Beyoncé - 4 (Music CD)

The stylistic range of Beyoncé's 4 was indicated through its first two singles, the busy and hyper empowerment anthem "Run the World (Girls)" and the bombastic ballad “Best Thing I Never Had.” Inspired by a diverse list of artists, from Fela Kuti to DeBarge, Beyoncé also lets herself go -- from a vocal standpoint -- as a way to reach the energy level of her live performances. No one but one of the most talented and accomplished singers -- one with acrobatic vocal skills, dozens of awards, nothing left to prove, and every desired collaborator at her disposal -- could have made this album. ~ Andy Kellman