4
by Beyoncé
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 801 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 638 out of 801
  2. Mixed: 57 out of 801
  3. Negative: 106 out of 801
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. veronicacloset2
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    I heard a lot of smack from BEYONCE STANS. Saying this and that about 4lop saying it's a "timeless and classic record" PULEAZE. This album is a hot mess. It can't be listened to in one sitting. It's awful and they can write as many fake reviews as they want. The album sucks.
  2. HoneyGotMeHookD
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    Yo not feelin this CD at all. Where's my grrrl at? BEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This CD is a snooze! Grrrl get it togetha!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Best Hit I Never Had" is good tho
  3. GarbageNOISE
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    If I Can Say One Thing About This Album. It's Bad. Just Bad. Everything Beyonce Stands For: Fun. Dance. Slaying. A Complete. Let Down. Too Many Awkward Ballads And Not Enough Club Bangers. The Songs That Are On Here Are She Screams The Whole Time. She's Trying To Prove She's Not Just A Pop Artist, But That's Why We Love Her.
  4. joyluckli1953
    Dec 3, 2011
    0
    The album was an utter disappointment. Bey was trying to make Adele's "21" for R&B and it didn't work. The album's ballads would shine a midst more uptempo songs, but there are only 3 or 4 non-ballad songs on the album making it droning. A huge disappointment
  5. Equiknocks
    Dec 3, 2011
    8
    This is one of Beyonce's most cohesive works yet. The album is full of R and B Nostalgia. Beyonce has never been more confident vocally and more poignant with emotion. The albums opener 1 + 1 is a true artistic choice that is very admirable. Listening to four sounds like the best elements of R and B from the last 40 years but with a modern twist. Only Beyonce could do this. TheThis is one of Beyonce's most cohesive works yet. The album is full of R and B Nostalgia. Beyonce has never been more confident vocally and more poignant with emotion. The albums opener 1 + 1 is a true artistic choice that is very admirable. Listening to four sounds like the best elements of R and B from the last 40 years but with a modern twist. Only Beyonce could do this. The problem with this album is how it fits into the current market. But an album like this is not for the times, its for the history books.… Expand
  6. katykat19
    Dec 2, 2011
    10
    Great album. One of the best of the year or even last decade. This isn't about radio hits, it's about REAL music. Beyonce shows off her voice in this one and she can SANG!
  7. Humbz
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    After a pack full of random styles that was I Am... Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé comes with her most touching, brave and bold record. 4, an album made by their midtempos, is her strongest yet.
  8. pitch4rk
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    WOW... Can Beyonce be any better? She's phenomenal. The album is perfect. Her vocals and delivery have never been better. She has nothing left to prove in the music business, she's a LEGEND.
  9. musiccritic
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    Amazing album from start to finish. The production, lyrics and vocals are superior to any pop album released in the longest while. Beyonce has outdone herself with '4'
  10. hydrawithears
    Nov 20, 2011
    6
    First notes of 1+1, the new Beyoncéâ
  11. proreviewer
    Nov 19, 2011
    10
    All about that voice! Beyonce shows off her voice on this record. No need for effects or auto-tune, just her pure and real voice! A very rare thing in mainstream pop music today. '4' is a timeless pop record that will stand the test of time.
  12. Ukwwhoitiz
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    I love Beyonce and upon first listen, i wasn't sure how i felt about the album, but after the second & Third listen, I appreciated everything about the album, the production, the songwriting, the lyrical content, and her vocal performances. This is by far he best conceptual album to date.
  13. Labarron
    Oct 27, 2011
    9
    Beyonce has really matured and this album shows it. This is her best album and of course, it reach number one. Nice production, sound, lyrics, and songs. Keep up the good work, B.
  14. Belmsher
    Sep 20, 2011
    8
    Personally I don't mind if Beyonce sales are getting lower each album released, that's the trend nowadays. All I know is "4" is her best album to date. Dangerously in love was 70% fillers; B'Day was ok but there were just a few moments of real vocal amazingness; Sasha was overproduced and there were awful contrasts behind the concept of that alter-ego duel. 4 sounds more confident andPersonally I don't mind if Beyonce sales are getting lower each album released, that's the trend nowadays. All I know is "4" is her best album to date. Dangerously in love was 70% fillers; B'Day was ok but there were just a few moments of real vocal amazingness; Sasha was overproduced and there were awful contrasts behind the concept of that alter-ego duel. 4 sounds more confident and honest, there's a bit of everything Beyonce really knows how to do, there seems to be a heart in every song. The trouble with Run the World as a 1st single had happened several times in the history of pop music, it was a risky decision and probably too avant-gard (might sound a cliche, i know) - i guess we weren't ready for such sound in an era of auto-tune and gaga/kesha-esque productions.… Expand
  15. musicfanatic
    Sep 14, 2011
    10
    '4' is Beyonce best vocal offering to date. It shows her growth not only vocally, but as an overall artist. She proves that she is the voice, artist, and performer of our generation. '4' proves Beyonce is rare. Great album, that will stand the test of time.
  16. robguy222
    Sep 4, 2011
    10
    I knoe a lot of the songs on this and best thing i never had and run the world girls! Hope she makes another album like this! I really like this style of Beyonce!
  17. BrandonRager
    Sep 1, 2011
    9
    with this album, beyonce proved her vocal abilities.. she sacrificed making #1 records for making quality music with great lyrics, and in the end we get a product that seems more mature and raw.. the emotion you hear in beyonce's voice is stunning. there are plenty of tracks that deserve recognition including Start Over, I Miss You, 1+1, and I Was Here; but these are DEFINITELY not thewith this album, beyonce proved her vocal abilities.. she sacrificed making #1 records for making quality music with great lyrics, and in the end we get a product that seems more mature and raw.. the emotion you hear in beyonce's voice is stunning. there are plenty of tracks that deserve recognition including Start Over, I Miss You, 1+1, and I Was Here; but these are DEFINITELY not the only hits on the album. i think every single song on the album is amazing in it's own right, and the more you listen to them the more they grow on you.… Expand
  18. FlorianM
    Aug 29, 2011
    7
    Please excuse my English, I'm a French guy.
    I think this is the first Beyoncé's album I like. The old jam influenced songs give this album some personality. The first time I looked at the cover and the tracklist, I would think this album would be very 'conceptual'. And it is not-so cliché. I love the featuring from Andre 3000, which brings some freshness to    Please excuse my English, I'm a French guy.
    I think this is the first Beyoncé's album I like. The old jam influenced songs give this album some personality. The first time I looked at the cover and the tracklist, I would think this album would be very 'conceptual'. And it is not-so cliché. I love the featuring from Andre 3000, which brings some freshness to 'Party'. In terms of ballads, I love 'I Was Here', which is very surprising from Beyoncé.

    I also liked the fact that Beyoncé improved herself to choose some producers or writing some excerpts of the songs. Diplo made a good job on 'End of Time'.    … Expand
  19. andykuchen
    Aug 29, 2011
    7
    Beyonce is quite possibly one of the best musicians of the modern day world. She has the talent and the looks. With '4' Bey shows her true side, expressing every emotion she has. There is a lot to this album. It's more 'Irreplaceable' than 'Single Ladies'. Most of the songs are soulful and express Beyonce's true side.
  20. AD421
    Aug 23, 2011
    7
    "4" Was certainly an album no one expected Beyonce to deliver. Its very different than her normal radio friendly filled albums. She basically released every song on her last album. Shes changed and went for a more genuine and raw sound. Very R&B and Soul influenced. Her voice has never shined better than it does here. Unfortunately the album as a whole just doesn't grip me in the way past"4" Was certainly an album no one expected Beyonce to deliver. Its very different than her normal radio friendly filled albums. She basically released every song on her last album. Shes changed and went for a more genuine and raw sound. Very R&B and Soul influenced. Her voice has never shined better than it does here. Unfortunately the album as a whole just doesn't grip me in the way past efforts have but I can feel her emotions oozing from these songs. You wont find a more raw album this year than "4." It's a very retro CD and very risky.
    Standouts: I Care, Love On Top and Countdown    … Expand
  21. Mcritic19
    Aug 22, 2011
    10
    "4" by Beyonce is one of the best albums I've heard in the past 2 years. Beyonce took a step above everybody with 4. The album sounds nothing like other Beyonce albums, by this album you can tell Beyonce has matured. Imma start with my cons of the album though: in some songs I think Beyonce over sung a little for an example in "Start Over" I expected her to stay at a softer pace longer"4" by Beyonce is one of the best albums I've heard in the past 2 years. Beyonce took a step above everybody with 4. The album sounds nothing like other Beyonce albums, by this album you can tell Beyonce has matured. Imma start with my cons of the album though: in some songs I think Beyonce over sung a little for an example in "Start Over" I expected her to stay at a softer pace longer than she did. Another con on the album is some of its lyrics. In "I Care" she said "see these tears falling down to my ears" that makes no sense and I'm glad she said it only once. In "Rather die young" she sounds a bit stalkerish with lyrics saying "I rather die young then live my life with out you... I rather not live" thats really all of the cons, for the pro's: She matured and this album proves that. Songs like 1+1, I was here and I miss you shows Beyonce maturity in her voice. Her hook on I miss you is epic. My favorite song is "Love on top" it has a Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson sound to it and Beyonce simply slays every note on that song. Overall the album was good, more women will like this album then her male fans because many of the songs are her being in love except "countdown". For the album itself I would give it an 8 or 8.5 but after listening to the bonus tracks I have no choice but to give her a 10. "Dance for you" is probably the best slow song I've heard in a while maybe since "Disappear" on I am Sasha Fierce.… Expand
  22. cbeanfan
    Aug 19, 2011
    10
    Beyonce's best album to date. She shows she is in a league of her own. Her vocals have never been better. On songs like 'I Was Here,' 'I Care,' 'I Miss You,' she sings with so much conviction and passion. Favorites include Countdown, End of Time & Best Thing I Never Had. Good job Bey.
  23. iamanicon
    Aug 10, 2011
    1
    Beyonce got boring. Sure she can sing and dance - but the problem is what shes singing :/
  24. LucasBGK
    Aug 1, 2011
    10
    Beyoncé's best album! 4 is a masterpiece, it doesn't follow the trashy top charters songs nowadays, it's creative, pure, genuine and have such quality that you cannot stop playing it, and it's an album that you can't skip one single song. Everything sounds magical, very deep, we can clearly see that Beyoncé put all her love and soul into this record. She knowsBeyoncé's best album! 4 is a masterpiece, it doesn't follow the trashy top charters songs nowadays, it's creative, pure, genuine and have such quality that you cannot stop playing it, and it's an album that you can't skip one single song. Everything sounds magical, very deep, we can clearly see that Beyoncé put all her love and soul into this record. She knows perfectly what she does, she's the type of woman that you can't predict her next move, she will always surprise you and she can do no wrong, that's only one of the reasons why I respect her so much, she's a huge inspiration for me and so many others.
    It's a perfect album, I bet you won't even be able to choose your favorite track! All hail to the Queen!    … Expand
  25. Heartsoulx
    Aug 1, 2011
    4
    it sounds repetitive and uninspired .she just tried to copy janelle monae.Come one beyonce be creative not just use JZ to produce your album .The first single was terrible and a lot of fans said the same .Run the word girls? come one beyonce that was a terrible single
  26. Kimarley
    Jul 28, 2011
    7
    The album isn't the best I've heard from Beyonce. Yet, I cannot say I am bitterly disappointment. The ballads are just heart-nudging! It moves you, it lights a fire within your soul! Songs such as: Dreaming and Best Thing I Never Had are prefect for any season of the year. They resonate, they relate. But, we cannot also forget the dance-a-thons such as: End of Time or Countdown. They areThe album isn't the best I've heard from Beyonce. Yet, I cannot say I am bitterly disappointment. The ballads are just heart-nudging! It moves you, it lights a fire within your soul! Songs such as: Dreaming and Best Thing I Never Had are prefect for any season of the year. They resonate, they relate. But, we cannot also forget the dance-a-thons such as: End of Time or Countdown. They are simply electrifying. The beats are fast and rhythmic and they get your waist in that gyrating sensation! Just give me some more!

    Yet, with the highs, there are lows. Some other songs are simply average, or worst, bad. Still, a fine effort by Queen B---nothing to scoff at, at all!    … Expand
  27. TheGorilla
    Jul 19, 2011
    6
    The album is a disaster, a wreck, musically terrible. Well, that was before I've listened to the whole album. I understand what Beyonce is trying to do. She doesn't want to be as commercial as on her previous effort. She wants to be seen as a serious artist with serious songs as she left the Gaga-esque field and went with more live-Solange-like instruments and melodies. I've also noticedThe album is a disaster, a wreck, musically terrible. Well, that was before I've listened to the whole album. I understand what Beyonce is trying to do. She doesn't want to be as commercial as on her previous effort. She wants to be seen as a serious artist with serious songs as she left the Gaga-esque field and went with more live-Solange-like instruments and melodies. I've also noticed that she went back to the DC roots (Party, Love on Top). Which is good. The album flows really well. '4' is without a doubt the least commercial Beyonce album ever, and at the same time the most mature album in her career. I'm glad that she distanced herself from all the Pop garbage (Gaga, Britney, Kesha) and took a risk. She took a risk by going back to R'n'B, and artistically, it payed off.… Expand
  28. HFK
    Jul 13, 2011
    10
    You can hear that Beyoncé didn't made this album for the money. She experiments with different genres and you can hear those musical influences. This is without a doubt my favourite Beyoncé album. Beyoncé won six Grammy's with her previous album I Am... Sasha Fierce so i predict that she's gonna win twice as much as next year. Probably the best albumYou can hear that Beyoncé didn't made this album for the money. She experiments with different genres and you can hear those musical influences. This is without a doubt my favourite Beyoncé album. Beyoncé won six Grammy's with her previous album I Am... Sasha Fierce so i predict that she's gonna win twice as much as next year. Probably the best album of 2011. Lady GaGa, i bet it sucks to be you right now!… Expand
  29. vitucin
    Jul 11, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If Beyoncé wanted to make an album different from the last, she made it! She could mix a lots of rythms as she wanted to. Even though people didn't hope a spectacular performance on charts, the quality of the album guaranteed the success. The best in the CD is End of Time, Love On Top and Run The World (Girls)… Expand
  30. GleekManiac
    Jul 8, 2011
    10
    If you don't like this album, you should really question your taste in music. I love it because it has a different sound. Unlike most of her musical peers, she didn't go the techno-pop route which made me love this album even more. You can tell all of her songs came from the heart. The only thing that I have to say is that I don't think "Run The World (Girls)" fits into the album AT ALL.If you don't like this album, you should really question your taste in music. I love it because it has a different sound. Unlike most of her musical peers, she didn't go the techno-pop route which made me love this album even more. You can tell all of her songs came from the heart. The only thing that I have to say is that I don't think "Run The World (Girls)" fits into the album AT ALL. Other than that, the album is flawless.… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. Uncut
    Aug 18, 2011
    80
    The lyrics are occasionally hackneyed, but overall 4 is a very strong record indeed. [Sep 2011, p.79]
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 16, 2011
    60
    At Glastonbury she dazzled; here she plays it safe. [Sept. 2011, p. 105]
  3. DJ Booth
    Aug 2, 2011
    70
    While I suspect 4 was made in large part to sound more natural and real, it doesn't succeed entirely. The album is a refreshingly understated change from the constantly banging and bumping sound of modern R&B, but it doesn't really bring us closer to the Queen B.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »