Countdown (Beyoncé song)
Countdown is a song by Beyoncé from her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). It was released as a single on October 4, 2011. The track was written by Beyoncé along with Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Ester Dean, Cainon Lamb, Julie Frost, and members of Boyz II Men, with production by Beyoncé, Taylor, and Lamb. It samples Boyz II Men’s 1991 song “Uhh Ahh” and blends R&B with funk, dancehall, reggae, and world music influences. The lyrics celebrate loyalty and love in a bold, playful way.
Beyoncé aimed to mix musical styles from the 1990s and 1970s for Countdown. The song has a brisk tempo and a brass-driven, catchy chorus. It was sent to radio as the fifth single from the album. The accompanying music video, directed by Adria Petty, was filmed while Beyoncé was pregnant and features a collage of retro and contemporary dance moves, with nods to Audrey Hepburn’s Funny Face and other pop-culture visuals. The video sparked discussion over visual inspirations and was praised for its energy, ultimately winning Best Editing at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.
Commercially, Countdown performed well on the dance charts, reaching number one on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. It also peaked at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop chart, earning a Gold certification from the RIAA. In the UK, it reached the top 40. Critics widely praised the song for its originality, brass hooks, and Beyoncé’s confident performance, and it appeared on many year-end lists as one of 2011’s best songs.
Beyoncé performed Countdown in various live shows, including her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé, The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, and The Formation World Tour. The track has inspired covers and fan-made videos, highlighting its lasting impact.
Credits for Countdown, including writers, producers, and sample, are listed with the album liner notes.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:15 (CET).