4

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Diva's fourth CD is a little edgy but still OK for teens.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that 4 follows Beyonce's typical style: a few mature references here and there, though mostly clean throughout. More adult lyrics include some mentions of kissing and making love, a few allusions to drinking champagne and smoking, a handful of bleeped-out swear words, and a couple of oddly violent metaphors about how much Beyonce loves her guy. By and large, however, it's a pretty clean record that's OK for teens.

  • Some very positive messages (especially for young girls), like being strong and independent and making the most out of life: "I want to say I lived each day, until I die / I know that I had something in, somebody's life / The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave / That I made a difference, and this world will see."
  • Encourages listeners to be the best people they can be.
  • The tracks "1+1" and "Rather Die Young" include a few violent metaphors about falling in love: ""I don't know much about guns, but I've been shot by you."
  • Mild references to "lip-locking" and making love.

What's the story?

With a title that bears no hidden meaning, 4 is the fourth solo record from the R&B superstar who also sports just a one-word name: Beyonce. Lyrically, the 12 songs are similar to dozens of Beyonce hits that have come before, with little in the way of questionable content other than a few mild references to kissing, sex, champagne, and smoking. Profanity is limited to only one outright "s--t" and a few more bleeped-out words ("s--t," "f--k," the "N" word). While there are a couple of strangely violent metaphors about love -- comparing the feeling to being shot and lit on fire -- they're overshadowed by the super-positive messages about being a strong, independent person and getting the most out of life. Overall, the album is another positive pick for teens.


Is it any good?

 

The slower, sultry quality of several of these tracks ("I Miss You," "Love on Top") allows Beyonce's amazing pipes to shine through especially well. Particularly notable highlights include the guest performance by rapper Andre 3000, one half of the Outkast duo, and the super-upbeat single "Girls (Run the World)."


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how Beyonce has both changed and stayed the same between her first record, Dangerously in Love, and her fourth.

  • What are some aspects of Beyonce's style that have stayed the same over the years, despite her transformation into a huge star?


This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Teen, 14 years old
December 19, 2011
 
It's Ok/Alright
This is not the best album. I love Beyonce, I really do, but this album isn't nearly as good as I Am Sasha Fierce. Yall need to wake up, you write pathetic reviews CSM. I love Party, but the version with J. Cole, and I like Best Thing I Never Had. This song has girl power, it's awesome. Beyonce is cool, but she dresses bad. It's OK. Some language, but that's in typical 2011 music.

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Kid, 11 years old
January 2, 2012
 
4
Beyonce's album 4 is great for all ages. But, there may be some inappropriate things for 11 and under. It mostly talks about sex in some songs which is kinda inappropriate for kids to hear about. Some of the titles or lyrics to her song may have some violence to it. Most of the songs that have violence might be 1+1 and Rather Die Young.Some ages wouldn't really be worried about that then some may. There is also some songs that talks about drinking a glass of champagne. The word is usually heard in Love On Top. Some cussing may be in some songs where they may use the "D" word or the "S' word. But, most of the time there are great songs to dance too like Party, Love On Top and Countdown. Most of the songs will usually keep you up and moving then some songs may just be talking about love or break ups. The album has a side of fun and love. The album may talk about love and relationships. Then, on the other side it's all about having swag and having fun. The album seems alright!

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Kid, 12 years old
December 18, 2011
 
Off for ages 9 and under
There are some inappropriate things that people say in songs, but remember GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Kid, 10 years old
March 14, 2012
 
<3 IT
Beyonce is a strong, independent woman with real, meaningful music. Language: "n*gga" "sh**"

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Kid, 12 years old
March 10, 2012
 
AWESOME!
This album has lots of good positive messages and role models. The only bad thing is the language. I think the most inspiring songs are Run The World and I Was Here. Run The World has a positive message that girls can do anything if the try and they are strong. Also, I Was Here sends a message that you should try your hardest to live your life to the fullest and help other people.

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This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Artist:Beyonce Knowles
Type:Album
Release date:June 28, 2011
Label:Columbia
Genre:R&B
Parental advisory:No
Edited version available:No

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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