The album 's first half is full of artistic experimentation , culminating in a sleepy collection of ballads . Vocally , she 's never been better , but the songs are n't she 's equal . The singer is at her best when she feels like no one but herself , such as in ` ` ' ''
The album 's first half is full of conflicting ambitions , resulting in a sleepy recital of ballads . Vocally , she 's never sounded better , but the songs are n't Beyoncé 's equal . The singer is at her best when she sounds like no one but herself , such as in `` Countdown ''