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!
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.