So, Beyonce is back. And, apparently, still channeling her alter ego Sasha Fierce. On “Girls (That Run The World),” the recently leaked lead single from her upcoming album, B. clamors to be heard over a beat that deserves better. The track was produced — or perhaps recycled — by Diplo and Switch, who use the dancehall–meets–marching–band drums from their 2009 hit “Pon De Floor.” Beyonce chants a simple chorus (“Who run the world? Girls!”) and preachy verses that do little to highlight her formidable vocal skills. It makes for easy dancing and singing, but the track is no deeper than a Ke$ha single.
Competition from other Top 40 divas, in fact, is what makes “Girls” even more disappointing. Britney gives us her all on the apocalyptic, AutoTuned “’Till the World Ends,” and Rihanna’s “S&M” is irresistibly naughty. The single certainly aims for a place in the canon of girl–power tracks — B’s own “Single Ladies” and the Destiny’s Child classic “Independent Woman (Part 2)” among them — but it’s hard to hear the message over all the noise. While “Girls” will no doubt do well on the dancefloor, we can’t help but wait for the second single.
Beyonce, "Girls (Who Run The World)"
2 Stars
