There are times where the obvious needs to be stated. Yes, we love to announce news about up and coming bands, but there are some renowned singers and musicians to whom we will forever be obliged to release information about, even if the news is already known worldwide. We would like to point out one last thing before our announcement. We used to steer clear of mainstream music, primarily due to our fear that fame corrodes an artist’s authenticity, but we were undeniably wrong with this assumption. As a music fan, it is essential to know all the realms of the music world, not just the brooding souls free of fame. You are probably wondering what proof we to have support this claim? The answer starts with a B and ends in an É.

The mainstream, but still authentic artist, is Beyonce. For those of you living under a rock, it is time to soak up the sun because she has just dropped her fourth studio album, “4”, this past Tuesday. Named by fans and inspired by Beyonce’s time away from the spotlight, the 12 track album features a stunning photo spread for each song. The diverse album includes ballads, such as “Best I Ever Had,” and more upbeat tunes, such as, “Run The World” and “Partying,” which feature Kanye West and Andre 3000.

Her vocal chops are impeccable, as usual, but the primary reason for drawing us to this album was to hear the next chapter from this legendary artist. Beyonce is an icon and each album she releases is historic. Not checking the album out will take a chunk out of your 21st Century CD collection. So, keep your timeline flowing and devote a considerable amount of space for the females, “who run the world.”

by Lonnie Nemiroff