and 'Single Ladies' which has sold 6.1 million copies to date.
Mancrush reviewed 'If you're expecting 4 to be "I Am...Sasha Fierce" 2.0, you're in for a bit of a let down." Continuing, "On this album, Sasha Fierce takes a back seat."
'4' is not a complete write off however, evident by album opener '1+1' premiering on American Idols' live finals, deemed Queen B's equivalent to J-Hudz 'I Am Telling You'. Although follow up tracks 'I Care', 'I Miss You' and 'Best I Never Had' become too much in the grand scheme of things forcing the album to be ballad heavy overall.
Standout tracks include club anthem RTHW(Gs), '1+1', Kanye West produced track 'Party' featuring Andre 3000. Other notable highlights are the 80s inspired feel good song 'Love On Top' reminiscent of her Dream Girls sound. Whilst fresh, funky beat-driven 'Countdown' is nicely polished off with drumesque 'End of Time'. Skip 'I Was here'. Sorry B.
Although not as energetic or chart-friendly as previous efforts, it is more than obvious that '4' is a back to basics affair showcasing B's raw vocal ability. Too many ballads, not enough Sasha Fierce.
Who Run This World? Beyonce...into the ground. Somebody get Matthew Knowles on the blower because Honey B needs her daddy back stat!
Slant Magazine gave the album 3.5 stars out of five. Beyonce's new album '4' drops June 27.
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