"Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyonce

 American singer Beyoncé Knowles has new song "Best Thing I Never Had" taken from her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). It was released by Columbia Records on June 1, 2011, as the second single from the album. "Best Thing I Never Had" was composed by Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Symbolyc One, Caleb McCambell, Atonio Dixon, Knowles and Shea Taylor. As stated by Smith, "Best  which was originally not a ballad, was inspired by the drums of Doug E. Fresh's song "The Show".
An R&B-pop song, "Best Thing I Never Had" has lyrics about revenge and karma. Not wanting to end up broken-hearted, the female protagonist relates that she feels happy to have parted from her love interest who did not recognize the potential of leading a happy life beside her. Critical reception towards "Best Thing I Never Had" has been generally positive; several music critics noted that its theme and style bear resemblance to Knowles' 2006 single, "Irreplaceable". Knowles' vocals and the lyrical content of the song were also complimented.
"Best Thing I Never Had" peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and has so far reached a high point of number seven on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The single also peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and at number two on the Irish Singles Chart and the Polish Airplay Chart. Elsewhere, "Best Thing I Never Had" was at number one on the South Korea Gaon International Chart , UK R&B Chart, and the US Hot Dance Club Play charts. The single also reached the top 10 in New Zealand , Australia , Belgium , Slovakia and Scotland. It generally reached the top 40 in other European territories. It has so far received gold certifications by both the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the New Zealand (RIANZ).

The accompanying music video for the the single was by Diane Martel. In the video, Knowles is seen getting ready for her wedding. She recalls how her ex-love interest who never gave her the attention she deserved. Critics generally praised Knowles as looking stunning in the bridal suite and commended her ability to sing directly to the camera, affirming the subject of the song that she was the best he ever had. "Best Thing I Never Had" was promoted by several live performances of Knowles, notably at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival and on the televised show.