4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé
Encyclopedia
4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé was a revue
by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles
. Held in four non-consecutive nights in August 2011, the concerts were part of Knowles' campaign in support of her fourth studio album 4
(2011). Knowles performed to a standing room-only audience at the Roseland Ballroom
in New York City
. In addition to songs in 4, Knowles added her previous hits in prior albums and with former girl group Destiny's Child
. On stage, Knowles was backed by four female dancers and a 20-piece female band including a horn and orchestra section.
Following the sales opening, tickets were sold out in 22 seconds, and for the remaining three performances in the following minute. The revue's kick off on August 14, 2011 received critical acclaim for Knowles' ability to perform under the circumstances of a smaller stage and a larger band.
's Roseland Ballroom
for four nights in the third week of August. The set on each night would be the entire collection of her fourth studio album, 4. Tickets for all four shows were available on August 10 on Ticketmaster
. The first date went on sale to the general public at 1 p.m. EST, followed by the second show at 2 p.m. EST, third at 3 p.m. EST, and the final concert at 4 p.m. EST. Citi
card-members were able to order tickets early with a pre-sale beginning at noon EST on August 10, 2011 through the Citi Private Pass Program.
When tickets went on sale to the general public on August 10, 2011 for the first show of 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé on August 14, 2011, the date sold out in 22 seconds. Within the minute following the first sold out date, Columbia Records
reported via Twitter
that all four shows had sold out, stating “It’s official @Beyonce’s 4th & final show at Roseland Ballroom is SOLD OUT! Thats a total of 4 sold out shows next week!”
In a radio interview with Philadelphia's Power 99FM
, Knowles' husband Jay-Z
spoke in depth about the upcoming intimate shows and compared her to Michael Jackson
stating, "I know that's blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator, but I think she's like the second coming. You know, the hard work and dedication that she puts into her shows. It just makes you want to work harder at your own craft. She's like a machine."
On August 19, 2011, the first part of a revue's behind the scenes video was released. In the behind the scenes special, lead guitarist Bibi stated "She’s listening to her inner voice right now and doing what she wants to do. I think she took risks. I think she’s being more authentic and doing what she wants to do instead of doing what people expect, which is good." Kim, the revues musical director described the idea of the intimate revue stating "This project is the most mature project for Beyoncé, because to be able to be in an intimate setting like this like the Roseland, which is a historic place, it's an amazing thing. I think the challenge of it is to be able to present your whole album as its own concept, as its own piece and its a great way to educate the people about what this album means to her; It's for her, it's for the fans, it's for anybody."
The second part to the revue's behind the scenes look was released on August 30, 2011. In the second part of the behind the scenes special, Knowles is shown calling the shots and rehearsing with her band, leading up to the sold-out shows and clips of fans waiting in line show appreciation and dedication for Knowles. The third part to the revues behind the scenes look was revealed on September 10, 2011. The behind the scenes third part showed the orchestra and back up dancers preparing for the performance as the instrumental to "I Was Here" plays in the background. Before Knowles takes to the stage, a clip of her praying with everyone involved in the revue is shown. On her way to the stage, Knowles describes in depth what she hopes to achieve during these 4 Intimate Nights stating, "I just want to give them everything I have. I'm so excited about performing the album, and it's just such a beautiful vibe inside people are just ready to dance and enjoy the music. —It's all good." The third part to the behind the scenes look ends with Knowles taking to the stage addressing the crowd with "Hello Roseland!" The fourth, and final, behind the scenes look into the intimate revue was released exclusively through Citi Bank's Facebook
page on September 14, 2011. The final part of the behind the scenes look is set to be the commercial for the revues DVD release.
mini-dress courtesy of her mother, Tina
, and shoes by Stuart Weitzman
. She wore the slinky gold sparkling mini-dress from the beginning of the revue to the end. Knowles was assisted on stage by four female dancers clad in shimmering black leotards. Marcus Barnes of Daily Mail described Knowles' fashion choice as "fab" as she strutted on stage. Georgette Cline of AOL
's The Boombox stated that the Tina Knowles-penned metallic dress showed off her curves and demanded the audiences attention once she is seen on stage.
While on stage, Knowles was backed by a 20-piece all-female band and orchestra. The band consisted of a drummer, keyboarder, and guitarist and for the first time in Knowles' touring history, a horn section and an orchestra. The band additionally included, among others, two saxophonists, a guitar player, a seven-piece string section, a pianist and a conductor. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times noted that the all-female band plays an important spectacle to Knowles' performance, as she is both a part and in charge of the "army". Usually known for performing in arenas that hold 20,000 or more people, Knowles performed in standing-room-only Roseland, which holds a maximum capacity of 3,200 people.
During a behind the scenes look into the revue, lighting designer
Nick stated that the big moments of the album will be accompanied by big lighting from behind Knowles for the "epic big scenes", as opposed to performances such as "1+1", where Knowles is bathed in a single spotlight above a piano. In the second part of a behind the scenes look of 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé, it is revealed that Knowles was in charge of the orchestra's design and stage set-up, stating that a three level stage would be needed, allowing the back-up singers to be at the top and the orchestra to be on the same level as Knowles herself, as to allow viewers to see them.
. After delving into her musical history, Knowles states "I just want to have a good time with y'all," before she begins the revue's set list with her rendition of Michael Jackson
's "I Wanna Be Where You Are
". Following her rendition of "I Wanna Be Where You Are", Knowles begins a medley of past Destiny's Child hits, stopping each track to discuss her life and mindset during each stage of her career. During her performance of "Independent Women" she reveals how her father, Matthew Knowles, submitted the track to the Charlie's Angels (2000) soundtrack without permission, reveales that she wanted to write a song "that celebrates a woman's curves" inspired by Stevie Nicks
’ guitar riff in “Edge of Seventeen” (1982) for "Bootylicious
" and states "With a lot of success comes a lot of negativity...they were being nasty but it inspired me" before performing "Survivor".
After "'03 Bonnie & Clyde
", the final song in the medley, Knowles began to tell the story of how her first album came to be, stating "[The label] told me I didn’t have one hit song on my album. I guess they were kinda right. I had five!" Knowles than continued with a slowed-down, jazzier version of "Crazy in Love," allowing the orchestra to augment rather than transform the tracks. During the Ne-Yo
penned "Irreplaceable
," Knowles has the crowd assist her in her performance. After stating "On April 4, 2008, somebody put a ring on it," Knowles has the audience, which contained both men and women ranging from ages 8 to 38, flip their hands to the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
".
Knowles than begins to perform virtually all of 4, beginning with "1+1
", where she is found kneeling atop a piano wrapped up in smoke and red hued lights, reminiscent to her performance on the American Idol
finale. Knowles than continues down the original track listing of 4, following "1+1" with a rendition of "I Care" where she whipped her hair to the brooding brass and ominous beat of the song, while bringing the song to life with immaculate vocals. "I Miss You
" begins with Knowles performing while seated, only to later be brought to her feet while altering the songs ending with additional vocals and instrumentation. "Best Thing I Never Had
" follows afterwards, with a slight alteration in the songs melody. Knowles than slow-winds to "Party
" as the crowd swayed their arms back and forth and stretched out the "y" to every other verse. Knowles than began harmonizing with the back-up singers for "Rather Die Young", before following a heavily choreographed version of "Love on Top
" which was given an uptempo overhaul for the special revue. Knowles would begin the countdown of "Countdown
" later allowing the audience to finish the countdown from nine-to-one. "End of Time" and "Run the World (Girls)
" had Knowles utilizing flamboyant light displays bringing elaborate routines to a smaller stage. The show ends with the last song—the self-empowering ballad “I Was Here
”—with Knowles rephrasing the songs final chorus to say “Roseland, we were here.”
gave the show a positive review, stating, "For a singer long accustomed to stadiums, Sunday's show was the most intimate performance most fans would see from the ubiquitous superstar." Newman favored Knowles' ability to display both stamina and vigor, which make for a stadium-perfect show. Newman later finished his review of the revue by stating, "The medley combined the quick blasts of a Las Vegas revue with the emotional candor of a singer-songwriter performing to a near-empty room. It was an odd, yet effective juxtaposition; a global superstar who could effortlessly shuffle between slick, bombastic R&B and awkwardly honest confessions of a tumultuous career. By the end of the set though, humility, as one expects from a singer with 16 Grammy awards and more than 75 million records sold worldwide, turned to sly confidence." Jon Caramanica of The New York Times
gave Knowles critical acclaim, favoring performances of "underdog tracks" such as "Party" and "Love on Top". Caramanica continues his acclaim for Knowles stating:
Erika Ramirez of Billboard
additionally gave Knowles a very positive review on the revue, stating that Knowles is one of the only artists around that can "pull off" a 90-minute set in Stuart Weitzman
heels and leave a "beyond packed" audience satisfied to the point of not needing an encore. Daily Mail
Marcus Barnes continued the praise towards Knowles stating that she "dazzles", "looked fab" and "sparkled", later agreeing with Jay-Z
's accusation of Knowles being the "second coming of Michael Jackson
". Nekesa Mumbi Moody of ABC News
's Associated Press
also praised Knowles' performance at the revue stating that although Knowles has nothing to prove by this point in her career, "even queens need to show what it means to be royalty". Moody continued stating that the revue is a "dazzling rebuttal" to all negative chatter revolving 4. Moody states "She put her track record up for display along with her new material with a subtle but undeniable message that she is not to be doubted, or counted against." Mike Wass of Idolator
began his review of the revue, starting with "Beyonce never fails to amaze". Wass continued by praising Knowles for raising the bar for live entertainment with a flawless display, stating, "The worldly pop icon’s ability to bring new depth and texture to quality material is almost as impressive as her uncanny knack for connecting with the audience on an emotional level". Wass finished his review with the revues finale of "I Was Here" which deals with trying to leave a mark on the world, to which Wass stated "But the pop veteran can sleep easy. Mission well and truly accomplished."
Entertainment Weekly
Brad Wete gave 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé a positive review, stating that the revue proves that "Beyoncé’s bigger than any ballroom". Wete continued his praise for Knowles' revue stating "[...] her excellence is undeniable. Her quaking vocals beat her contemporaries and competes with legends’, as does her dancing," finishing his review with "I’m looking forward to seeing her in a bigger venue, where there’s more space for her voice to soar, elbow room for her band to play, and room for her wild-child fans to dance." Dan Aquilante of the New York Post
stated that after the performance at the revue, Knowles' album 4 was to be "rated a 10". Aquilante continued, stating "Where tunes felt lackluster and flabby on the recording, Beyoncé injected a vibrancy in the new songs that boosted the material to be almost the equal to some of her best and biggest radio hits." Yolanda Sangweni of Essence
viewed the revue as a chance for Knowles to remind us her "vocal chops" are what got her here, and ended her review by stating Michael Jackson and Diana Ross would be very proud of Knowles' accomplishments and performance at the revue.
Jocelyn Vena of MTV
praised Knowles for her "never-miss-a-note voice" and "razzle-dazzle dance moves", and for matching the crowds energy with her enthusiasm for live performance. Jozen Cummings of The Wall Street Journal
described the revue as Knowles' "most intimate work to date", adding that there is no specific stand-out moment because it was a performance between Knowles and her fans, and a critic would have no place in picking a specific "best moment". On an opposite note, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone
gave the revue a mixed review stating that "a Beyoncé concert is a big, blowsy affair, a bit like a Las Vegas floor show crossed with a typhoon. 'Intimate' is not the adjective that leaps to mind," only to later compliment Knowles as "a woman who can make a club feel like a coliseum." Rosen continued to complimented Knowles on performances such as "1+1", "Party", "Love on Top" and "Countdown", but named "I Was Here" "a hollow exercise in self-mythologizing." VH1
negatively reviewed performances of "I Miss You" and "Rather Die Young" as "unfortunate interludes," but later continued acclaim for the revue in their review stating that "there’s no doubting Beyoncé’s talent as a performer; her undeniable vocal ability, show(wo)manship, and charm" which infused the room the entire evening.
Source(s):
Additional notes
Revue
A revue is a type of multi-act popular theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance and sketches. The revue has its roots in 19th century American popular entertainment and melodrama but grew into a substantial cultural presence of its own during its golden years from 1916 to 1932...
by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
. Held in four non-consecutive nights in August 2011, the concerts were part of Knowles' campaign in support of her fourth studio album 4
4 (Beyoncé Knowles album)
4 is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles, released through Columbia Records on June 24, 2011. Three weeks before its scheduled release, 4 leaked in full. The twelve-song set marks the first release by Knowles since separating professionally with father and manager,...
(2011). Knowles performed to a standing room-only audience at the Roseland Ballroom
Roseland Ballroom
The Roseland Ballroom is a multi-purpose hall, in a converted ice skating rink, with a colorful ballroom dancing pedigree, in New York City's theatre district, on West 52nd Street....
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. In addition to songs in 4, Knowles added her previous hits in prior albums and with former girl group Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
. On stage, Knowles was backed by four female dancers and a 20-piece female band including a horn and orchestra section.
Following the sales opening, tickets were sold out in 22 seconds, and for the remaining three performances in the following minute. The revue's kick off on August 14, 2011 received critical acclaim for Knowles' ability to perform under the circumstances of a smaller stage and a larger band.
Background
On August 5, 2011, Knowles' official website announced that she would be performing at New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
's Roseland Ballroom
Roseland Ballroom
The Roseland Ballroom is a multi-purpose hall, in a converted ice skating rink, with a colorful ballroom dancing pedigree, in New York City's theatre district, on West 52nd Street....
for four nights in the third week of August. The set on each night would be the entire collection of her fourth studio album, 4. Tickets for all four shows were available on August 10 on Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. is an independent American ticket sales and distribution company based in West Hollywood, California, USA, with operations in many countries around the world. In 2010 it merged with Live Nation to become Live Nation Entertainment...
. The first date went on sale to the general public at 1 p.m. EST, followed by the second show at 2 p.m. EST, third at 3 p.m. EST, and the final concert at 4 p.m. EST. Citi
Citigroup
Citigroup Inc. or Citi is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. Citigroup was formed from one of the world's largest mergers in history by combining the banking giant Citicorp and financial conglomerate...
card-members were able to order tickets early with a pre-sale beginning at noon EST on August 10, 2011 through the Citi Private Pass Program.
When tickets went on sale to the general public on August 10, 2011 for the first show of 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé on August 14, 2011, the date sold out in 22 seconds. Within the minute following the first sold out date, Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
reported via Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
that all four shows had sold out, stating “It’s official @Beyonce’s 4th & final show at Roseland Ballroom is SOLD OUT! Thats a total of 4 sold out shows next week!”
In a radio interview with Philadelphia's Power 99FM
WUSL
WUSL, known as "Power 99 FM", is a mainstream urban radio station, owned by Clear Channel Communications and licensed to Philadelphia...
, Knowles' husband Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
spoke in depth about the upcoming intimate shows and compared her to Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
stating, "I know that's blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator, but I think she's like the second coming. You know, the hard work and dedication that she puts into her shows. It just makes you want to work harder at your own craft. She's like a machine."
On August 19, 2011, the first part of a revue's behind the scenes video was released. In the behind the scenes special, lead guitarist Bibi stated "She’s listening to her inner voice right now and doing what she wants to do. I think she took risks. I think she’s being more authentic and doing what she wants to do instead of doing what people expect, which is good." Kim, the revues musical director described the idea of the intimate revue stating "This project is the most mature project for Beyoncé, because to be able to be in an intimate setting like this like the Roseland, which is a historic place, it's an amazing thing. I think the challenge of it is to be able to present your whole album as its own concept, as its own piece and its a great way to educate the people about what this album means to her; It's for her, it's for the fans, it's for anybody."
The second part to the revue's behind the scenes look was released on August 30, 2011. In the second part of the behind the scenes special, Knowles is shown calling the shots and rehearsing with her band, leading up to the sold-out shows and clips of fans waiting in line show appreciation and dedication for Knowles. The third part to the revues behind the scenes look was revealed on September 10, 2011. The behind the scenes third part showed the orchestra and back up dancers preparing for the performance as the instrumental to "I Was Here" plays in the background. Before Knowles takes to the stage, a clip of her praying with everyone involved in the revue is shown. On her way to the stage, Knowles describes in depth what she hopes to achieve during these 4 Intimate Nights stating, "I just want to give them everything I have. I'm so excited about performing the album, and it's just such a beautiful vibe inside people are just ready to dance and enjoy the music. —It's all good." The third part to the behind the scenes look ends with Knowles taking to the stage addressing the crowd with "Hello Roseland!" The fourth, and final, behind the scenes look into the intimate revue was released exclusively through Citi Bank's Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page on September 14, 2011. The final part of the behind the scenes look is set to be the commercial for the revues DVD release.
Fashion and stage
During the show, Knowles performed in a gold laméLamé (fabric)
Lamé is a type of fabric woven or knit with thin ribbons of metallic yarns, as opposed to guimpé, where the ribbons are wrapped around a fibre yarn. It is usually gold or silver in color; sometimes copper lamé is seen. Lamé comes in different varieties, depending on the composition of the other...
mini-dress courtesy of her mother, Tina
Tina Knowles
Célestine Ann "Tina" Knowles is an American fashion designer known for her House of Deréon brand. She is perhaps best known as the mother of singers Beyoncé Knowles and Solange Knowles, and was the wife of Mathew Knowles, who managed Destiny's Child and then Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland until...
, and shoes by Stuart Weitzman
Stuart Weitzman
Stuart A. Weitzman is the designer of the international, high-end shoe company, Stuart Weitzman.Stuart Weitzman's trademark use of unique materials , and his attention to detail, garnered him and his company a global following...
. She wore the slinky gold sparkling mini-dress from the beginning of the revue to the end. Knowles was assisted on stage by four female dancers clad in shimmering black leotards. Marcus Barnes of Daily Mail described Knowles' fashion choice as "fab" as she strutted on stage. Georgette Cline of AOL
AOL
AOL Inc. is an American global Internet services and media company. AOL is headquartered at 770 Broadway in New York. Founded in 1983 as Control Video Corporation, it has franchised its services to companies in several nations around the world or set up international versions of its services...
's The Boombox stated that the Tina Knowles-penned metallic dress showed off her curves and demanded the audiences attention once she is seen on stage.
While on stage, Knowles was backed by a 20-piece all-female band and orchestra. The band consisted of a drummer, keyboarder, and guitarist and for the first time in Knowles' touring history, a horn section and an orchestra. The band additionally included, among others, two saxophonists, a guitar player, a seven-piece string section, a pianist and a conductor. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times noted that the all-female band plays an important spectacle to Knowles' performance, as she is both a part and in charge of the "army". Usually known for performing in arenas that hold 20,000 or more people, Knowles performed in standing-room-only Roseland, which holds a maximum capacity of 3,200 people.
During a behind the scenes look into the revue, lighting designer
Stage lighting instrument
Stage lighting instruments are used in stage lighting to illuminate theatrical productions, concerts, and other performances taking place in live performance venues. They are also used to light television studios and sound stages.Many stagecraft terms vary between the United States and the United...
Nick stated that the big moments of the album will be accompanied by big lighting from behind Knowles for the "epic big scenes", as opposed to performances such as "1+1", where Knowles is bathed in a single spotlight above a piano. In the second part of a behind the scenes look of 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé, it is revealed that Knowles was in charge of the orchestra's design and stage set-up, stating that a three level stage would be needed, allowing the back-up singers to be at the top and the orchestra to be on the same level as Knowles herself, as to allow viewers to see them.
Concert synopsis
The show begins with Knowles taking the stage stating "This is going to be a little different, y'all. It'll be more intimate," before she begins revealing multiple stories from her musical history including before—auditions with Destiny’s Child starting at age nine, her father’s early and frequent involvement managing his daughter’s career and getting dropped by ElektraElektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
. After delving into her musical history, Knowles states "I just want to have a good time with y'all," before she begins the revue's set list with her rendition of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's "I Wanna Be Where You Are
I Wanna Be Where You Are
"I Wanna Be Where You Are" is a song written by Arthur "T-Boy" Ross and Leon Ware for Michael Jackson, who took the song to number sixteen on the U.S. pop singles chart and number two on the U.S. R&B singles chart in 1972...
". Following her rendition of "I Wanna Be Where You Are", Knowles begins a medley of past Destiny's Child hits, stopping each track to discuss her life and mindset during each stage of her career. During her performance of "Independent Women" she reveals how her father, Matthew Knowles, submitted the track to the Charlie's Angels (2000) soundtrack without permission, reveales that she wanted to write a song "that celebrates a woman's curves" inspired by Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks
Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums...
’ guitar riff in “Edge of Seventeen” (1982) for "Bootylicious
Bootylicious
"Bootylicious" is a song by American R&B group Destiny's Child. It was written and produced by Rob Fusari, Falonte Moore, and band member Beyoncé Knowles for the band's third studio album Survivor , and contains a prominent sample from the 1981 recording "Edge of Seventeen," as written and...
" and states "With a lot of success comes a lot of negativity...they were being nasty but it inspired me" before performing "Survivor".
After "'03 Bonnie & Clyde
'03 Bonnie & Clyde
"03 Bonnie & Clyde" is a song by American rapper Jay-Z featuring R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles. It incorporates elements from the songs "Me and My Girlfriend" by Tupac Shakur, and "If I Was Your Girlfriend" by Prince and uses the theme from "Pasttime Paradise" by Stevie Wonder for the refrain...
", the final song in the medley, Knowles began to tell the story of how her first album came to be, stating "[The label] told me I didn’t have one hit song on my album. I guess they were kinda right. I had five!" Knowles than continued with a slowed-down, jazzier version of "Crazy in Love," allowing the orchestra to augment rather than transform the tracks. During the Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
penned "Irreplaceable
Irreplaceable
"Irreplaceable" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles for her second studio album, B'Day . The song was written by Knowles, Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjørklund, and produced by Stargate and Knowles...
," Knowles has the crowd assist her in her performance. After stating "On April 4, 2008, somebody put a ring on it," Knowles has the audience, which contained both men and women ranging from ages 8 to 38, flip their hands to the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
"Single Ladies " is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles from her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce. It was released by Columbia Records on October 12, 2008 as the album's lead single, and appeared with "If I Were a Boy" as a double A-side single, demonstrating the...
".
Knowles than begins to perform virtually all of 4, beginning with "1+1
1+1 (song)
"1+1" is a song recorded by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles for her fourth studio album, 4 . Knowles debuted the song on May 25, 2011, on American Idol, and digitally released it as a promotional single in the United States through Columbia Records...
", where she is found kneeling atop a piano wrapped up in smoke and red hued lights, reminiscent to her performance on the American Idol
American Idol (season 10)
The tenth season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2011 and concluded on May 25, 2011, on Fox. The show underwent a number of changes from season nine, including the reduction of the judging panel to its original number of just three judges , a returning executive producer, a new music...
finale. Knowles than continues down the original track listing of 4, following "1+1" with a rendition of "I Care" where she whipped her hair to the brooding brass and ominous beat of the song, while bringing the song to life with immaculate vocals. "I Miss You
I Miss You (Beyoncé Knowles song)
"I Miss You" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles, taken from her fourth studio album, 4 . It was written by Knowles, Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor while production was handled by Knowles and Taylor...
" begins with Knowles performing while seated, only to later be brought to her feet while altering the songs ending with additional vocals and instrumentation. "Best Thing I Never Had
Best Thing I Never Had
"Best Thing I Never Had" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for her fourth studio album, 4 . It was released by Columbia Records on June 1, 2011, as the second single from the album. "Best Thing I Never Had" was composed by Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds,...
" follows afterwards, with a slight alteration in the songs melody. Knowles than slow-winds to "Party
Party (song)
"Party" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles featuring American rapper André 3000, taken up form the former's fourth studio album, 4 . The song was composed by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Beyoncé Knowles, André Lauren Benjamin, Dexter Mills, Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters. The...
" as the crowd swayed their arms back and forth and stretched out the "y" to every other verse. Knowles than began harmonizing with the back-up singers for "Rather Die Young", before following a heavily choreographed version of "Love on Top
Love on Top
"Love on Top" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles from her fourth studio album 4 . It was written by Knowles, Terius Nash and Shea Taylor; and production was handled by Knowles and Taylor. Knowles took inspiration from her state of mind while playing Etta James...
" which was given an uptempo overhaul for the special revue. Knowles would begin the countdown of "Countdown
Countdown (Beyoncé Knowles song)
"Countdown" is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles from her fourth studio album, 4 . It was written by Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Knowles, Ester Dean, Cainon Lamb, Julie Frost, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris. The song's development was motivated when Knowles wanted to...
" later allowing the audience to finish the countdown from nine-to-one. "End of Time" and "Run the World (Girls)
Run the World (Girls)
"Run the World " is a song performed by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. It was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Knowles, Nick "Afrojack" van de Wall, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, David "Switch" Taylor, and Adidja Palmer and produced by Switch, The-Dream, Knowles and Shea Taylor...
" had Knowles utilizing flamboyant light displays bringing elaborate routines to a smaller stage. The show ends with the last song—the self-empowering ballad “I Was Here
I Was Here (song)
"I Was Here" is a song by American singer Beyoncé Knowles, taken from her fourth studio album, 4 . It was written by Diane Warren, while production was handled by Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, and Kuk Harrell; Knowles is credited on the vocal production...
”—with Knowles rephrasing the songs final chorus to say “Roseland, we were here.”
Critical response
Jason Newman of Rap-UpRap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
gave the show a positive review, stating, "For a singer long accustomed to stadiums, Sunday's show was the most intimate performance most fans would see from the ubiquitous superstar." Newman favored Knowles' ability to display both stamina and vigor, which make for a stadium-perfect show. Newman later finished his review of the revue by stating, "The medley combined the quick blasts of a Las Vegas revue with the emotional candor of a singer-songwriter performing to a near-empty room. It was an odd, yet effective juxtaposition; a global superstar who could effortlessly shuffle between slick, bombastic R&B and awkwardly honest confessions of a tumultuous career. By the end of the set though, humility, as one expects from a singer with 16 Grammy awards and more than 75 million records sold worldwide, turned to sly confidence." Jon Caramanica of The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
gave Knowles critical acclaim, favoring performances of "underdog tracks" such as "Party" and "Love on Top". Caramanica continues his acclaim for Knowles stating:
In her performance it's always clear that a finely tuned engine is at work, but what was refreshing here was that it was in service of a surprisingly casual manner. She made funny, exaggerated faces; twirled her hair (when it was not floating); and spoke to the crowd like a knowing buddy. She was working off a teleprompter for her between-song patter, but improvising frequently, and for the better[...] Beyoncé persevere[s], with a voice that skips up octaves and still gains power, with words that are as compelling as they are straightforward, with legs that treat the stage floor like an enemy in need of a thorough stomping. Even in moments of uncertainty, these are her constants. They survive her missteps.
Erika Ramirez of Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
additionally gave Knowles a very positive review on the revue, stating that Knowles is one of the only artists around that can "pull off" a 90-minute set in Stuart Weitzman
Stuart Weitzman
Stuart A. Weitzman is the designer of the international, high-end shoe company, Stuart Weitzman.Stuart Weitzman's trademark use of unique materials , and his attention to detail, garnered him and his company a global following...
heels and leave a "beyond packed" audience satisfied to the point of not needing an encore. Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
Marcus Barnes continued the praise towards Knowles stating that she "dazzles", "looked fab" and "sparkled", later agreeing with Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
's accusation of Knowles being the "second coming of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
". Nekesa Mumbi Moody of ABC News
ABC News
ABC News is the news gathering and broadcasting division of American broadcast television network ABC, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company...
's Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
also praised Knowles' performance at the revue stating that although Knowles has nothing to prove by this point in her career, "even queens need to show what it means to be royalty". Moody continued stating that the revue is a "dazzling rebuttal" to all negative chatter revolving 4. Moody states "She put her track record up for display along with her new material with a subtle but undeniable message that she is not to be doubted, or counted against." Mike Wass of Idolator
Idolator
Idolator is the third album by the Japanese, melodic death metal band, Blood Stain Child. Idolator combines melodic death metal similar to the more recent In Flames albums with electronic and trance influences, particularly on "Nuclear Trance". "Embrace Me", has a piano section both at the...
began his review of the revue, starting with "Beyonce never fails to amaze". Wass continued by praising Knowles for raising the bar for live entertainment with a flawless display, stating, "The worldly pop icon’s ability to bring new depth and texture to quality material is almost as impressive as her uncanny knack for connecting with the audience on an emotional level". Wass finished his review with the revues finale of "I Was Here" which deals with trying to leave a mark on the world, to which Wass stated "But the pop veteran can sleep easy. Mission well and truly accomplished."
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
Brad Wete gave 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé a positive review, stating that the revue proves that "Beyoncé’s bigger than any ballroom". Wete continued his praise for Knowles' revue stating "[...] her excellence is undeniable. Her quaking vocals beat her contemporaries and competes with legends’, as does her dancing," finishing his review with "I’m looking forward to seeing her in a bigger venue, where there’s more space for her voice to soar, elbow room for her band to play, and room for her wild-child fans to dance." Dan Aquilante of the New York Post
New York Post
The New York Post is the 13th-oldest newspaper published in the United States and is generally acknowledged as the oldest to have been published continuously as a daily, although – as is the case with most other papers – its publication has been periodically interrupted by labor actions...
stated that after the performance at the revue, Knowles' album 4 was to be "rated a 10". Aquilante continued, stating "Where tunes felt lackluster and flabby on the recording, Beyoncé injected a vibrancy in the new songs that boosted the material to be almost the equal to some of her best and biggest radio hits." Yolanda Sangweni of Essence
Essence (magazine)
Essence is a monthly magazine for African-American women between the ages of 18 and 49. The magazine covers fashion, lifestyle and beauty with an intimate girlfriend-to-girlfriend tone.-History:...
viewed the revue as a chance for Knowles to remind us her "vocal chops" are what got her here, and ended her review by stating Michael Jackson and Diana Ross would be very proud of Knowles' accomplishments and performance at the revue.
Jocelyn Vena of MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
praised Knowles for her "never-miss-a-note voice" and "razzle-dazzle dance moves", and for matching the crowds energy with her enthusiasm for live performance. Jozen Cummings of The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal is an American English-language international daily newspaper. It is published in New York City by Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corporation, along with the Asian and European editions of the Journal....
described the revue as Knowles' "most intimate work to date", adding that there is no specific stand-out moment because it was a performance between Knowles and her fans, and a critic would have no place in picking a specific "best moment". On an opposite note, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
gave the revue a mixed review stating that "a Beyoncé concert is a big, blowsy affair, a bit like a Las Vegas floor show crossed with a typhoon. 'Intimate' is not the adjective that leaps to mind," only to later compliment Knowles as "a woman who can make a club feel like a coliseum." Rosen continued to complimented Knowles on performances such as "1+1", "Party", "Love on Top" and "Countdown", but named "I Was Here" "a hollow exercise in self-mythologizing." VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
negatively reviewed performances of "I Miss You" and "Rather Die Young" as "unfortunate interludes," but later continued acclaim for the revue in their review stating that "there’s no doubting Beyoncé’s talent as a performer; her undeniable vocal ability, show(wo)manship, and charm" which infused the room the entire evening.
Broadcasts and recordings
Following the shows first night, photographer Myrna Suarez had photographed Knowles on stage to promote the show. Photographer Myrna Suarez followed up the revues second show with additional photos. The photos were published and used in reviews by Rap-Up, The Wall Street Journal, DailyMail, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. A DVD of the show titled, 4 Live at Roseland, will be released exclusively to Walmart in the United States on November 21, 2011. A two-disc DVD deluxe package titled, Live at Roseland: Elements Of 4, will be released worldwide on November 29. The collection will feature the full concert, bonus offstage footage, a 20-page booklet and a video anthology that includes seven music videos from 4.Set list
- "I Wanna Be Where You AreI Wanna Be Where You Are"I Wanna Be Where You Are" is a song written by Arthur "T-Boy" Ross and Leon Ware for Michael Jackson, who took the song to number sixteen on the U.S. pop singles chart and number two on the U.S. R&B singles chart in 1972...
" - Destiny's ChildDestiny's ChildDestiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
Medley:- "No, No, No (Part 1)No, No, No (Destiny's Child song)"No No No" is an R&B song performed by American group Destiny's Child for their debut studio album Destiny's Child and the track was produced by Vincent Herbert, Rob Fusari and Wyclef Jean and received a positive reception from music critics...
" - "No, No, No (Part 2)"
- "Bug a BooBug a Boo"Bug a Boo" is a song by Destiny's Child, which appears on their second album The Writing's on the Wall. It peaked at number thirty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart...
" - "Bills, Bills, BillsBills, Bills, Bills"Bills, Bills, Bills" is a 1999 hit single by Destiny's Child, released as the first single from their second album The Writing's on the Wall. It echoed the female empowerment sentiments of TLC's single "No Scrubs", and featured the same producer and songwriter...
" - "Say My NameSay My Name"Say My Name" is a song by American R&B group Destiny's Child. The song was the third single from the group's 1999 album The Writing's on the Wall, released through Columbia label in 2000 . The single is the most successful of the four releases from the album and is considered to be one of their...
" - "Independent Women"
- "BootyliciousBootylicious"Bootylicious" is a song by American R&B group Destiny's Child. It was written and produced by Rob Fusari, Falonte Moore, and band member Beyoncé Knowles for the band's third studio album Survivor , and contains a prominent sample from the 1981 recording "Edge of Seventeen," as written and...
" - "Survivor"
- "'03 Bonnie & Clyde'03 Bonnie & Clyde"03 Bonnie & Clyde" is a song by American rapper Jay-Z featuring R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles. It incorporates elements from the songs "Me and My Girlfriend" by Tupac Shakur, and "If I Was Your Girlfriend" by Prince and uses the theme from "Pasttime Paradise" by Stevie Wonder for the refrain...
"
- "No, No, No (Part 1)
- "Crazy in Love"
- "Dreamgirls"
- "IrreplaceableIrreplaceable"Irreplaceable" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles for her second studio album, B'Day . The song was written by Knowles, Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjørklund, and produced by Stargate and Knowles...
" - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"Single Ladies " is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles from her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce. It was released by Columbia Records on October 12, 2008 as the album's lead single, and appeared with "If I Were a Boy" as a double A-side single, demonstrating the...
" - "1+11+1 (song)"1+1" is a song recorded by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles for her fourth studio album, 4 . Knowles debuted the song on May 25, 2011, on American Idol, and digitally released it as a promotional single in the United States through Columbia Records...
" - "I Care"
- "I Miss YouI Miss You (Beyoncé Knowles song)"I Miss You" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles, taken from her fourth studio album, 4 . It was written by Knowles, Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor while production was handled by Knowles and Taylor...
" - "Best Thing I Never HadBest Thing I Never Had"Best Thing I Never Had" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for her fourth studio album, 4 . It was released by Columbia Records on June 1, 2011, as the second single from the album. "Best Thing I Never Had" was composed by Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds,...
" - "PartyParty (song)"Party" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles featuring American rapper André 3000, taken up form the former's fourth studio album, 4 . The song was composed by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Beyoncé Knowles, André Lauren Benjamin, Dexter Mills, Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters. The...
" - "Rather Die Young"
- "Love On TopLove on Top"Love on Top" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles from her fourth studio album 4 . It was written by Knowles, Terius Nash and Shea Taylor; and production was handled by Knowles and Taylor. Knowles took inspiration from her state of mind while playing Etta James...
" - "CountdownCountdown (Beyoncé Knowles song)"Countdown" is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles from her fourth studio album, 4 . It was written by Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Knowles, Ester Dean, Cainon Lamb, Julie Frost, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris. The song's development was motivated when Knowles wanted to...
" - "End of Time"
- "Run the World (Girls)Run the World (Girls)"Run the World " is a song performed by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. It was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Knowles, Nick "Afrojack" van de Wall, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, David "Switch" Taylor, and Adidja Palmer and produced by Switch, The-Dream, Knowles and Shea Taylor...
" - "I Was HereI Was Here (song)"I Was Here" is a song by American singer Beyoncé Knowles, taken from her fourth studio album, 4 . It was written by Diane Warren, while production was handled by Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, and Kuk Harrell; Knowles is credited on the vocal production...
"
Source(s):
Additional notes
- Although set to showcase Knowles' fourth album 4, "Start OverStart Over"Start Over" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles taken from her fourth studio album 4 . It was written by Shea Taylor, Knowles and Ester Dean and produced by the first two. The song's development was motivated by the fact that Knowles traveled around the world and experienced...
" was noticeably missing from the shows set list. - "Bug a BooBug a Boo"Bug a Boo" is a song by Destiny's Child, which appears on their second album The Writing's on the Wall. It peaked at number thirty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart...
" was added to the shows "Destiny's Child Medley" after the revue's second night on August 16.