MOG Editorial Review

As reigning queen of R&B for the better part of the last decade, the release of a new Beyonce album has become something of an event in music and 4 is no exception, though for different reasons. If conventional wisdom was to believed, Beyonce's4 would be a collection of radio-ready singles carefully crafted by the hot-producers-of-the-moment. While the latter part is true, the album is anything but formulaic and safe. In fact, with the exception of two or three tracks ,4 has the feel of adult contemporary fused with upbeat 90's R&B. The ultra catchy songs like "Single Ladies" and "Crazy In Love" have been replaced with tunes you'd find yourself listening to alone instead of at the club. Beyonce showcases her vocal chops more now than ever before, and shows hints of a pop star seeking artistic freedom over commercial success. Only time will tell if this is the beginning of a transformation into a more mature direction, but in the meantime let's enjoy 4 for what it is .... one of the best R&B albums of 2011.