4 (Beyoncé album)#Promotion

Following the release of her third album I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008) and a world tour, Beyoncé took a career hiatus in 2010 "to live life [and] to be inspired by things again".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666719/beyonce-year-of-4.jhtml|title=Beyonce Shrugs Off 'Fear' In 'Year Of 4'|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|publisher=MTV News|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=August 1, 2011|archive-date=September 12, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140912073419/http://www.mtv.com/news/1666719/beyonce-year-of-4/|url-status=dead}} During her hiatus, she "killed" Sasha Fierce, the alter-ego used in her previous studio album, as she felt she could now merge her two personalities.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632774/beyonce-killed-sasha-fierce.jhtml|title=Beyonce Says She 'Killed' Sasha Fierce|first=Hillary|last=Crosley|publisher=MTV News|date=February 26, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624083753/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632774/beyonce-killed-sasha-fierce.jhtml|archive-date=June 24, 2011 |url-status=dead}} She severed professional ties with father and manager Mathew Knowles, who had guided her career since the 1990s with Destiny's Child,{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick D.|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/03/beyonce-severes-ties-management-ties-with-father.html|title=Beyonce severs management ties with father|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 28, 2011|access-date=August 1, 2011|archive-date=September 12, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140912073339/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/03/beyonce-severes-ties-management-ties-with-father.html|url-status=live}} noting that the decision made her feel vulnerable.{{cite AV media|people=Knowles, Beyoncé (Director)|date=July 1, 2011|title=Year of 4|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vXXiku0580| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/3vXXiku0580| archive-date=November 14, 2021 | url-status=live|medium=Documentary film|location=U.S.|publisher=Parkwood Entertainment}}{{cbignore}}

{{Blockquote|text=It was a time where everyone was doing pop/dance music, and R&B and soul were getting lost. It was popular and fun, but it wasn’t my thing. It was not where I was going with my music career at that time. I was yearning for something deeper with more musicality. That’s when I put out "1+1" and "Love On Top."|title=|source=|author=Beyoncé reflecting on 4 to GQ in September 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/beyonce-knowles-carter-october-2024-cover-interview|title=The Business of Being Beyoncé Knowles-Carter|website=GQ|date=2024-09-10|access-date=2024-10-16|first=Frazier|last=Tharpe|archive-date=October 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122542/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/beyonce-knowles-carter-october-2024-cover-interview|url-status=live}}}}

In an interview for Complex, Beyoncé expressed dissatisfaction with contemporary radio.{{cite news|last=Alvarez|first=Gabriel|title=Beyoncé: Mighty Fly|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2011/07/beyonce-2011-cover-story-gallery|access-date=September 4, 2013|newspaper=Complex|date=July 19, 2011|page=1|archive-date=September 13, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140913172954/http://www.complex.com/music/2011/07/beyonce-2011-cover-story-gallery|url-status=live}} She intended 4 to help change that status, commenting, "Figuring out a way to get R&B back on the radio is challenging ... With 4, I tried to mix R&B from the '70s and the '90s with rock 'n' roll and a lot of horns to create something new and exciting. I wanted musical changes, bridges, vibrata, live instrumentation and classic songwriting." On her website she wrote, "The album is definitely an evolution. It's bolder than the music on my previous albums because I'm bolder. The more mature I become and the more life experiences I have, the more I have to talk about. I really focused on songs being classics, songs that would last, songs that I could sing when I'm 40 and when I'm 60."{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/20/andre-3000-calls-beyonce-one-of-the-best-performers/|title=André 3000 Calls Beyoncé One of the Best Performers|work=Rap-Up|date=June 20, 2011|access-date=August 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719034804/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/20/andre-3000-calls-beyonce-one-of-the-best-performers/|archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=live}} Beyoncé also sought to make more artistic music, rather than purely commercially oriented songs.{{cite web|last=Oldenberg|first=Ann|title=Beyonce: 'Not just radio songs' on new album|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/07/beyonce-not-just-radio-songs-on-new-album/1?csp=34#.Uih259KBmoY|work=USA Today|access-date=September 5, 2013|date=July 1, 2011|archive-date=September 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913105758/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/07/beyonce-not-just-radio-songs-on-new-album/1?csp=34#.Uih259KBmoY|url-status=live}}

{{Listen

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Although much of 4{{'}}s inspiration came from "touring, travelling, watching rock bands and attending festivals",{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471591/billboard-bits-beyonce-previews-4-at-listening-party-kenny-chesney-playing|title=Billboard Bits: Beyonce Previews '4' at Listening Party, Kenny Chesney Playing Alabama Show For Charity|magazine=Billboard|date=May 12, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713010838/http://www.billboard.com/|archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=live}} the album's early musical direction was influenced by Nigerian Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, whose passion for music motivated Beyoncé. She worked with the band from Fela!, the Broadway musical based on Kuti's life. DJ Swivel, one of 4{{'}}s engineers, later described how Kuti's use of percussion and horns influenced the track "End of Time". In 2015, The-Dream revealed that he and Beyoncé had composed a whole album based on Kuti's music, although this was scrapped in favor of creating 4, therefore explaining how "End of Time" became so heavily influenced.{{cite web|last1=Nash|first1=Terius "The-Dream"|title=Notes on Beyoncé – End of Time|url=https://genius.com/5055000/Beyonce-end-of-time/Produced-by-beyonce-switch-and-the-dream|publisher=Genius|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 17, 2015|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116054257/https://api.intentiq.com/profiles_engine/ProfilesEngineServlet?at=39&mi=10&dpi=793790479&pt=17&dpn=1&jsver=5.09&iiqidtype=2&iiqpcid=614c7fdd-cebd-434e-bf77-075ddc9ba979&iiqpciddate=1673847777725&iiqcallcount=0&iiqfailcount=0&iiqnodata=false&iiqlocalstorageenabled=true&tsrnd=19_1673847777727&fbp=3488737466&cttl=43200000&rrtt=0&dud=0&abtg=A&iiqppcc=0&ref=genius.com|url-status=live}}

She also found additional influences in Earth, Wind & Fire, The Stylistics, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652928/beyonce-inspired-by-michael-jackson-lauryn-hill-new-album.jhtml|title=Beyonce Inspired By Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill For New Album|publisher=MTV News|date=November 23, 2010|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714130118/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652928/beyonce-inspired-by-michael-jackson-lauryn-hill-new-album.jhtml|archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead}} She used hip hop for a "broader sound" and looked to bring soul singing back, stating, "I used a lot of the brassiness and grittiness in my voice that people hear in my live performances, but not necessarily on my records."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471650/beyonce-qa-the-billboard-music-awards-millennium-artist-discusses-her-career|title=Beyoncé: The Billboard Music Awards Q&A|pages=1–3|first=Ray|last=Rogers|date=May 11, 2011|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408212640/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471650/beyonce-qa-the-billboard-music-awards-millennium-artist-discusses-her-career|url-status=live}}

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|quote = I said I'm going to take a risk and I'm going to bring R&B music back and I'm going to add bridges to songs and chord changes. I'm going to sing about love and do the opposite of what I thought I was going to do. I'm not going to try to be cool, forget being cool, I'm going to be honest, I'm going to be sad, I'm going to be passionate, I'm going to be vulnerable, I'm going to sing from my heart.

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|source = Beyoncé, Life Is But a Dream, 2013{{cite AV media|people=Knowles, Beyoncé (Director) Burke, Ed (Director)|date=February 16, 2013|title=Life Is But a Dream|medium=Documentary film|location=U.S.|publisher=Parkwood Entertainment/HBO}}

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Three months into her hiatus in March 2010, Beyoncé began recording at her husband Jay-Z's Roc the Mic Studios in New York City. One song—"Party"—was recorded because she wanted to see what working relationship would develop with engineer DJ Swivel. Kanye West assisted the production of "Party" after Beyoncé was impressed by his work on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). André 3000, the only featured artist on 4, contributed a rap verse to the song, which he recorded in Georgia.

Six weeks later, in May 2010, she asked Swivel to work on the entire project. Concerning his working relationship with Beyoncé, he commented, "There was no 'We're doing this today.' It was a very kind of open project, where whatever she felt like recording at that time was what we'd work on. It was based on how she felt, her mood, and also her listening to the demos that writers would give us." With Swivel, she experimented with horns, drums, guitars and percussion instruments.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct11/articles/dj-swivel.htm|title=DJ Swivel: Recording Beyoncé's 4|work=Sound on Sound|access-date=September 25, 2011|archive-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015165439/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct11/articles/dj-swivel.htm|url-status=live}} Mostly inspired by the Fela! sessions, Swivel began to formulate beats using their own recordings and those from Fela! The project was moved to KMA Studios for a week and a half because Roc the Mic was not large enough. There they began recording "I Care", "Best Thing I Never Had" and "Rather Die Young", and completed "Party". They recorded the songs "Schoolin' Life", "1+1" and "Start Over" at Jungle City Studios in New York.

MSR Studios was the final New York City-based studio used, and where most of 4 was recorded—only "Party" and "I Was Here" were recorded entirely at other studios. At MSR, Beyoncé emphasized the use of live instruments on songs such as "I Care" and "End of Time". Consequently, most of the instruments, including drums, keyboards, guitar and bass work, were recorded there and performed by Jeff Bhasker and Shea Taylor. Beyoncé asked Frank Ocean to write and record "I Miss You" at MSR, saying to Complex, "[Jay-Z] had a CD playing in the car one Sunday when we were driving to Brooklyn. I noticed his tone, his arrangements, and his storytelling. I immediately reached out to him—literally the next morning. I asked him to fly to New York and work on my record."

After listening to each song, Beyoncé would often request the addition of specific instruments, leaving her production team to make the sounds cohesive. Her vocals were recorded through an Avalon Design 737 preamp and compressed in a 1176 Peak Limiter with a 4:1 ratio.{{cite web|url=http://www.sonicscoop.com/2011/06/26/engineer-profile-dj-swivel-on-the-making-of-beyonces-4/|title=Engineer Profile: DJ Swivel on the Making of Beyoncé's '4'|first=David|last=Weiss|publisher=SonicScoop|date=June 26, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722005038/http://www.sonicscoop.com/2011/06/26/engineer-profile-dj-swivel-on-the-making-of-beyonces-4/|archive-date=July 22, 2011 |url-status=live}} After recording the lead vocals for a track, Swivel cut them in different ways and he and Beyoncé picked the best, then recording the backing vocals. Beyoncé composed her own vocal arrangements and harmonies for each song. Her microphones were carefully placed to achieve a blend of sounds with a clear quality. Swivel spoke of her work ethic in an interview for Sound on Sound:

File:RealWorldSide.jpg's Real World Studios in Wiltshire, England.|alt=A large glass conservatory is shown attached to a house in a field.]]

{{blockquote|She's so fast and good at what she does that you can't afford to waste time on anything, so if we're ready to record drums, for example, we're going to work with whatever we have available right there and then. That's why we worked in such great studios, because we know they have great gear, and we don't need to worry about renting gear. Part of my job as an engineer is to make sure the sessions are not only moving along, but moving along at her pace.}}

After the move to MSR, Beyoncé and her production team began travelling. In the United Kingdom, they worked at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in Wiltshire—particularly using Gabriel's multi-instrument room—to create "Love On Top". Soon after, Beyoncé joined Jay-Z in a Sydney mansion, as he was working on his collaboration album Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West. There they created a "primitive studio" using a microphone, a rig out and Pro Tools software to record. Sessions were also held in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Honolulu.

In February 2011, MTV reported the project was nearing completion.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658108/beyonce-new-album.jhtml|title=Is Beyonce Almost Finished With Her New Album?|publisher=MTV News|date=February 16, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629165741/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658108/beyonce-new-album.jhtml|archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=dead}} 4 was mixed mostly at MixStar Studios in Virginia and mastered at Sterling Sound in New York City. The audio mastering was delayed by a week following the unexpected recording of "I Was Here". Diane Warren had played the song to Jay-Z during a telephone conversation, leading him to put Warren and Beyoncé in contact.{{cite web|last=Warner|first=Kara|title=Songwriting Legend and Double Grammy Nominee Diane Warren Dishes on Bieber, Cher and Beyonce|url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/01/10/songwriting-legend-and-double-grammy-nominee-diane-warren-dishes-on-bieber-cher-and-beyonce/|access-date=September 15, 2013|publisher=MTV|date=October 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005015323/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/01/10/songwriting-legend-and-double-grammy-nominee-diane-warren-dishes-on-bieber-cher-and-beyonce/|archive-date=October 5, 2013}} In May 2011, Beyoncé submitted seventy-two songs in preparation for the album's release.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/56660|title=Beyonce has 72 tracks in contention for new album '4' – audio|work=NME|date=May 14, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=May 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517070040/http://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/56660|url-status=live}} According to Swivel, an eclectic range of songs were recorded, including ballads, "weird ethereal things" and 1990s R&B and Afrobeat-inspired songs.

File:Beyonce 1+1 live (2).jpg"– on The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour|alt=A woman kneeling upon a piano whilst singing]]

The final cut of 4 comprises twelve tracks on the standard edition and eighteen on the deluxe edition—three of which are remixes of "Run the World (Girls)". Critics viewed 4 as a major departure from Beyoncé's previous catalogue, with a distinctive mellower sound.{{cite news|last=Schweitzer|first=Ricky|title=Album Review: Beyoncé – 4|url=http://onethirtybpm.com/reviews/album-review-beyonce-4/|access-date=September 4, 2013|newspaper=One Thirty BPM|date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809174442/http://onethirtybpm.com/reviews/album-review-beyonce-4/|archive-date=August 9, 2011|url-status=dead}} The album consists mostly of mid-tempo R&B songs, with 1970s funk, 1980s pop and 1990s soul influences. The second half was more eclectic, exploring a variety of genres including hard rock, reggae and adult contemporary. The Guardian complimented the album's divergence from the "layering [of] Euro-synths on pop-step woomphs" that characterize the music of Beyoncé's contemporaries.

The balladry of the first half of 4 combines diverse vocal styles with the use of live instrumentation. "1+1" demonstrates Beyoncé's vocal-flexing over "magnificent guitar bombast"{{cite web|last=Horton|first=Matthew|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/zw4z|title=BBC – Music – Review of Beyoncé – 4|publisher=BBC Online|date=June 22, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623213433/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/zw4z|archive-date=June 23, 2011 |url-status=live}} and a soft backing beat, while "Start Over", a mid tempo R&B ballad, uses a futuristic beat with electric elements and synthesizers.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/beyonce/278348-beyonce-4-album-review-andre-3000-kanye-west|title=Beyoncé '4' Track By Track Review|publisher=MTV|first=Joanne|last=Dorken|date=June 21, 2011|access-date=November 16, 2011|archive-date=August 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829182833/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/beyonce/278348-beyonce-4-album-review-andre-3000-kanye-west|url-status=dead}} "I Miss You", with its "layers of atmospheric keyboards",{{cite magazine|last=Perpetua|first=Matthew|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beyonces-4-a-track-by-track-breakdown-20110608|title=Beyonce's '4': A Track-by-Track Breakdown | Rolling Stone Music|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 8, 2011|access-date=October 15, 2013|archive-date=July 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703011500/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beyonces-4-a-track-by-track-breakdown-20110608|url-status=dead}} ambient synthesizers{{cite web|last=Juzwiak|first=Rich|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2011-06-29/music/beyonce-s-odes-to-joy/|title=Beyonce's Odes to Joy|work=The Village Voice|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=October 15, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205133214/http://www.villagevoice.com/2011-06-29/music/beyonce-s-odes-to-joy/|archive-date=February 5, 2013}} and tinny 808 drums{{cite web|url=http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/beyonce-4|title=Beyonce – 4 Music Review|publisher=Tiny Mix Tapes|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=October 15, 2013|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805234711/http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/Beyonce-4|url-status=live}} was sung in a half-whisper{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/beyonc-4|title=Beyoncé – 4|publisher=musicOMH|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=November 8, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109042348/http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/beyonc-4|url-status=live}} to exhibit intense emotion. "I Was Here", an understated pop-R&B ballad with indie rock inflections,{{cite news|last=Reed|first=James|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2011/06/26/cd_review_beyonc_shows_a_softer_side_on_4/|title=CD review: Beyoncé shows a softer side on '4'|work=The Boston Globe|date=June 26, 2011|access-date=October 17, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103195943/http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2011/06/26/cd_review_beyonc_shows_a_softer_side_on_4/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Donken|first=Joanne|title=Beyoncé '4' Track by Track Review|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/beyonce/278348-beyonce-4-album-review-andre-3000-kanye-west|access-date=September 4, 2013|publisher=MTV News|date=June 21, 2011|archive-date=August 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829182833/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/beyonce/278348-beyonce-4-album-review-andre-3000-kanye-west|url-status=dead}} primarily concerns self-reflection with dramatic vocals.{{cite web|last=Cheesman|first=Danielle|title=Why Buying the Deluxe Edition of Beyonce's "4" Album Is Worth It|url=http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/groove-blogpost.aspx?post=299eaa23-2bb6-4be6-89cb-667c122e8e74|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053803/http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/groove-blogpost.aspx?post=299eaa23-2bb6-4be6-89cb-667c122e8e74|archive-date=September 21, 2013|publisher=MSN|access-date=September 4, 2013|date=June 27, 2011}}

On other songs, Beyoncé explores womanhood. "Best Thing I Never Had", 4{{'}}s fourth track, was described as a moment of self-realization and a "female call to arms". With vocals that allude to a "wounded bird turned resilient lioness", the song is built on a "winkly piano riff and beefy bass drums".{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a328902/beyonce-best-thing-i-never-had.html|title=Beyoncé: 'Best Thing I Never Had'|first=Nadine|last=Cheung|website=Digital Spy|date=July 3, 2011|access-date=August 1, 2011|archive-date=August 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813122352/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a328902/beyonce-best-thing-i-never-had.html|url-status=live}} "Dance for You" conveys a more sexual tone through breathy vocals and blaring electric guitars. It forgoes her typical empowerment themes in favor of sensual imagery and comfort with one's partner. "Run the World (Girls)", a female empowerment anthem reminiscent of Beyoncé's more contemporary work on I Am... Sasha Fierce, uses an energetic sample of Major Lazer's "Pon de Floor". The song incorporates "layered melodics", most prominently a military marching drumbeat, while Beyoncé's near-chanted delivery encompasses her full vocal range.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1067784/beyonce-run-the-world-girls|title=Beyonce, Run the World (Girls)|magazine=Billboard|first=Jem|last=Aswad|date=May 6, 2011|access-date=September 12, 2011|archive-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619065435/http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1067784/beyonce-run-the-world-girls|url-status=live}}

{{Listen|pos=right|filename=09-beyonce-countdown.ogg|title="Countdown"|description=Beyoncé viewed "Countdown" as one of her most experimental songs.{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=Closer to Her Fans and Further Away From Her Past|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/arts/music/beyonce-showcases-4-at-roseland-ballroom-review.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 6, 2013|date=August 15, 2011|archive-date=February 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225023148/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/arts/music/beyonce-showcases-4-at-roseland-ballroom-review.html?_r=0|url-status=live}} Using a variety of genres, including dancehall, it features a brass arrangement. Beyoncé sings the chorus—a countdown from the number ten—with a sample of Boyz II Men's "Uhh Ahh".|format=Ogg}}

The tracks "Countdown" and "End of Time" were distinguished by their musical and lyrical experimentalism. "Countdown" was described as "everywhere on the genre map",{{cite web|last=Coplan|first=Chris|url=https://consequence.net/2011/06/album-review-beyonce-4/|title=Album Review: Beyoncé – 4|publisher=Consequence of Sound|date=June 24, 2011|access-date=August 17, 2011|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205023/https://consequence.net/2011/06/album-review-beyonce-4/|url-status=live}} although predominantly dancehall-led with a "bristling brass arrangement". Its chorus describes a relationship by counting backwards from ten, using a sample from Boyz II Men's "Uhh Ahh". "End of Time"{{'}}s pulsating, brass sound—reminiscent of a marching-band—was heavily influenced by Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti. Kuti's use of horns and percussion instruments was recreated and combined with elements of electronic music and synthesizers. "Lay Up Under Me" is also built on retro horns, featuring upbeat vocals, a sound Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork associated with Michael Jackson's 1979 album Off the Wall.

Other tracks were noted for their retro stylization. "Rather Die Young" is a throwback to 1960s doo-wop and Philadelphia soul,{{cite news|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/23/beyonce-4-album-review|title=Beyoncé: 4 – review|department=Music|work=The Guardian|date=June 23, 2011|access-date=June 24, 2011|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328121522/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/23/beyonce-4-album-review|url-status=live}} with a slow tempo and modern drums. "Party" achieves a vintage aesthetic through minimalistic production, replete with heavy synthesizers and a 1980s smooth-funk groove. The song is unique for its conversation-like structure, in which Beyoncé and guest-vocalist André 3000 sing verses that allude to socialization at parties. Elements of Prince's style was found on "Schoolin' Life" and "1+1". "Schoolin' Life" is an uptempo funk song, with lyrics that advise the listener to live life to the fullest while cautioning them about the consequences of excess. The chorus of "1+1" was compared to "Purple Rain", with themes of sadness and resentment, the song uses soft background vocals and dense percussion. "Love On Top" was noted for its energetic key changes with a joyful tone, evoking the work of Michael and Janet Jackson. Its retro sound is marked by a melding of horns as well as sweet backing harmonies that are most prominent on its bridge and chorus.{{cite web|first=Georgette|last=Cline|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/06/20/beyonce-love-on-top/|title=Beyonce Releases 'Love on Top' from Upcoming Album '4' – Exclusive Listen + Photo|publisher=AOL Music|date=June 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321212508/http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/06/20/beyonce-love-on-top/|archive-date= March 21, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2011}}{{cite web|last=Grischow|first=Chad|title=Beyonce: 4 Review|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/06/28/beyonce-4-review|website=IGN|date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2014|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116054744/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/28/beyonce-4-review|url-status=live}}

In an interview for Billboard, Beyoncé stated that despite having another concept for the album, she was ultimately influenced by her fans to name the album 4. She described the number four as being "special" to her, as her and Jay-Z's birthdays, several other family and friends' birthdays, and her wedding anniversary fall on the fourth day of the month.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471629/exclusive-beyonces-new-album-title-revealed|title=Exclusive: Beyonce's New Album Title Revealed|first1=Monica|last1=Herrera|first2=Ray|last2=Rogers|magazine=Billboard|date=May 11, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412233238/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471629/exclusive-beyonces-new-album-title-revealed|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Chisholm|first=N. Jamiyla|title=Beyoncé Explains the Significance of 4|url=https://www.bet.com/article/nnbfgx/beyonce-explains-the-significance-of-4|access-date=August 29, 2013|publisher=Black Entertainment Television|date=July 3, 2011|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116055305/https://www.bet.com/article/nnbfgx/beyonce-explains-the-significance-of-4|url-status=live}} The cover of the standard edition was revealed on Beyoncé's website on May 18, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/18/album-cover-beyonce-4/|title=Album Cover: Beyoncé – '4'|work=Rap-Up|date=May 18, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=July 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728042531/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/18/album-cover-beyonce-4|url-status=live}} Shot on the rooftop of the Hôtel Meurice in Paris,{{cite news|title=Behind the Scenes: Beyonce's '4' Photoshoot in Paris|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/behind-scenes-beyonces-4-photoshoot-paris|access-date=August 29, 2013|newspaper=Vibe|date=July 22, 2013|archive-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930031837/http://www.vibe.com/article/behind-scenes-beyonces-4-photoshoot-paris|url-status=dead}} Beyoncé is looking into the distance with her arms raised over her head, wearing smokey eye makeup, thick gold cuffs and a fox-fur stole by cult French designer Alexandre Vauthier, embellished with Swarovski crystals by the Lesage embroidery house.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/fashion/19iht-fbeyonce19.html?_r=1|title=For Her New Look, Beyoncé Goes Under the Radar|first=Jessica|last=Michault|work=The New York Times|date=July 18, 2011|access-date=August 1, 2011|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918064938/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/fashion/19iht-fbeyonce19.html?_r=1|url-status=live}} The cover of the deluxe edition was shown on June 16, where Beyoncé is dressed in a tight-fitting blue-purple dress by French designer Maxime Simoens, holding her hands in her hair.{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20503476,00.html|title=First Look at Deluxe Edition of Beyoncé's Album, 4|work=People|first=Dahvi|last=Shira|date=June 16, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=June 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620142930/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20503476,00.html|url-status=dead}} For its artwork, she opted for clothing made by lesser-known designers. The promotional and interior-package images for 4 were shot at the same time.

On May 18, 2011, 4{{'}}s release date in the United States was confirmed on to be June 28.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/18/video-beyonce-run-the-world-girls/|title=Video: Beyoncé – 'Run the World (Girls)'|work=Rap-Up|date=May 18, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=May 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520230055/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/18/video-beyonce-run-the-world-girls/|url-status=live}} On June 7, the album was leaked onto the Internet in full; Beyoncé's legal representatives issued warnings to infringing websites and leaked tracks were soon removed from such sites.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/06/beyonc%C3%A9s-4-pops-up-online-three-weeks-before-release.html|title=Beyoncé's '4' leaks online, three weeks before release|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=June 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610131633/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/06/beyonc%C3%A9s-4-pops-up-online-three-weeks-before-release.html|url-status=live}} On June 9, Beyoncé responded to the leak through Facebook, commenting, "My music was leaked and while this is not how I wanted to present my new songs, I appreciate the positive response from my fans. When I record music I always think about my fans singing every note and dancing to every beat. I make music to make people happy and I appreciate that everyone has been so anxious to hear my new songs."{{cite magazine|last=Wete|first=Brad|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/06/09/beyonce-4-leaked/|title=Beyonce's a little peeved her new album leaked, but happy fans like it|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 9, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713090650/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/06/09/beyonce-4-leaked/|url-status=live}} Following this, reports circulated that Columbia Records executives hoped to cover their assets in fear that the album may be a commercial failure. Rumors had suggested that the label requested from Beyoncé to make changes to the record and reunite Destiny's Child, claims Columbia denied.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/beyonces-record-label-scrambling-over-fears-of-poor-album-sales-report-says/|title=Beyonce's Record Label Scrambling Over Fears of Poor Album Sales, Report Says|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=June 9, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713102011/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/06/22/beyonces-album-4-could-bomb-columbia-fears/|archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=live}} In August 2013, NME reported that Sony Music were suing a 47-year-old man from Gothenburg for US$233,000 concerning the leak of 4.{{cite news|title=Sony suing Swedish music fan for $233,000|url=https://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/69028|access-date=August 29, 2013|newspaper=NME|date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002202235/http://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/69028|url-status=live}} A deluxe version of the album was released simultaneously with the standard edition in several countries; in the United States, it was available exclusively through Target stores.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/22/beyonce-returns-to-the-spotlight-in-target-commercial-video/|title=Beyoncé Returns to the Spotlight in Target Commercial (Video)|work=Rap-Up|date=June 22, 2011|access-date=August 1, 2011|archive-date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626032536/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/22/beyonce-returns-to-the-spotlight-in-target-commercial-video|url-status=live}}

File:Beyonce's Arrival glastonbury 2011.jpg Glastonbury Festival with "Crazy in Love". She was the first solo female artist to headline the event in over twenty years.|alt=A large crowd is gathered around a stage, with fireworks in the sky]]

Beyoncé made several appearances on television and in live shows to promote 4. She performed "Run the World (Girls)" for the first time on May 17, 2011, on Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular at the United Center in Chicago.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/18/beyonce-usher-and-alicia-keys-salute-oprah-during-farewell-spectacular/|title=Beyonce, Usher, and Alicia Keys Salute Oprah During Farewell Spectacular|work=Rap-Up|date=May 18, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714195414/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/18/beyonce-usher-and-alicia-keys-salute-oprah-during-farewell-spectacular|url-status=live}} She also performed the song at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471200/beyonces-bbma-performance-i-never-worked-so-hard-in-my-life|title=Beyonce's BBMA Performance: 'I Never Worked So Hard in My Life'|date=May 25, 2011|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102153222/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471200/beyonces-bbma-performance-i-never-worked-so-hard-in-my-life|url-status=live}} On May 25, "1+1" was made available for download through the iTunes Store in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a321610/beyonce-releases-new-song-11.html|first=Lewis|last=Corne|title=Beyoncé releases new song '1+1'|website=Digital Spy|date=May 26, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=April 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424013124/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/sitecomponent/a28814/singles-release-diary.html|url-status=live}} The same day, "1+1" was performed at the American Idol final;{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/25/beyonce-debuts-11-on-american-idol-video/|title=Beyonce Debuts '1+1' on 'American Idol' (Video)|work=Rap-Up|date=May 25, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=February 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225185356/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/25/beyonce-debuts-11-on-american-idol-video/|url-status=live}} she introduced it as her favorite song. In June, she performed at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, Zénith de Lille, and the Galaxie in Amnéville.{{cite web|url=http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/events|title=Beyonce Events, Beyonce Tour Schedule, Beyonce Interviews|publisher=Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529094607/http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/events|archive-date=May 29, 2011|url-status=dead}} On June 26, Beyoncé was the closing act at the Glastonbury Festival 2011 in the United Kingdom. She was the first solo female artist to headline the Pyramid stage at the Glastonbury Festival in more than twenty years.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/beyonce/279275-beyonce-glastonbury-jay-z-coldplay-chris-martin|title=Beyonce Closes 2011 Glastonbury Festival|publisher=MTV|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=July 31, 2011|archive-date=August 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801002553/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/beyonce/279275-beyonce-glastonbury-jay-z-coldplay-chris-martin|url-status=dead}} A pre-taped performance of "Best Thing I Never Had" and "End of Time" at the Glastonbury Festival was broadcast during the 2011 BET Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/26/beyonce-performs-during-bet-awards-video/|title=Beyonce Performs During BET Awards (Video)|work=Rap-Up|date=June 26, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=August 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801001234/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/26/beyonce-performs-during-bet-awards-video/|url-status=live}} The following day, Beyoncé's exclusive hour-long interview with Piers Morgan in London was broadcast on Piers Morgan Tonight.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/27/beyonce-sits-down-with-piers-morgan-video/|title=Beyonce Sits Down with Piers Morgan|work=Rap-Up|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=June 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630014049/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/27/beyonce-sits-down-with-piers-morgan-video/|url-status=live}} She also appeared on the finale of France's X Factor to perform "Run the World" and "Best Thing I Never Had".{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/28/beyonce-performs-on-frances-x-factor-finale-video/|title=Beyonce Performs on France's X Factor Finale (Video)|work=Rap-Up|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=July 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717143220/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/28/beyonce-performs-on-frances-x-factor-finale-video/|url-status=live}} An MTV television special, Beyoncé: Year of 4, premiered on June 30, documenting Beyoncé's life during 4{{'}}s production.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/30/beyonce-documents-the-year-of-4-in-tv-special-full-video/|title=Beyonce Documents the 'Year of 4' in TV Special|work=Rap-Up|date=June 30, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=July 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719171538/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/30/beyonce-documents-the-year-of-4-in-tv-special-full-video/|url-status=live}}

On July 1, Beyoncé appeared on Good Morning America as part of its "Summer Concert Series" in New York City.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/photos/beyonce-takes-good-morning-america-summer-concert-series-13976554/image-13976779|title=Beyonce Wows Crowd With 'Good Morning America Summer Concert Series' Performance|date=2011|website=ABC News|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102151632/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/photos/beyonce-takes-good-morning-america-summer-concert-series-13976554/image-13976779|url-status=live}} She also projected images from 4 on a number of London's landmarks, including Madame Tussauds and Battersea Power Station.{{Cite web |last=Copsey |first=Robert |date=July 9, 2011 |title=Exclusive: Beyonce's new album '4' takes over London: Video |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/news/a328927/beyonces-new-album-4-takes-over-london-video.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323134247/http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/news/a328927/beyonces-new-album-4-takes-over-london-video.html |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2011 |website=Digital Spy}} She then traveled to Scotland to perform at the T in the Park Festival on July 9, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011/artists/beyonce/|title=Queen of R'nB Meets T|date=2014|website=BBC|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210052244/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011/artists/beyonce/|url-status=live}} The next day, she performed at the Oxegen Festival in Ireland.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0710/breaking4.html|title=Oxegen gears up for the final day|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=July 10, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713110446/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0710/breaking4.html|archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=live}} On July 28, 2011, Beyoncé performed "1+1" and "Best Thing I Never Had" on The View;{{Cite web |date=July 28, 2011 |title=Beyonce Brings '4' To 'The View' |url=http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/beyonc%C3%A9-brings-4-view |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807000008/http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/beyonc%C3%A9-brings-4-view |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |publisher=Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website}} the latter was also performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the same day.{{cite web|last=Maloy|first=Sarah|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/468794/beyonce-perfoms-best-thing-i-never-had-on-jimmy-fallon-watch|title=Beyonce Performs 'Best Thing I Never Had' on 'Jimmy Fallon'|work=Billtboard|date=July 29, 2011|access-date=July 31, 2011|archive-date=July 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709185824/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/468794/beyonce-perfoms-best-thing-i-never-had-on-jimmy-fallon-watch|url-status=live}} From August 16–19, Beyoncé held the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concerts at the Roseland Ballroom to a standing room only audience.{{cite web|url=http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/beyonc%C3%A9-perform-4-intimate-nights-beyonc%C3%A9-concert-series-new-yorks-roseland-ballroom|title=Beyoncé to Perform '4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé' at New York's Roseland Ballroom|publisher=Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website|date=August 5, 2011|access-date=August 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217062541/http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/beyonc%C3%A9-perform-4-intimate-nights-beyonc%C3%A9-concert-series-new-yorks-roseland-ballroom|archive-date=February 17, 2012}} Subsequently, the Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 DVD was released in November.{{cite web|title=Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 [DVD] [2011]|date=December 5, 2011 |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005YDLJ76|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=August 29, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116054724/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005YDLJ76|url-status=live}} "Love On Top" was sung at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669576/beyonce-perform-mtv-vmas.jhtml|title=Beyonce To Hit The VMA Stage|first=Aly|last=Semigran|publisher=MTV News|date=August 24, 2011|access-date=August 25, 2011|archive-date=October 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025185459/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669576/beyonce-perform-mtv-vmas.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Beyoncé finished the performance by unbuttoning her blazer and rubbing her stomach to confirm her pregnancy.{{cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|title=Beyonce Puts 'Love on Top' at VMAs, Reveals Pregnancy|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669858/beyonce-vma-performance.jhtml|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 10, 2013|archive-date=September 13, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140913153004/http://www.mtv.com/news/1669858/beyonce-vma-performance/|url-status=dead}} A live performance of "Countdown" recorded in July was broadcast on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in November.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/44622-watch-beyonce-and-the-roots-do-countdown-on-fallon/|title=Watch Beyoncé and The Roots Do "Countdown" on "Fallon"|website=Pitchfork Media|first=Carrie|last=Battan|date=November 14, 2011|access-date=November 15, 2011|archive-date=November 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117000803/http://pitchfork.com/news/44622-watch-beyonce-and-the-roots-do-countdown-on-fallon/|url-status=live}} Following the completion of her pregnancy, the album received additional promotion via the Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live residency in 2012, and songs from the album were prominently featured on The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013–14).{{cite web |last1=Ganz |first1=Caryn |title=Run the World (Showgirls): Beyonce Gets Back to Business in Atlantic City |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/05/run-world-showgirls-beyonce-gets-back-business-atlantic-city/ |website=Spin |date=May 29, 2012 |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-date=June 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604070805/https://www.spin.com/2012/05/run-world-showgirls-beyonce-gets-back-business-atlantic-city/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Halperin |first1=Shirley |title=Beyonce Slays at Staples Center: Concert Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/concert-review-beyonce-at-staples-578562/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=16 February 2024 |date=2 July 2013 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109151237/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/concert-review-beyonce-at-staples-578562/ |url-status=live }}

4 was Beyoncé' first album that yielded no number-one singles in the United States, as no song from 4 reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite news|title=Beyoncé – Chart History – The Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/281569/beyonce/chart|access-date=January 7, 2014|newspaper=Billboard|archive-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102010916/http://www.billboard.com/artist/281569/beyonce/chart|url-status=live}} "Run the World (Girls)" was released internationally as the lead single from 4 on April 21, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662409/beyonce-run-the-world-girls.jhtml|first=Jame|last=Dinh|title=Beyoncé's 'Run the World (Girls)' to Hit Radio, iTunes Thursday|publisher=MTV News|date=April 21, 2011|access-date=April 21, 2011|archive-date=April 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423013439/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662409/beyonce-run-the-world-girls.jhtml|url-status=dead}} It reached number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/beyonc%E9/chart-history/|title=Beyonce Album & Song Chart History: Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 3, 2014|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116054307/https://www.billboard.com/c/music/|url-status=live}} and number eleven on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/beyonc%C3%A9/|title=Artist Chart History – Beyoncé|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=December 22, 2012|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104004742/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/beyonc%C3%A9/|url-status=live}} "Best Thing I Never Had" followed on June 1, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-thing-i-never-had-single/id441383556|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604124437/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-thing-i-never-had-single/id441383556|archive-date=June 4, 2011|title=Best Thing I Never Had – Single|publisher=iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc|access-date=June 2, 2011}} It fared much better on national charts, reaching number sixteen in the United States, number five in New Zealand{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9|title=Discography Beyoncé|publisher=New Zealand Charts. Hung Medien|access-date=April 5, 2011|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417013918/http://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9|url-status=live}} and number three in the United Kingdom.

"Party" was released as an urban contemporary single in the United States on August 30, 2011;{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases|title=Urban/UAC Future Releases|publisher=All Access Music Group|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228213714/http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases|archive-date=December 28, 2011|url-status=dead}} its remix, featuring J. Cole, was released in the United States, Canada and some European countries on October 24, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/party-feat-j-cole-single/473768149|title=Party – Beyoncé featuring J Cole|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=October 28, 2011|archive-date=October 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028174932/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/party-feat.-j-cole-single/id473768149|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/party-feat-j-cole-single/473768149|title=Party – Beyoncé featuring J Cole|publisher=iTunes Store (Canada). Apple Inc|access-date=October 28, 2011|archive-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601153606/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/party-feat.-j-cole-single/id473768149|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/at/album/party-feat-j-cole-single/473768149|title=Party – Beyoncé featuring J Cole|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=October 28, 2011|archive-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601153609/https://itunes.apple.com/at/album/party-feat.-j-cole-single/id473768149|url-status=live}} "Love On Top" was released in Australia as a contemporary hit radio single in September 2011;{{cite web|url=http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-releases/most-added-to-radio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905080651/http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-releases/most-added-to-radio|archive-date=September 5, 2011|title=Most Added to Radio – Australia (September 18, 2011)|work=The Music Network|access-date=January 2, 2014|url-status=dead}} it was released in Italy, Belgium and the United States later.{{cite web|url=http://www.earone.it/radio_date/2011/10/|title=RADIO DATE – Le novità musicali della settimana – Venerdì 28 Ottobre 2011|publisher=EarOne|access-date=November 12, 2011|archive-date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506035232/http://www.earone.it/radio_date/2011/10/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/be/album/love-on-top-single/id487657295|title=Love on Top – Single by Beyoncé|publisher=iTunes Store (Belgium)|access-date=January 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601153521/https://itunes.apple.com/be/album/love-on-top-single/id487657295|archive-date=June 1, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases|title=Future releases – January 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228213714/http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases|archive-date=December 28, 2011|publisher=Allaccess|access-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}} It topped the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for seven consecutive weeks.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/1566152/the-dreams-top-10-play-on-rbhip-hop-albums|title=The-Dream's Top 10 'Play' on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|first=Rauly|last=Ramirez|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=January 3, 2014|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222214345/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/1566152/the-dreams-top-10-play-on-rbhip-hop-albums|url-status=live}} "Countdown" was released in the United States and parts of Europe, beginning October 4, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10/04/2011&Format=1|title=CHR/Top 40: Week Of: October 4, 2011|work=R&R|access-date=September 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331021738/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10%2F04%2F2011&Format=1|archive-date=March 31, 2012}} "I Care" was released exclusively in Italy on March 23, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.beyonceonline.com/it/news/%E2%80%9Ci-care%E2%80%9D-il-nuovo-singolo-di-beyonc%C3%A9-radio-dal-23-marzo-italia|title='I Care', il nuovo singolo Dy Beyoncé in radio dal 23 marzo in Italia!|publisher=Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website|language=it|date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515053947/http://www.beyonceonline.com/it/news/%E2%80%9Ci-care%E2%80%9D-il-nuovo-singolo-di-beyonc%C3%A9-radio-dal-23-marzo-italia|archive-date=May 15, 2012}} "End of Time" was released exclusively in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2012.{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2012 |title=This Week's New Releases 23-04-12 |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/this-weeks-new-releases-23-04-12/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121609/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/this-weeks-new-releases-23-04-12/ |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |publisher=Official Charts Company}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/506266/beyonce-announces-end-of-time-remix-contest-hints-at-single|title=Beyonce Announces 'End of Time' Remix Contest, Hints at Single Release|magazine=Billboard|first=David|last=Greenwald|date=February 8, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2012|archive-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212112126/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/506266/beyonce-announces-end-of-time-remix-contest-hints-at-single|url-status=live}}

4 is Beyoncé's only studio album to not house any top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

{{Music ratings

| MC = 73/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev2 = The A.V. Club

| rev2Score = B−{{cite web|last=Koski|first=Genevieve|url=https://www.avclub.com/beyonce-4-1798168725|title=Beyoncé: 4|department=Music Review|work=The A.V. Club|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112021330/http://www.avclub.com/articles/beyonce-4,58148/|url-status=live}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = B

| rev4 = The Guardian

| rev4Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev5 = Los Angeles Times

| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|4}}{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Randall|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/06/album-review-beyonces-4.html|title=Album review: Beyonce's '4'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-date=July 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701121435/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/06/album-review-beyonces-4.html|url-status=live}}

| rev6 = NME

| rev6Score = 4/10

| rev7 = Pitchfork

| rev7Score = 8.0/10

| rev8 = Rolling Stone

| rev8Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}

| rev9 = Spin

| rev9Score = 8/10

| rev10 = Uncut

| rev10Score = {{Rating|4|5}}

}}

4 received positive reviews from music critics.{{Cite news |last=Ugwu |first=Reggie |date=August 2, 2011 |title=Beyoncé's 4 Is Certified Platinum |url=https://www.bet.com/article/328ibd/beyonce-s-4-is-certified-platinum |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=BET |quote=The appropriately titled LP has sold steadily since its debut and received largely positive reviews from critics.}}{{Cite magazine |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Don't Worry About What 'Joanne' Songs Lady Gaga Is Gonna Perform at the Super Bowl |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-joanne-super-bowl-beyonce-7662745/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |quote=Her previous album 4 ... had drawn positive reviews}} At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 73, based on 36 reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/4-2011/beyonce|title=Reviews for 4 by Beyoncé|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328121157/https://www.metacritic.com/music/4-2011/beyonce|url-status=live}} Michael Cragg of The Observer called it Beyoncé's "most accomplished album yet".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/26/beyonce-4-review|title=Beyoncé: 4 – review|newspaper=The Observer|date=June 26, 2011|access-date=June 26, 2011|author=Cragg, Michael|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328121157/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/26/beyonce-4-review|url-status=live}} Slant Magazine{{'}}s Eric Henderson believed 4 succeeds vocally as an album of mostly intimate and slow-tempo ballads.{{cite web|last=Henderson|first=Eric|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/beyonce-4/2529|title=Beyoncé: 4|work=Slant Magazine|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=June 12, 2011|archive-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218022305/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/beyonce-4/2529|url-status=live}} Mikael Wood of Spin magazine applauded its ballads, mid-tempo songs, and evocations of late 1970s and early 1980s pop-soul.{{cite web|last=Wood|first=Mikael|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/beyonce-4-columbia|title=Beyonce, '4' (Columbia)|work=Spin|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2011|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925092143/http://www.spin.com/reviews/beyonce-4-columbia|url-status=live}} In his review for Rolling Stone, Jody Rosen wrote that Beyoncé eschews contemporary production styles for a more personal and idiosyncratic album.{{cite magazine|last=Rosen|first=Jody|author-link=Jody Rosen|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/4-20110628|title=4|department=Music Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704101817/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/4-20110628|archive-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}} Jon Caramanica of The New York Times viewed it as a good showcase for Beyoncé as a torch singer, because she convincingly sings about heartbreak and the strong emotional effect of love.{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Caramanica|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/28/arts/music/on-4-beyonce-bids-farewell-for-now-to-her-old-selves.html|title=On '4,' Beyoncé Bids Farewell (for Now) to Her Old Selves|work=The New York Times|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701020116/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/28/arts/music/on-4-beyonce-bids-farewell-for-now-to-her-old-selves.html|archive-date=July 1, 2011|url-status=live}} Pitchfork critic Ryan Dombal found it easygoing, retro-informed, and engaging because it shows "one of the world's biggest stars exploring her talent in ways few could've predicted".{{cite web|last=Dombal|first=Ryan|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15585-4/|title=Beyoncé: 4|work=Pitchfork|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=August 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802031233/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15585-4/|url-status=live}} AllMusic's Andy Kellman said that the quality of Beyoncé's singing and the songwriting compensate for the assorted arrangement of the songs.{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/4-mw0002136254|title=4 – Beyoncé|website=AllMusic|access-date=June 29, 2011|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211027/https://www.allmusic.com/album/4-mw0002136254|url-status=live}} Uncut viewed it is an exceptional album in spite of occasionally trite lyrics.{{cite journal|title=Beyoncé: 4|journal=Uncut|issue=172|location=London|page=79|quote=The lyrics are occasionally hackneyed, but overall 4 is a very strong record indeed.|date=September 2011}}

In a less enthusiastic review, Adam Markovitz of Entertainment Weekly said the first half of 4 is marred by boring ballads and the songwriting in general are not on-par with Beyoncé's vocal talent.{{cite magazine|last=Markovitz|first=Adam|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20504524,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627014828/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20504524%2C00.html|archive-date=June 27, 2011|title=4 review – Beyoncé|department=Music Reviews and News|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 22, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2011|url-status=dead}} In his review for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis was ambivalent towards the album's 1980s influence and argued that, despite well written songs, it is not very consequential.{{cite news|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/23/beyonce-4-album-review|title=Beyoncé: 4 – review|department=Music|work=The Guardian|date=June 23, 2011|access-date=June 24, 2011|location=London|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328121522/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/23/beyonce-4-album-review|url-status=live}} Time magazine's Claire Suddath said the songs lack lyrical substance, even though they are performed well.{{cite magazine|last=Suddath|first=Claire|url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/06/28/album-review-beyonces-4-muddles-its-message/|title=Album Review: Beyoncé's '4' Muddles Its Message|magazine=Time|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=December 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227085401/http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/06/28/album-review-beyonces-4-muddles-its-message/|url-status=live}} Greg Kot, writing in the Chicago Tribune, called 4 inconsistent, short, and unfinished.{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|author-link=Greg Kot|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/chi-beyonce-album-review-4-reviewed-20110624,0,3584997.story?track=rss-topicgallery|title=Beyonce album review; 4 reviewed|work=Chicago Tribune|date=June 24, 2011|access-date=June 25, 2011}} NME magazine's Hamish MacBain felt Beyoncé did not progress from her past work and that "even the OK bits here" sounded "uninspired".{{cite web|last=MacBain|first=Hamish|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/beyonce/12164|title=Beyonce – '4' review|work=NME|date=June 21, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709105218/http://www.nme.com/reviews/beyonce/12164|archive-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=dead}} Tom Hull was more critical and gave the album a "C", lamenting the second half of songs' "overkill production" and believing the first half's ballads show that, while "every soul diva of her generation has dreamed of singing like Aretha Franklin ... only Beyoncé has had the ego to think she's done it."{{cite web|last=Hull|first=Tom|author-link=Tom Hull (critic)|date=July 10, 2011|url=http://www.tomhull.com/ocston/arch/rhap/rh1107-1.php|title=Rhapsody Streamnotes|website=Tom Hull – on the Web|access-date=August 21, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407063543/http://tomhull.com/ocston/arch/rhap/rh1107-1.php|url-status=live}}

4 was included on various publication's year-end lists. It was ranked as the best album of the year by The New Yorker,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2011/12/the-best-music-of-2011-the-american-singers.html|title=The Best Music of 2011: The American Singers|magazine=The New Yorker|first=Sasha|last=Frere-Jones|date=December 9, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|archive-date=January 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107050722/http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2011/12/the-best-music-of-2011-the-american-singers.html|url-status=live}} and came in the runner-up spot on lists produced by Spin and Amazon.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2011/12/spins-20-best-pop-albums-2011/?page=0%2C3|title=SPIN's 20 Best Pop Albums of 2011|work=Spin|author=Staff|page=4|date=December 22, 2011|access-date=December 24, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112142800/https://www.spin.com/2011/12/spins-20-best-pop-albums-2011/?page=0%2C3|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/b?node=3454852011|title=Amazon The Best Pop Albums of 2011|publisher=Amazon|access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=July 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705054810/https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=3454852011|url-status=live}} The album was ranked within the top 10 by MSN, where it came in at number three,{{cite web|url=http://music.uk.msn.com/features/msn-albums-of-the-year-2011#image=3|title=MSN albums of the year 2011|author=Staff|publisher=MSN|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107141931/http://music.uk.msn.com/features/msn-albums-of-the-year-2011#image=3|archive-date=January 7, 2012|url-status=dead}} The Guardian and MTV, which placed it at number four,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2011/dec/13/best-albums-2011-beyonce-4|title=Best albums of 2011, No 4: Beyoncé – 4|work=The Guardian|first=Rebecca|last=Nicholson|date=December 13, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606214019/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/dec/13/best-albums-2011-beyonce-4|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Montgomery|first=James|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675398/best-albums-2011-drake-adele.jhtml|title=Drake, Adele and More: The 20 Best Albums of 2011|publisher=MTV News|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2011|archive-date=April 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418170743/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675398/best-albums-2011-drake-adele.jhtml|url-status=dead}} and the Chicago Sun-Times, which placed it at number six.{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/conner/9543175-452/11-for-11-the-years-best-albums.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108014736/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/conner/9543175-452/11-for-11-the-years-best-albums.html|archive-date=January 8, 2012|title=11 for '11: The year's best albums|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Staff|date=December 22, 2011|access-date=December 24, 2011}} The BBC ranked it at number seven,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcmusic/2011/12/bbc_music_writers_top_25_album.html|title=BBC Music Writers' Top 25 Albums of 2011|publisher=BBC|first=Mike|last=Diver|date=December 1, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2011|archive-date=December 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205035619/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcmusic/2011/12/bbc_music_writers_top_25_album.html|url-status=live}} while The New York Times listed it as the 10th best album of the year.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/arts/music/from-retro-yuck-to-foodie-rap.html|title=From Retro Yuck to Foodie Rap|work=The New York Times|first=Jon|last=Caramanica|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|archive-date=December 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222073026/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/arts/music/from-retro-yuck-to-foodie-rap.html|url-status=live}} The album had strong showings on other lists, where it was placed number 13 by Consequence of Sound,{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2011/12/albums-of-the-year-2011/|title=CoS Top 50 Albums of 2011|date=December 16, 2011|publisher=Consequence of Sound|access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921160546/https://consequence.net/2011/12/albums-of-the-year-2011/|url-status=live}} number 18 by Stereogum,{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/891411/stereogums-top-50-albums-of-2011/franchises/listomania/|title=Stereogum's Top 50 Albums Of 2011|work=Stereogum|date=December 5, 2011|access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=August 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826024256/http://www.stereogum.com/891411/stereogums-top-50-albums-of-2011/franchises/listomania/|url-status=live}} number 25 by Rolling Stone,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-albums-of-2011-20111207/beyonce-4-19691231|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107172045/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-albums-of-2011-20111207/beyonce-4-19691231|archive-date=January 7, 2012|title=50 Best Albums of 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Staff|date=December 7, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011}} number 39 by Spin,{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2011/12/spins-50-best-albums-2011/3/|title=SPIN'S 50 Best Albums of 2011|work=Spin|author=Staff|date=December 12, 2011|access-date=October 26, 2016|archive-date=March 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326222740/http://www.spin.com/2011/12/spins-50-best-albums-2011/3/|url-status=live}} number 10 by Club Fonograma,{{cite web|url=http://www.clubfonograma.com/2011/10/outsider-albums-2011.html|title=Club Fonograma's Best Albums of 2011 – Outsiders|work=Club Fonograma|author=Staff|access-date=October 26, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026080100/http://www.clubfonograma.com/2011/10/outsider-albums-2011.html|archive-date=October 26, 2016}} number 34 by Pretty Much Amazing{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2011 |title=PMA's 40 Best Albums of 2011 |url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/features/best-albums-2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100109/http://prettymuchamazing.com/features/best-albums-2011 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=October 26, 2016 |publisher=Pretty Much Amazing}} and number 27 by Pitchfork.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/8727-the-top-50-albums-of-2011/3/|title=The Top 50 Albums of 2011|website=Pitchfork Media|date=December 15, 2011 |access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108003904/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/8727-the-top-50-albums-of-2011/3/|url-status=live}} 4 was included in NPR's Top 50 Favorite Albums of 2011,{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/12/05/142853012/50-favorites-from-a-b|title=50 Favorites: From Adele To 'Book Of Mormon'|publisher=NPR|first=Eleanor|last=Kagan|work=NPR |date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=December 7, 2011|archive-date=December 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207125535/http://www.npr.org/2011/12/05/142853012/50-favorites-from-a-b|url-status=live}} and was ranked at number 26 in the Pazz & Jop's critics poll.{{cite web|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/albums/2011/|title=New York Pazz and Jop Albums – 2011|work=The Village Voice|access-date=March 5, 2012|archive-date=January 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118151609/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/albums/2011/|url-status=live}}

It was listed at 37 on Rolling Stone{{'}}s Women Who Rock: 50 Greatest Albums of All Time.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/women-who-rock-the-50-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120622/beyonce-4-19691231|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625070006/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/women-who-rock-the-50-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120622/beyonce-4-19691231|archive-date=June 25, 2012|title=Women Who Rock: The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time: Beyoncé – '4'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=June 23, 2012}} Pitchfork ranked the album at 39 on their list of the Top 100 Best Albums of the decade thus far, with Kyle Kramer writing that 4 "avoided the trappings of safe, later-career bids, instead setting up the perfect platform for Beyoncé as the pop star, a queen for all the people."{{cite web|title=The Top 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9465-the-top-100-albums-of-2010-2014/4/|website=Pitchfork Media|access-date=August 19, 2014|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820061044/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9465-the-top-100-albums-of-2010-2014/4/|url-status=live}} The album was included on Consequence of Sound's list of The 10 Best Summer Albums of All Time with Kenneth Partridge writing that "whether she's hopelessly heartbroken or crazy in love, Queen Bey works damn hard to make you feel exactly what she's feeling".{{cite web|title=It's Our Turn: The 10 Best Summer Albums of All Time|date=September 17, 2014|url=https://consequence.net/2014/09/its-our-turn-the-10-best-summer-albums-of-all-time/4/|publisher=Consequence of Sound|page=4|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-date=April 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406012516/https://consequence.net/2014/09/its-our-turn-the-10-best-summer-albums-of-all-time/4/|url-status=live}}

4 was named the greatest R&B album of the decade (2010s) by Rated R&B,{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2019/12/the-50-best-rnb-albums-of-the-decade-2010s/|title=The 50 Best R&B Albums of The Decade (2010s)|date=December 30, 2019|website=ratedrnb.com|access-date=December 31, 2019|archive-date=December 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231223715/https://ratedrnb.com/2019/12/the-50-best-rnb-albums-of-the-decade-2010s/|url-status=live}} and the second greatest pop album of the decade by Uproxx.{{Cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/best-pop-albums-of-the-2010s-ranked/|title=The 30 Best Pop Albums Of The 2010s, Ranked|date=October 10, 2019|website=UPROXX|language=en-US|access-date=December 31, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209074137/https://uproxx.com/pop/best-pop-albums-of-the-2010s-ranked/|url-status=live}} On their ranking of the 200 best albums of the decade, Pitchfork listed 4 at number 31.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-albums-of-the-2010s/|title=The 200 Best Albums of the 2010s|date=October 8, 2019|website=Pitchfork|access-date=October 8, 2019|archive-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314025207/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-albums-of-the-2010s/|url-status=live}} For BrooklynVegan, it was the 29th best R&B/Rap project of the same period.{{Cite web|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/100-best-rap-and-rb-albums-of-the-2010s/|title=100 Best Rap and R&B Albums of the 2010s|website=BrooklynVegan|date=December 19, 2019 |language=en|access-date=February 16, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116055304/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/100-best-rap-and-rb-albums-of-the-2010s/|url-status=live}}

4 won R&B Album of the Year at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/billboard-music-awards-the-winners-list-1007108352.story|title=Billboard Music Awards: The Winners List|magazine=Billboard|date=May 20, 2012|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=May 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524043707/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/billboard-music-awards-the-winners-list-1007108352.story|url-status=dead}} and received nominations at the 2011 American Music Awards,{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/20/taylor-swift-adele-nicki-minaj-win-big-at-american-music-awards/|title=Taylor Swift, Adele, & Nicki Minaj Win Big at American Music Awards|work=Rap-Up|date=November 20, 2011|access-date=November 26, 2011|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023124052/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/20/taylor-swift-adele-nicki-minaj-win-big-at-american-music-awards/|url-status=live}} the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/465567/chris-brown-leads-soul-train-awards-nominations|title=Chris Brown Leads Soul Train Awards Nominations|magazine=Billboard|first=Erika|last=Ramirez|date=October 21, 2011|access-date=November 9, 2011|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918205847/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/465567/chris-brown-leads-soul-train-awards-nominations|url-status=live}} the 38th People's Choice Awards,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1674020/katy-perry-beyonce-peoples-choice-awards.jhtml|title=Katy Perry, 'Harry Potter' Top People's Choice Awards Noms|publisher=MTV News|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=November 9, 2011|access-date=November 9, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111182356/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1674020/katy-perry-beyonce-peoples-choice-awards.jhtml|url-status=dead}} the 43rd NAACP Image Awards{{cite magazine|url=http://news-briefs.ew.com/2012/01/19/naacp-image-awards-nominees/|title=NAACP Image Awards nominees announced|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Lanford|last=Beard|date=January 19, 2012|access-date=January 19, 2012|archive-date=July 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718051147/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2012/01/19/naacp-image-awards-nominees/|url-status=dead}} and the 2012 Grammis.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522192817/http://www.grammis.se/?ha_events=180|url=http://grammis.se/?ha_events=180|title=Nominerade Grammis 2012|language=sv|publisher=Grammis.com|date=December 19, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2013|archive-date=May 22, 2012 }} At the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, "Love On Top" won the Best Traditional R&B Performance Award.{{cite magazine |title=Grammys 2013: Winners List |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/grammys-2013/1537655/grammys-2013-winners-list |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629090730/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/grammys-2013/1537655/grammys-2013-winners-list |url-status=live }}

On its first day of release, 4 sold around 20,000 copies in the United Kingdom.{{cite journal|last=Jones|first=Alan|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/beyonce-to-lead-glastonbury-dominated-chart/046117|title=Beyoncé to lead Glastonbury-dominated chart|journal=Music Week|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2011|url-access=subscription|archive-date=October 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024103900/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/beyonce-to-lead-glastonbury-dominated-chart/046117|url-status=live}} According to the Official Charts Company data, this was more than the combined sales of its three nearest challengers: Adele's 19 (2008) and 21 (2011) and Lady Gaga's Born This Way (2011). After a week of sales, 4 debuted atop the UK Albums Chart on July 4, 2011, with first-week sales of 89,211 copies,{{cite journal|last=Jones|first=Alan|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/beyonce-s-4-wins-the-album-chart-numbers-game/046134|title=Beyonce's 4 wins the album chart numbers game|journal=Music Week|date=July 3, 2011|access-date=July 4, 2011|url-access=subscription|archive-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618023449/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/beyonce-s-4-wins-the-album-chart-numbers-game/046134|url-status=live}} staying there for a second week with sales of 44,929 copies.{{cite journal|last=Jones|first=Alan|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1045899|title=Beyoncé remains at top of album charts with narrow lead over Adele|journal=Music Week|date=July 10, 2011|access-date=July 15, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024102819/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1045899|archive-date=October 24, 2014}} By May 2013, it had sold 603,548 copies in the United Kingdom.{{cite journal|url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-daft-punk-s-get-lucky-tops-300k-sales/054594|title=Official Charts Analysis: Daft Punk's Get Lucky tops 300k sales|first=Alan|last=Jones|date=May 6, 2013|journal=Music Week|access-date=May 12, 2013|url-access=subscription|archive-date=August 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807111457/http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-daft-punk-s-get-lucky-tops-300k-sales/054594?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+musicweek%2Fstream+%28Music+Week%3A+Stream%29|url-status=dead}}{{cbignore}} 4 opened at number two on the Australian ARIA Charts, giving Beyoncé her highest chart debut there.{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm|title=Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 4th July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706100919/http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm|archive-date=July 6, 2011|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|date=July 4, 2011|access-date=July 10, 2011|url-status=dead}} 4 debuted at number three on the Canadian Albums Chart, selling 8,700 copies in its first week.{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/A/adele/2011/07/06/18382636.html|title=Beyonce, Gomez can't top Adele|publisher=Jam!|first=Joihn|last=Williams|date=July 6, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711155124/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/A/adele/2011/07/06/18382636.html|archive-date=July 11, 2012}} It debuted at number two in France, selling 12,393 copies in its first week.{{cite web|url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-74492.html|title=Tops : la compilation NRJ et LMFAO en tête|language=fr|publisher=Charts in France|first=Jonathan|last=Hamard|date=July 6, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|archive-date=July 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711154313/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-74492.html|url-status=live}} According to the Japanese music charting site Oricon, the album debuted at number ten, selling 18,984 copies for the week ending July 11, 2011.

In the United States, 4 debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 310,000 copies.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469358/beyonce-notches-4th-billboard-200-no-1-with-4|title=Beyonce Notches 4th Billboard 200 No. 1 with '4'|magazine=Billboard|date=July 6, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-date=May 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528154845/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469358/beyonce-notches-4th-billboard-200-no-1-with-4|url-status=live}} This gave Beyoncé her fourth consecutive solo album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart, making her the second female artist, after Britney Spears, and third artist overall, tied with Spears and DMX to have her first four studio albums debut atop the Billboard 200. 4{{'}}s first-week sales became Beyoncé's lowest sales start with a studio album to date. Keith Caulfield of Billboard magazine noted that the album was not released during the festive season and that Beyoncé was so far lacking a hit single, which could help explain the album's softer entry. It marks the third-largest sales week of the year, after the number-one bows of Lady Gaga's Born This Way and Adele's 21. In its second week, the album remained at number one on the Billboard 200, despite a 63% sales decrease, selling 115,000 copies. It hence became the first album by Beyoncé to top the Billboard 200 albums chart for more than one week; an effort succeeded by her self-titled fifth studio album (2013) that remained there for three weeks.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469262/beyonces-4-stays-atop-billboard-200-lloyd-snags-top-debut|title=Beyonce's '4' Stays Atop Billboard 200, Lloyd Snags Top Debut|magazine=Billboard|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=July 14, 2011|archive-date=July 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707152529/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469262/beyonces-4-stays-atop-billboard-200-lloyd-snags-top-debut|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Beyonce Leads for Third Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5855135/beyonce-leads-for-third-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart|access-date=January 3, 2014|newspaper=Billboard|date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104075520/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5855135/beyonce-leads-for-third-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart|url-status=live}} On August 1, 2011, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), having shipped one million copies to retail stores. As of August 2022, the album is certified four-times platinum.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Beyonce&format=ALBUM&go=Search&perPage=50/|title=Beyoncé's 4 Certified Platinum|work=Rap-Up|date=August 1, 2011|access-date=August 2, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924155210/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Beyonce&format=ALBUM&go=Search&perPage=50%2F|archive-date=September 24, 2015}} As of December 2015, it had reached sales of 1.5 million copies in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-ed-sheerans-transatlantic-1-202342797.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231425/https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-ed-sheerans-transatlantic-1-202342797.html|archive-date=July 14, 2014|title=Chart Watch: Ed Sheeran's Transatlantic #1|work=Yahoo! Music|first=Paul|last=Grein|date=July 2, 2014|access-date=July 2, 2014}} As of November 2016, it had sold over 5 million copies worldwide.{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Louis|title=According to Nielsen SoundScan, A Breakdown of Beyonce's US & Worldwide Album Sales|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/according-to-nielsen-soundscan-a-breakdown-of-beyonces_b_58288b10e4b02b1f5257a471|website=HuffPost|date=November 14, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184053/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/according-to-nielsen-soundscan-a-breakdown-of-beyonces_b_58288b10e4b02b1f5257a471|url-status=live}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Standard edition

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 46:33

| title1 = 1+1

| writer1 = {{hlist|Beyoncé Knowles|Terius Nash|Christopher Stewart}}

| extra1 = {{hlist|Knowles|The-Dream|Tricky Stewart}}

| length1 = 4:33

| title2 = I Care

| writer2 = {{hlist|Knowles|Jeff Bhasker|Chad Hugo}}

| extra2 = {{hlist|Bhasker|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length2 = 3:59

| title3 = I Miss You

| writer3 = {{hlist|Knowles|Frank Ocean|Shea Taylor}}

| extra3 = {{hlist|Knowles|S. Taylor}}

| length3 = 2:59

| title4 = Best Thing I Never Had

| writer4 = {{hlist|Knowles|Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds|Antonio Dixon|Patrick "J. Que" Smith|S. Taylor|Larry Griffin, Jr.|Caleb McCampbell}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|Knowles|Babyface|Dixon| Taylor|S1|McCampbell}}

| length4 = 4:13

| title5 = Party

| note5 = featuring André 3000

| writer5 = {{hlist|Knowles|Kanye West|Bhasker|Dexter Mills|Douglas Davis|Ricky Walters}}

| extra5 = {{hlist|Knowles|West|Bhasker{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length5 = 4:05

| title6 = Rather Die Young

| writer6 = {{hlist|Knowles|Bhasker|Luke Steele}}

| extra6 = {{hlist|Bhasker|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|Steele{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length6 = 3:42

| title7 = Start Over

| writer7 = {{hlist|Knowles|S. Taylor|Ester Dean}}

| extra7 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor}}

| length7 = 3:19

| title8 = Love On Top

| writer8 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|S. Taylor}}

| extra8 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor}}

| length8 = 4:27

| title9 = Countdown

| writer9 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|S. Taylor|Dean|Cainon Lamb|Julie Frost|Michael Bivins|Nathan Morris|Wanya Morris}}

| extra9 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor}}

| length9 = 3:32

| title10 = End of Time

| writer10 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|S. Taylor|David Taylor}}

| extra10 = {{hlist|Knowles|The-Dream|Switch{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length10 = 3:43

| title11 = I Was Here

| writer11 = Diane Warren

| extra11 = {{hlist|Ryan Tedder|Brent Kutzle|Knowles{{ref|c|[c]}}|Kuk Harrell{{ref|c|[c]}}}}

| length11 = 3:59

| title12 = Run the World (Girls)

| writer12 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Wesley Pentz|D. Taylor|Adidja Palmer|Nick van de Wall}}

| extra12 = {{hlist|Switch|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|S. Taylor{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length12 = 3:56

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Japanese edition bonus track{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=3911&cd=SICP000003185|title=Beyoncé – 4 [Limited Edition]|language=ja|publisher=Sony Music Japan|date=June 5, 2011|access-date=June 5, 2011|archive-date=June 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614074638/http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/news/article/1105190060/|title=Beyoncé – 4|language=ja|publisher=HMV|date=June 16, 2011|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701042045/http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/news/article/1105190060|archive-date=July 1, 2011|url-status=dead}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 51:12

| title13 = Dreaming

| writer13 = {{hlist|Knowles|Edmonds|Dixon|Smith}}

| extra13 = {{hlist|Knowles|Babyface|Dixon}}

| length13 = 4:39

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Deluxe edition bonus disc{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Beyonc%C3%A9-4/release/3922591|title=Beyoncé – 4 [Deluxe Edition]|website=Discogs |access-date=January 4, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611191024/https://www.discogs.com/Beyonc%C3%A9-4/release/3922591|url-status=live}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 37:26

| title1 = Lay Up Under Me

| writer1 = {{hlist|Knowles|Mikkel Eriksen|Tor Erik Hermansen|Sean Garrett|Taylor}}

| extra1 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor}}

| length1 = 4:13

| title2 = Schoolin' Life

| writer2 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Carlos McKinney}}

| extra2 = {{hlist|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|Los Da Mystro{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length2 = 4:52

| title3 = Dance for You

| writer3 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Stewart}}

| extra3 = {{hlist|Knowles|The-Dream|Stewart}}

| length3 = 6:15

| title4 = Run the World (Girls)

| note4 = Kaskade Club Remix

| writer4 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Pentz|D. Taylor|Palmer|van de Wall}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|Switch|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|S. Taylor{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length4 = 5:02

| title5 = Run the World (Girls)

| note5 = Redtop Club Remix

| writer5 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Pentz|D. Taylor|Palmer|van de Wall}}

| extra5 = {{hlist|Switch|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|S. Taylor{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length5 = 6:02

| title6 = Run the World (Girls)

| note6 = Jochen Simms Club Remix

| writer6 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Pentz|D. Taylor|Palmer|van de Wall}}

| extra6 = {{hlist|Switch|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|S. Taylor{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length6 = 6:19

| title7 = Run the World (Girls)

| note7 = music video) (exclusive version

| writer7 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Pentz|D. Taylor|Palmer|van de Wall}}

| extra7 = {{hlist|Switch|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|S. Taylor{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Expanded edition / 2012 reissue{{cite AV media notes|title=4|author=Beyoncé|date=2012|type=CD album liner notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=88725423662}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| all_writing =

| total_length = 57:38

| title1 = Love On Top

| writer1 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|S. Taylor}}

| extra1 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor}}

| length1 = 4:27

| title2 = Party

| note2 = featuring André 3000

| writer2 = {{hlist|Knowles|West|Bhasker|Mills|Davis|Walters}}

| extra2 = {{hlist|Knowles|West|Bhasker{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length2 = 4:04

| title3 = Schoolin' Life

| writer3 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|McKinney}}

| extra3 = {{hlist|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|Mystro{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length3 = 4:52

| title4 = Countdown

| writer4 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|S. Taylor|Dean|Lamb|Frost|Bivins|N. Morris|W. Morris}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor|Lamb{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length4 = 3:33

| title5 = I Miss You

| writer5 = {{hlist|Knowles|Ocean|S. Taylor}}

| extra5 = {{hlist|Knowles|Taylor}}

| length5 = 2:58

| title6 = Dance for You

| writer6 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Stewart}}

| extra6 = {{hlist|Knowles|The-Dream|Stewart}}

| length6 = 6:15

| title7 = I Care

| writer7 = {{hlist|Knowles|Bhasker|Hugo}}

| extra7 = {{hlist|Bhasker|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length7 = 3:59

| title8 = Rather Die Young

| writer8 = {{hlist|Knowles|Bhasker|Steele}}

| extra8 = {{hlist|Bhasker|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}|Steele{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length8 = 3:43

| title9 = 1+1

| writer9 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Stewart}}

| extra9 = {{hlist|Knowles|The-Dream|Stewart}}

| length9 = 4:34

| title10 = End of Time

| writer10 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|S. Taylor|D. Taylor}}

| extra10 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Switch{{ref|b|[b]}}|Diplo{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length10 = 3:44

| title11 = Run the World (Girls)

| writer11 = {{hlist|Knowles|Nash|Pentz|D. Taylor|Palmer|van de Wall}}

| extra11 = {{hlist|Switch|The-Dream|Knowles{{ref|a|[a]}}| Taylor{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length11 = 3:58

| title12 = Best Thing I Never Had

| writer12 = {{hlist|Knowles|Edmonds|Dixon|S. Taylor|Griffin, Jr.|McCampbell}}

| extra12 = {{hlist|Knowles|Edmonds|Dixon|S. Taylor|S1 & Caleb}}

| length12 = 4:13

| title13 = Start Over

| writer13 = {{hlist|Knowles|S. Taylor|Dean}}

| extra13 = {{hlist|Knowles|S. Taylor}}

| length13 = 3:19

| title14 = I Was Here

| writer14 = Warren

| extra14 = {{hlist|Tedder|Kutzle|Knowles{{ref|c|[c]}}|Harrell{{ref|c|[c]}}}}

| length14 = 3:58}}

{{Div col begin}}

• ^{{note|a|a}} signifies a co-producer
• ^{{note|b|b}} signifies an additional producer
• ^{{note|c|c}} signifies a vocal producer
• ^{{note|d|d}} signifies a remixer
• "I Care" features background vocals by Billy Kraven{{Cite web |url=https://www.beyonce.com/album/4/songs/ |title=Beyoncé 4: Songs: Credits |access-date=August 21, 2018 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204232048/https://beyonce.com/album/4/songs/ |url-status=live }}
• "Party" features background vocals by Kanye West and Consequence
• "Rather Die Young" features background vocals by Luke Steele and Billy Kraven
• "I Was Here" features background vocals by Ryan Tedder
• The deluxe edition contains an exclusive version of the music video for "Run the World (Girls)".{{cite web|url=http://www.target.com/4-Deluxe-Discs-Only-Target/dp/B00528CQEI/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205034508/http://www.target.com/4-Deluxe-Discs-Only-Target/dp/B00528CQEI/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 5, 2012|title=4 (Deluxe Edition) – 2 Discs|publisher=Target Corporation|access-date=June 18, 2011}}
• "Party" contains a sample of "La Di Da Di" as performed by Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew featuring MC Ricky D. and written by Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters.{{cite AV media notes|title=4|edition=deluxe|others=Beyoncé|year=2011|type=booklet|publisher=Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment|location=New York City}}
• "Countdown" contains a sample of "Uhh Ahh" as performed by Boyz II Men and written by Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris.
• "End of Time" contains an uncredited sample of "BTSTU" as performed and written by Jai Paul.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9114-jai-paul/|title=Maximum Distortion: The Peculiar Case of Jai Paul|website=Pitchfork |date=April 19, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730045633/https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9114-jai-paul/|url-status=live}}
• "Run the World (Girls)" contains a sample "Pon de Floor" as performed by Major Lazer and written by Afrojack, Vybz Kartel, Diplo and Switch.

{{colend}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of 4.

Performance credits

{{div col begin}}

• Beyoncé – vocals, background vocals
• André 3000 – vocals, background vocals
• Luke Steele – background vocals
• Kanye West – background vocals
• Consequence – background vocals
• Ryan Tedder – background vocals
• Billy Kraven – background vocals

{{div col end}}

Visuals and imagery

{{div col begin}}

• Tony Duran – photography
• Neal Farinah – glam team
• Greg Gex – photography
• Ty Hunter – fashion director
• Kimberly Kimble – glam team
• Lisa Logan – glam team
• Adam Larson – art director
• Melina Matsoukas – creative consultant
• Raquel Smith – stylist
• Jenke Ahmed Taily – creative director
• Francesca Tolot – glam team
• Ellen Von Unwerth – photography

{{div col end}}

Instruments

{{div col begin}}

• Pete Wolford – guitar
• Nikki Glaspie – drums
• Lee Blaske – strings
• Drew Sayers – baritone, tenor
• Chad Hugo – rhythm guitar
• Kanye West – drums, keyboards, programming
• Jeff Bhasker – keyboard, guitar solo, keyboards and drum programming
• Rob Suchecki – guitar
• Cole Kamen-Green – trumpet
• Josiah Woodson – trumpet
• Nick Videen – tenor, alto saxophone
• Alex Asher – trombone
• Morgan Price – baritone saxophone, tenor
• Shea Taylor – alto saxophone, horns arrangement
• Luke Steele – guitar
• Robert "R.T." Taylor – guitar
• Pat Thrall – guitar
• Johnny Butler – tenor saxophone
• Jack Daley – bass guitar
• Ryan Tedder – drums, piano, additional programming
• Brent Kutzle – cello, guitar, additional programming
• Skyz Muzik – drums, piano, additional programming

{{div col end}}

Technical and production

{{div col begin}}

• The-Dream – production
• Tricky Stewart – production
• Beyoncé – production, vocal production
• Jeff Bhasker – production
• Shea Taylor – production
• Babyface – production
• Antonio Dixon – production
• Symbolyc One – production
• Caleb McCampbell – production
• Kanye West – production
• Luke Steele – production
• Tom Coyne – mastering
• Switch – production
• Ryan Tedder – production
• Brent Kutzle – production
• Kuk Harrell – vocal production, vocal recording
• Diplo – production
• Carlos McKinney – production
• Kaskade – mix, additional production
• Jens Bergmark – mix production
• Julian Napolitano – mix production
• DJ Swivel – recording, vocal recording, mixing
• Mark Gray – engineering assistant
• Jason Sherwood – engineering assistant
• Steven Dennis – engineering assistant
• Pete Wolford – engineering assistant
• Scott Barnett – engineering assistant
• Tony Maserati – mixing
• Val Brathwaite – mixing assistant
• Ryan Kelly – engineering assistant
• Serge Nudel – mixing assistant, engineering assistant
• Gloria Kaba – engineering assistant
• Şerban Ghenea – mixing
• John Hanes – mixing engineer
• Phil Seaford – mixing assistant
• Gaylord Holomalia – engineering assistant
• Christian Mochizuki – engineering assistant
• Edwin Delahoz – engineering assistant
• Justin Hergett – engineering assistant
• Jon Castelli – engineering assistant
• Ramón Rivas – engineering assistant
• Chris Soper – engineering assistant
• Smith Carlson – engineering assistant
• Eric Aylands – engineering assistant
• Jon Sher – engineering assistant

{{div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for 4}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Beyonce|title=4|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2021|relyear=2011|refname="aria cert"|access-date=February 4, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|title=4|artist=Beyonce|type=album|region=Brazil|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2019|relyear=2011|access-date=July 14, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|title=4|artist=Beyonce|type=album|region=Canada|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2021|relyear=2011|access-date=August 10, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|certyear=2019|relyear=2011|artist=Beyoncé|title=4|award=Platinum|refname=danishcertificaiton|type=album|id=8099|access-date=July 14, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=France|artist=Beyonce|award=Gold|certyear=2011|relyear=2011}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Beyoncé|title=4|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2011|certyear=2022|access-date=December 9, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Ireland|artist=Beyonce|award=Platinum|certyear=2011|relyear=2011}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|refname="fimi"|certyear=2017|certweek=12|relyear=2011|artist=Beyoncé|title=4|award=Gold|type=album|id=1107|access-date=2024-12-28}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|relyear=2008|title=4|artist=Beyoncé|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|source=radioscope|certyear=2024|access-date=2024-12-17}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Beyonce|title=4|award=Platinum|type=album|certyear=2011|relyear=2011|date=January 29, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2015}}

{{certification Table Entry|title=4|artist=Beyonce|type=album|region=Russia|award=Gold|certyear=2011|relyear=2011|certref={{cite web|url=https://lenta.ru/articles/2012/03/09/chart/|title=Шансон года Что слушали россияне в 2011 году|publisher=Lenta.ru|access-date=August 23, 2022|language=ru|date=March 9, 2012|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410143901/https://lenta.ru/articles/2012/03/09/chart/|url-status=live}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Sweden|artist=Beyonce|title=4|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2013|relyear=2011|source=artist|access-date=January 20, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Beyonce|title=4|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2023|relyear=2011|id=138-682-2|access-date=December 2, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United States|artist=Beyonce|title=4|award=Platinum|number=4|certyear=2022|relyear=2011|access-date=August 8, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | streaming=true}}

• List of number-one albums of 2011 (Ireland)
• List of number-one albums of 2011 (Spain)
• List of number-one hits of 2011 (Switzerland)
• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2010s
• List of UK R&B Albums Chart number ones of 2011
• List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2011
• List of Billboard number-one R&B albums of 2011

{{Reflist}}

• {{Discogs master|type=album|347012|name=4}}

{{Beyoncé}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:4 (Beyonce Album)}}

Category:2011 albums

Category:Beyoncé albums

Category:Columbia Records albums

Category:Parkwood Entertainment albums

Category:Albums produced by Diplo

Category:Albums produced by Jeff Bhasker

Category:Albums produced by Kanye West

Category:Albums produced by Kuk Harrell

Category:Albums produced by Switch (songwriter)

Category:Albums produced by Symbolyc One

Category:Albums produced by The-Dream

Category:Albums with cover art by Tony Duran

Category:Albums produced by Beyoncé

Category:Albums recorded at Record Plant (Los Angeles)

Category:Albums produced by Ryan Tedder