Beyonce, ‘Love on Top’ – Song Review

Beyonce gives thanks to a lover for putting her 'Love on Top' in a soulful pop tune from her upcoming fourth solo album, '4.'

We love the retro elements of this track, with its finger snaps, horns and an old-school feel that makes us swear we must have heard the song before on some Whitney Houston record from the '80s. Accompanied by sweet backing harmonies on the bridge and chorus, Beyonce sings:

"Baby it's you, you're the one I love / You're the one I need / You're the only one I see / Come on baby it's you / You're the one that gives your all / You're the one I can always call / When I need you make everything stop / Finally you put my love on top."

We can't help but notice how many of the compliments are preceded by the word "finally," like when Bey sings, "Nothing's perfect, but it's worth it after fighting through my tears / And finally you put me first." The singer seems to be sending subtle digs that her man didn't give her his full attention before.

At least he's doing a better job now -- and he'd better keep it up, because we know she will drop him in a second if he doesn't hold up his end of the deal. In that sense, 'Love on Top' is both a sweet love song and an expression of girl power.

The glorious chorus carries the final two minutes of the song through three(!) key changes, as Beyonce's vocals keep reaching higher and higher. Just one minor quibble: At the end, when the synths drop out, why does the song fade out so soon? Another 20 seconds of the stripped-down chorus would've been a nicer way to go out.

'Love on Top' and the rest of '4,' including lead single 'Run the World (Girls),' have already leaked online but will see an official release on June 28.

Listen to Beyonce, 'Love on Top'