4 by Beyoncé

4 is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles, released through Columbia Records from June 24, 2011. The twelve-song set (eighteen on the deluxe edition) marks the first release by Knowles since separating professionally with father and manager, Mathew Knowles as of March 2011. Three weeks before... Read More

4 is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles, released through Columbia Records from June 24, 2011. The twelve-song set (eighteen on the deluxe edition) marks the first release by Knowles since separating professionally with father and manager, Mathew Knowles as of March 2011. Three weeks before its scheduled release, 4 leaked in full. 4 is predominately a R&B and pop music album. It follows Knowles' assertion that "she feels like she knows who she is and does not feel like she has to put herself in a box. No one can define her. She can just have fun, and has the artistic freedom to do whatever she wants." Common themes include lyrics about womanhood as well as monogamy and music critics noted a predominant late 1970s and early 1980s R&B and soul music influences throughout 4. See Less