Beyonce "4"

"1+1"= a perfect way to start the 4th record from the most prominent Destiny's Child. With it's mellow guitar strumming in the back and Beyonce's soulful vocals, and then a nice solo that comes in after 3 minutes.  The percussion in the next one is great in this song, but is second to the soul-drenched vocals and harmonies. It seems a little too busy after I heard an acoustic stripped cover, but the song is a great song to let people know that "I Care," so if you do, play them this song, please. A song that may be a little be repetitive in the lyrics, but the feeling that just resounds from this song and the sentiment makes you realize that if you were in the same sitch you would not be so critical; because the feeling of longing for someone gone or gone away is not always easy to bear. The "Best Thing I Never Had" may be this "Party for 2," but I'm not interested in that kind of stuff. The former is one of the best tracks on this record, and definitely should be a single with its soaring harmonies and melodies, lovely piano, soaring strings and vocals, and great percussion. We cannot forget to mention the really catchy bookend refrain; despite the song's lyrics, it's still very upbeat. The latter is a slower jam made for....the lyrics aren't that explicit, but you know what's up. I must say that the verse in the beginning sounds like Yeezy joined the party, but it's not credited, and it certainly doesn't sound like Mr. Andre 3000 who drops a great verse; varying in delivery speed, which is a good contrast. I didn't mention there are some light funk tendencies, which are muted behind the beat and keys. I think many young adults have said that they would "Rather Die Young" then to grow old, or even live without that special someone who is their whole world. Billy Joel even sang that only the good die young right? But that's not true! There are plenty great people that have lived long lives, but it's just a song ( a great one though). It's another slow-soul-fest, but not that slow, and it is not boring. The lyrics are about something every young lover can relate to. Can we just "Start Over," and make this relationship more interesting? Rekindle the flame? There is a stagnancy, I feel as if no one is listening. This song is about a relationship that has reached its end, but just needs to be resuscitated. There is a subtle bass in there backed by some upbeat piano, and her distinctive vocals.Just what we needed some horns for those that "Love On Top," and like a song with an upbeat  throwback arrangement, several harmonies at once, and good percussion. The "Countdown" to my favorite song is over, and there is a reason why this is a single; the steel drums, the key and horn inclusions sharing the lead, stellar percussion, and of course we cannot forget Beyonce's vocals, or the interesting chorus, makes for another example of pop perfection. The next one I might love until the "End of Time" which has a prominent drum corps beat with that brass and pizazz and the funky bass at just the right time; I don't know if you could hear this song without the rhythm trying to getcha! "I Was Here" can be classified as Beyonce's Sinatra moment, and that is a compliment. "Girls (Run The World)" has its military beat, slight Beastie re-interpolation, post-apocalyptic vision, and her feisty and frustrated delivery working for it. Ok! Don't whip me...you do. Who can argue with their influence on what occurs in this world?  I mean that in the best way possible, so lay off! The first bonus track   "Schoolin' Life" is a pure 80's flashback, and schools others in how to make an homage without being derivative; the lyrics are perfect as well. "Dance For You" is a slow jam dedicated to Jay, that may seem long winded, but how can you fit how you feel about a certain someone in only 4 minutes? So this album? 4 stars.