4. The new album from the powerhouse we know to be Beyoncé. Her latest effort pushes the limits of all the top genres and creates a way for new styles to emerge. I call this new sound Rockoncé.... 

What I appreciate about this album is that you hear her heart, soul and energy though each track. All twelve songs have a live feel to them. There truly is something on 4 for everyone's taste. Here are some of the highlights I found to be intriguing--

1+1 – The 1st song on the album provides an ear-full of emotion and passion. Some people may remember when she premiered the song on the American Idol stage not too long ago. Then, there was the video that went viral of Mrs.Carter rehearsing for the show and doing an amazing job with no effects, no auto-tuned assistance. Watch it HERE.

♪ ♫ I don't know much about fightin' but I know I would fight for you ♪ ♫

I Miss You -- Co-written by Beyoncé, Shea Taylor, and "Novacane"  singer Frank Ocean. A real track you can vibe to. One of those songs you can turn the lights off and just chill to.

Party – Co-written by Kanye, Beyoncé,  Slick Rick and more. Features Outkast's Andre 3000. This song is hot because it samples Doug E. Fresh “La Di Da Di” and gives that party feel. Beyoncé also helped with the production of the track with Kanye.

♪ ♫ You a bad girl and your friends bad too. You got the swag sauce, you drippin' swagu ♪ ♫

Love On Top – Co-written by Beyoncé, The Dream and Shea Taylor. I could tell from the first few seconds that this one was inspired by the King, Michael Jackson, and it is consistent in keeping that energy throughout. A real feel-good song.

I Was Here – The only song on album written by one person and it's not B. Diane Warren strikes again with another timeless record. “I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever written.” She's written hits like "Un-break My Heart" "Rhythm Of The Night" "For You I Will" and "Because You Loved Me"  It's also unique because it's co-produced by One Republic’s Ryan Tedder and Brent Kutzle.

♪ ♫ I wanna leave my footprints on the sand of time ♪ ♫

Run The World (Girls) – The 1st single off the album got many mixed reviews but it's one of those songs that just grows on you and even if it doesn't, you'll still find it stuck in your head. With over 51 MILLION views on her official Youtube page alone, this track runs things. Watch it HERE

♪ ♫ Strong enough to bear the children, then get back to bidness ♪ ♫

Honestly, I was holding my breath for this album. I had heard a lot of different opinions but I had to listen to the whole album front to back and straight through before I decided how I felt. I love it! Why? Because it's like no other. There are concepts on this album that no one has dared to dive into and new sounds that the world was waiting for.

What's an artist that never experiments? That's the name of the game. Beyoncé gets two thumbs up from me for stretching the boundaries previously set by herself and the industry. Kudos B!

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