Start Over
| "Start Over" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Beyoncé from the album 4 | |
| Recorded | 2011, MSR Studios, Jungle City Studios (New York City; New York) |
| Genre | R&B |
| Length | 3:19 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Writer(s) | Shea Taylor, Beyoncé Knowles, Ester Dean |
| Producer(s) | Taylor, Knowles |
"Start Over" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé taken from her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). It was written by Shea Taylor, Knowles and Ester Dean and produced by the former two. The song's development was motivated by the fact that Knowles traveled around the world and experienced different cultures which inspired love and purity inside her. A mid-tempo pop, pop rock and soul-influenced R&B ballad, "Start Over" finds the female protagonist affirming her individuality and expressing her love for a man with whom she attempts to start a relationship all over again. Knowles' vocals are accompanied by electric and enticing beats; the song's instrumentation includes drums and synthesizers.
"Start Over" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics, who noted that the song was quite similar to Knowles' older material. The placement of the song on the track-listing was criticized by critics, who thought that it made "Start Over" barely distinguishable. However, the beats arrangement and the vulnerability of Knowles' vocals were highlighted by many critics. Following the release of 4, "Start Over" charted at number 43 on the South Korea Gaon International Chart based on downloads alone.
"Start Over" was written by Shea Taylor, Knowles and Ester Dean and produced by the Knowles and Taylor. It was recorded at MSR Studios and Jungle City Studios in New York City, New York. "Start Over" was mixed by Serban Ghenea with further assistance from Phil Seaford and it was engineered by John Hanes with further assistance from Ramon Rivas and Pete Wolford. Beginning on June 16 to June 27, 2011, the songs from 4 were available to listen to in full each day on Knowles' official website, paired with its accompanying photo spread from the album packaging and an insightful quote. On June 22, 2011, "Start Over" was the fourth song to be chosen. The quote found Knowles elaborating on what motivated her to record a song like "Start Over": "For the first time in my life I was able to travel the world, hear different influences, see different types of dance and choreography and taste different types of food. It was important that I was able to digest everything: It inspired purity, more heart and more love."
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