It's a great album, but Run The World was TOTALLY misleading...
4 is a step in the right direction if she wants that classic album. Off-center, a little bit quirky, a little bit retro, a little modern. I just wish she experimented even more with the unconventional melodic patterns, like Run the World and Countdown. I've been aching for her to give me an indie-type album for so long, and this was like a nudge in that hipster, too cool for school direction. I mean songs like I Miss You, I Care, Rather Die Young, Love On Top... Hell most of the album is flawless. I loved it on first listen and it keeps growing every single day. I have a genuine emotional connection to each song, save for I Was Here, but I get the intent with the song. Run The World is truly an underrated genius of a song. The song is so bold and daring. I love that she had the balls to record and release this song. It's so... I could go on and on and on about it. I'm getting an appreciation for songs that aren't conventional, that aren't the norm. RTW is arguably one of my favorite Bey uptempo songs. She's so in your face with it and so gutsy and forceful and I think that turned a lot of people off. But oh well. I'll still blast it for years to come.