Q: Is Beyoncé Knowles ever going to make a musical misstep?
A: Based on "If I Were a Boy," her new track that debuted on Elvis Duran’s Z100 show this morning (check out the high-quality version below, or an embedded YouTube version after the jump), I’d say it doesn’t look likely. Indeed, the initial release from B’s upcoming third solo disc is an exciting departure from her previous lead singles, the Southern-fried funk of "Déjà Vu" (from 2006’s B’day) and the (greatest single of all time) jubilant horn-infused "Crazy in Love" (from 2003’s Dangerously in Love).
In the past, I’ve often translated the term "Beyoncé ballad" to mean "album filler," yet "If I Were a Boy" is anything but. The contemplative lyrics find Beyoncé envisioning herself in the role of her do-wrong guy — I’d put myself first/ And make the rules as I go/ ‘Cause I know that she’d be faithful/ Waitin’ for me to come home — and her searing vocal is absolutely up to the challenge. "If I Were a Boy" sounds totally fresh, not like anything else on the radio right now, and should put Ms. Knowles right back in her throne as Queen of Top 40 Radio. (Rihanna, Pink, and Katy Perry, I hope you ladies had fun in B’s absence.)
What do you think of "If I Were a Boy"? Let’s hear your reviews (and your predictions for the song’s chart trajectory) in the comments section below.
More on Beyoncé:
Review: Beyoncé’s ‘B’day’
Solange’s ‘Sandcastle Disco’ video: Choose your favorite flaw!
A birthday ditty for Beyoncé!
Comments (1-30) of 362 Add your comment
Uggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!
I immediately thought of Ciara’s song when I heard it this morning.
I don’t even have to listen to this song to know I’m going to hate it. I can’t stand this woman. I think she’s over rated and boring. But, that’s just my opinion.
ok.. Just so people didn’t go thinking i was an a**hat for not even listening to it.. i took the time to sit through it.. my statement still stands.
Yeah, this sounds lyrically like Ciara’s song.
It’s okay. I like Beyonce in cycles.
I love me some Ci-Ci, don’t get me wrong, but she and Beyonce are on two totally different Soul Planes (not to be confused with its disco-loving, afro-infested older sibling). What I griped about Britney’s “Neutral-izer” is exactly what I b’dore about “If I were a boy.” Its arrangement and vocals are distinctly B. No goin’ around it. Howevs, I’ve still got a chip on my shoulder from the horror that was, “Let’s Ignore the Flawless ‘Get Me Bodied,’ extended video-dance fest and all.” For shame!
She proves without a doubt that she is the female entertainer of the 2000’s. No one compares to her vocally or in concert. Beyonce is the best this generation has to offer. Britney? Pink? Katy Perry? They could only dream about the vocals beyonce has.
Its a nice song. The lyrics are very potent.
i like the fact that she did a slow song for the first single
she4 showed that she was brave and daring
everyonce else is putting out these dance songs
so beyonce did something different
i think i will be successful
the words are deep
the melody is cute
and her vocals her chilling
i like it but the second single “single lady’s” is much better. her vocals are crazy in this song tho
It’s a very good song and will probably hit #1 on the Hot100 but totally fresh?
It sounds like a mash up of Big Girls Don’t Cry, Take A Bow and If God Was One Of Us.
2008 has seen the return of the ballads. Beyonce is merely following the trend set down by the likes of Leona Lewis and Rihanna.
i absoutley LUV IT!!!! brill beyonce! i luv if i were a boy 2! if i were a boy so has 2 get 2 number 1 its AMAZIN! i cant wait to hear her new album….i hope she has loads dancey songs, and a power ballad
gooo bee!
excitedddd
Move on britney, rihanna, mariah! BEYONCES BACK!
it’s gonna have to grow on me. Personally, I loved Ciara’s ‘If I Was a Boy” better, but i’m sure after hearing this 100 times a day on the radio, I will come to love it. And then be sick of it.
The best this generation has to offer? Christina Aguilera will blow her wig off, and Britney (when she’s sober) is thebest female performer of this generation. The song is ok, but it’s very much in the vein of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” I don’t think the other popsters have anything to worry about. Beyonce came out with a bang, but she has gotten progressively more boring. All of the award shows where she is the headlining performer end up with lower than low ratings. Britney is the one on top-”Womanizer” went to number one on itunes in less than 24hrs and she always scores huge ratings.
Beyoncé should be embarassed! This song is brutal. She has so much potential, but she always seems to make generic music (with a few obvious exceptions). This song is a HORRIBLE misstep.
It’s ok, if a little bland. Beyonce is a great vocalist. If anyone else was singing this, I’d have turned it off by the 30-second mark. I doubt it will be a big radio hit, but maybe someone will remix it into a club hit. Thematically it reminds me a lot of “What it Feels Like for Girl” by Madonna, which is a much, much better tune. Actually, if Beyonce had sung that, it probably would have been a bigger hit, since she can sing Madonna (who I happen to like) under the table.
U CALL THIS MUSIC? THIS IS WACK!
BEYONCE U FAILED! HOW COULD U EVEN ATTEMPT TO RELEASE SUCH GARBAGE MUSIC. RIHANNA CANT SING, BUT SHE WOULD NEVER RELEASE SUCH LAME MUSIC LIKE THIS.
http://www.sinternet.com/beyonce.html
Michael Post that!
WTF? a rip of take a bow? are y’all nuts? don’t you remember the biggest hit of 2007 (and what should have been song of the year) Irrplaceable? Beyonce started these pop stars singing the county-ish slow jams. If I was a Boy is fiyah.
Heard in on the radio today and what a snoozer, boring!
Both singles – “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies” – just sound like cast-off material from B’Day. Neither is fun, engaging, or radio-ready. Granted, they’ll both be played out ad nauseum, but I hope there’s something better on her album.
When I first heard this song, I admit I did not like it and I am a huge Beyonce fan but I understand why it could be a hit. After all, Irreplaceable was a huge hit and I did not particularly care for it.
No one and I mean no one hear that Britney, can touch Beyonce in terms of vocal ability and dance ability. I hope this album does well. It definitely is a departure from her earlier work and I sense growth and maturity.
Bland song and find Beyonce’s singing overated (especially by EW, enough already, we get it, you like her EW). There’s something about Beyonce personality that is irritating as well, she’s smug and annoying.
Fact Check: Christina SCREAMS. Beyonce sings. And sings well.
That is all.
beyonce..
I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny’s Child when I was 15 years old. I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18.
Love,
Beyoncé
thats my video!
but youtube deleted it -.-
the songS are not stronG…she not gonna dO it waY biG..
She just gonna gain respect & credits cause the videO will be fine..
thatS it…
This is garbage!
Fact Check – Beyonce SCREAMED all over “B’Day” like a bootleg Amerie. The song “Green Light” ripped her off. Beyonce made a rare misstep with this song. It’s not good, it’s actually quite boring. But her hardcore “STANS” will come out in full force to say it’s the best thing since pants with pockets. Right now this song isn’t as good as a Rihanna throw away track. And I dislike Rihanna, yet I can’t deny nearly all her singles have radio appeal. Beyonce needed a club thumper. Not a yellfest. Not drama that only girls and most gay dudes can only like. She needed an “Upgrade U”. Something to burn the clubs up. And no her other single isn’t it either. That other new track is a watered down version of “Get Me Bodied” another terrible song that was made just for gay runway battles. This is wack Bey. Come harder Bey. And remember Ciara did the Like A Boy routine better 2 years ago.
In regards to my last post. “Green Light” was a carbon copy of Amerie’s “One Thing”. Not saying Amerie is better than Sasha McCreole Beywoulf. But you can tell it’s a direct rip off. I’m still not feeling this song. Also confused as to why EW loves Beyaki so much. Had this been anyone else, the review would be bad. Stop being “STANS” EW.