4 is the fourth solo studio album by R&B superstar Beyoncé, released June 24, 2011, on Columbia Records. The album marks the first release by Knowles since separating, professionally, with father and manager, Mathew Knowles. The album was recorded over a year between the spring of 2010 and the spring of 2011, while Beyoncé took time away from the spotlight. She engaged in what she describes as simple things, which includes listening to every kind of music she truly enjoys. The title signifies not only the artist’s fourth solo providing and the day of her birth but it is also a personal gift to her fans who took to their social media pages urging her to name the album for her special number.
The title signifies not only the artist’s fourth solo offering and the day time of her birth but it is also a personal gift to her fans. For over one year now her fans around the world took to their social media pages urging her to name the album for her special number.
Beyoncé - 4 Track Listing
1. “1+1” - 4:33
2. “I Care” - 3:59
3. “I Miss You” - 2:59
4. “Best Thing I Never Had” - 4:13
5. “Party” (featuring André 3000) - 4:05
6. “Rather Die Young” - 3:42
7. “Start Over” - 3:19
8. “Love on Top” - 4:27
9. “Countdown” - 3:33
10. “End of Time” - 3:43
11. “I Was Here” - 3:59
12. “Run the World (Girls)” - 3:56
Deluxe edition bonus disc
1. “Lay Up Under Me” - 4:13
2. “Schoolin’ Life” - 4:53
3. “Dance for You” - 6:17
4. “Run the World (Girls)” (Kaskade Club Remix) - 5:02
5. “Run the World (Girls)” (Red Top Club Remix) - 6:02
6. “Run the World (Girls)” (Jochen Simms Club Remix) - 6:19
Preceding the album’s release, lead single “Run the World (Girls)” was released for digital download worldwide on April 21, 2011. The single was rushed for release after an early demo leaked on April 18, 2011. The video for the album’s lead single, made its premiere on American Idol and was filmed in Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert over three days in April, the Francis Lawrence-directed video boasts a cast of over 200 dancers, a menagerie of exotic animals and Beyoncé as the leader of a stunning army of women. “Best Thing I Never Had” was released as the album’s second single. The song premiered on US radio on June 1, 2011, and was released for digital download the same day.
Inspired by a diverse range of influences, from Fela Kuti to Debarge to Adele, this fourth full length solo release is her most diverse yet. The 60+ songs recorded for the album have been whittled down to the 12 that make up 4. This collection of very personal tracks reveals an artist who is unafraid to take chances.
Album Information
Released June 24, 2011
Recorded 2009-11
Genre R&B, pop
Length 46:33
Label Columbia
Producer Antonio Dixon, Babyface, Brent Kutzle, Beyoncé Knowles (exec.), Caleb, Jeff Bhasker, Julian Napolitano, Jens Bergmark, Kuk Harrell, Kanye West, Kaskade, Luke Steele, Los Da Mystro, Ryan Tedder, Shea Taylor, Switch, Symbolyc One, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart
