Album 4 Beyonce

Following a grueling 108-date, 11-month-long global tour in February 2010, Beyoncé found herself "overwhelmed and overworked," both physically and creatively drained. On the cusp of turning 30, she decided to take a break for the first time since she was 13, using the time to travel, cook, and attend art fairs. This hiatus reignited her creativity and provided the mental space needed to conceive a new project that would stand apart from contemporary pop music.

The title was initially a suggestion from her fans, but Beyoncé embraced it because of its deep personal significance:

Singles from Beyoncé 1. " XO" Released: September 15, 2013. 2. " Drunk in Love" Released: November 5, 2013. 3. " Partition" Releas... Review: Beyoncé, 4 - Slant Magazine album 4 beyonce

Aggressive, chaotic feminist anthem sampling Major Lazer's "Pon de Floor".

Before the album's creation, Beyoncé made a series of drastic personal and professional moves. In 2010, she took a mandatory career hiatus to "live life and be inspired again," during which she officially retired her stage alter-ego, Sasha Fierce. More importantly, she severed professional ties with her father and longtime manager, Mathew Knowles. Managing herself for the first time, she stepped into the studio with complete creative autonomy. Following a grueling 108-date, 11-month-long global tour in

: It is often viewed by fans and critics as the moment Beyoncé began making cohesive "masterpieces," setting the stage for her later visual albums. www.bet.com

The significance of the number 4 extends far beyond a simple album title. According to Refinery29 and Hola , the number is a foundational lucky number in her life: The title was initially a suggestion from her

Upon release, 4 received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised Beyoncé’s vocal performance and the album's mature sound. While it did not produce the same number of smash radio hits as her previous album, 4 is regarded by many critics and fans as one of her most cohesive and artistic projects.