Beyonce's Upcoming Fourth Album: An 'Off the Wall' Mystery

Of course it is understandable for a huge pop/R&B artist like Beyonce to be silent and cagey about her fourth album that should be out sometime in 2011. No working title or predicted release date has been given. In November 2010 a few reports came in from Beyonce and other guest artist featured on some tracks.

One thing is certain we have an idea of what kind of music will be on it and who has inspired her. This will definitely be different from her previous release of "I Am...Sasha Fierce." Her 2008 album was more upbeat with a lot of sex appeal. They're saying Album# 4 is going to have "party music." Let's find out what will be on it.



Different Music Genres

This seems to be a standard and safe answer for an artist who doesn't want to reveal too much about their album. By stating some genres is a good enough answer for the music press in the meantime. She told MTV she isn't inventing a new music genre, but mixing up genres that she loves. It will be her own genre of music. Beyonce doesn't want it to be in a box as a pop or R&B album. Instead, this new album will be her "own little gumbo of music." One interesting fact I am ecstatic about Beyonce's album it will feature live instruments. That is a rarity in today's recording industry.

Other Collaborating Artists on the Album

Ne-Yo is one of the artists who tweeted on Twitter back in August 2010 stating he had been in the recording studio with Mary J. Blige last night and Beyonce tonight in NY. Afterwards, Ne-Yo gave an interview to an Atlanta publication stating he could not say much about the album, but that it was progressing nicely.



Ne-Yo also said the upcoming album is a new direction for her. She is carving out a niche that definitely will not put her in any category. Her record producers are Sean Garrett and Jim Jonsin. Garrett told Music Mix at the 2010 MTV Video Awards they are doing a lot of up tempo records on it. She's interested in making party music. Jim Jonsin worked on Beyonce's "Sweet Dreams" he stated some sexy mid-tempos songs will be featured too.



Inspired by a Classic MJ Album


One thing that is mentioned frequently about her fourth upcoming album is the artists that inspire her. Those influences will come from The Stylistics, Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill and of course Michael Jackson's album "Off The Wall." This was the precursor album to "Thriller." Beyonce said this is so random with mixing it with many people. "Off the Wall" is my favorite Michael Jackson album, so I'm very interested to hear Beyonce's spin on this classic.