 Nolan Feeney of The Atlantic argued that " Jealous " was both one of the album 's best songs and one of singer 's most notable songs overall . Feeney felt that its message was interesting , particularly during the bridge , " It 's not exactly an apology , and it 's not exactly an admission that she 's somehow responsible for her date ( Jay Z , presumably ) not showing . But it is , by my count , only the second time in her solo career that Beyoncé has ever admitted that just maybe it 's she who 's in the wrong . " He went on to say that by moving away from the big and " sweeping " statements present in some of her older material , towards personal narration , Beyoncé managed to effectively examine the themes and statements she explored throughout her career . Feeney concluded by stating : " It 's not a breakup anthem , nor is it a declaration of undying love . It 's angry , it 's introspective , it 's regretful , it 's playful , it 's loving , and it 's everything in between . " 
