"In 2011, Lady Gaga had 'Born This Way,' Adele had '21,' and Beyoncé dropped '4.' Everyone called it a 'flop' because it didn't have massive radio hits. But here is the truth: '4' is the album where Beyoncé stopped playing the game. She fired her father as manager, left the safe pop sound, and started sampling Fela Kuti, Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Jackson 5. Without '4,' you don't get 'Beyoncé' (the 2013 album). Without '4,' you don't get 'Lemonade.' It was the pivot. The growl. The freedom."
The music videos for "4" are an integral part of the album's narrative, offering a glimpse into Beyoncé's creative vision and artistic direction. The lead single, "Run the World (Girls)", features a stunning display of choreography, fashion, and symbolism, setting the tone for a bold, futuristic aesthetic. Other notable videos include "Love on Top", which pays homage to 1990s R&B, and "Best Thing I Never", a moody, atmospheric exploration of heartbreak. album 4 beyonce
: A mid-tempo ballad that became one of the album's most successful hits. "Love on Top" "In 2011, Lady Gaga had 'Born This Way,'
Quick cuts of the Run The World video, the orange leotard from Love on Top , and the black & white 1+1 performance. Without '4,' you don't get 'Beyoncé' (the 2013 album)
While her label was reportedly overwhelmed by her productivity—she recorded over 60 songs for the project—the final 12 tracks (and the Deluxe Edition gems) revealed an artist finally claiming full creative control. The Standout Tracks 4 (Album Review) – Beyonce | A Separate State of Mind
Released on June 28, 2011, "4" features a more experimental and introspective sound compared to her previous albums. Here's a notable feature from the album: