Music Monday: Beyonce’
The first time I heard Beyoncé’s 4, I didn’t like it. It was different than what we normally get from her. That’s not to say that I thought it was bad; I just wasn’t quite ready to embrace this new, mature Beyoncé. Because I have a 3-go’round rule when listening to new music, I kept playing 4 in the hopes that something would eventually stick. By the time I was finished with my third listen, I was impressed.
It’s hard for an artist to go outside of what is expected of them and do something different. Yes, there are still songs on 4 that make you dance, and even some that could be adapted as personal anthems, but they all have a different feel to them. This is not the teenaged Beyoncé who is trying to establish herself. No, this is the married, about to be a mother, grown-ass Beyoncé. I like her.
This is also the Beyoncé that is still digging deep and finding herself. In my opinion, Beyoncé is probably the closest thing to the ultimate entertainer that we have seen since Michael Jackson (R.I.P.). I in no way believe that this is Beyoncé’s Thriller album…she’s branching out, but still holding on to the things that made her popular in the first place.
I thought it appropriate since it seems like everyone is on Baby Jayoncé watch that I give her CD another listen. 4 turned into one of my favorite CDs of 2011, and it leaves me wondering what she is going to do next. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow, both as a woman and artist.
My favorite cuts:
- Love On Top
- 1+1
- Party
- Best Thing I Never Had
Cuts I like, but they had to grow on me:
- Countdown
- I Was Here
- Rather Die Young
You dripping swagoo,
~ M
Tags: 4, Beyonce, Music Monday
