Entertainers who create monumental works of art are often haunted by their own achievements. Michael Jackson never duplicated the success of his magnum opus Thriller, and Prince will be hard-pressed to surpass the unforgettable Purple Rain.
Beyoncé’s I Am…Sasha Fierce is arguably her greatest work to date. A game-changing album, it was unlike anything produced before its time. With her fourth album, aptly titled 4, Beyoncé takes on the challenge of exceeding her own greatness.
From the beginning, Beyoncé sets a mature tone with the heartfelt ballad “1 + 1,” the melancholy “I Care” and “I Miss You,” written by Odd Future affiliate Frank Ocean.
She picks up the pace a bit with the Kanye West-produced “Party.” André 3000 manages to outshine B on a track that’s reminiscent of the early ’90s R &B sound made popular by groups SWV and EnVogue. On “Countdown,” she sounds as if she’s rapping with melody as she sings “Diamonds in that chain, riding that pony, showing him how you ride, if you leave me, you’re out of your mind. London, speed it up. Houston, rock it.”
Beyoncé captures a more worldly sound on the Fela Kuti-inspired “The End of Time.” It stands out as the album’s most ambitious moment. Unfortunately, Beyoncé fails to be as daring throughout the entire album, which causes it to lack the overall direction of I Am and Dangerously In Love.
However, an average Beyoncé is still light-years ahead of her peers. With several certified hit singles, 4 will satisfy those who crave for everything associated with the most talented woman in show business. –amir shaw
