The Best of Beyoncé Through the Years
There’s no denying that Beyoncé has been fiercely and ingeniously steering the music scene with her exemplary style since her debut in the industry in the late ‘90s. She remained a dedicated member of Destiny’s Child for a few more years, but her meteoric rise to fame as a solo artist made her an instant phenomenon and an icon of the decade.
So, imagine everyone’s surprise when the world got their hands on Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, Renaissance, two days before its official release. This was her first new album since 2016's critically acclaimed concept record, Lemonade. So, let’s go ahead and pay homage to her best songs to date. We’re sure there’s bound to be one or two of your favorites in this top 15 list, for sure.
If Angels Could Sing
Perhaps one of Beyoncé’s most memorable singles is ‘Halo,’ a meaningful song made even more special thanks to her powerful vocal ability. The track was included in her I Am … Sasha Fierce album and garnered multiple praises for its incredible pop sounds.
A Parade Unlike Any Other
‘Black Parade,’ 2020’s unexpected Juneteenth release blends trap and hip-hop over an electronic beat. Beyoncé's lyrics are an orchestrated celebration of Black history, activism, and identity. Amazing, huh?
She’s an Unbreakable Force
Queen B’s latest offering, ‘Break My Soul,’ features a stunning mix of Robin S.’s 1993 club thumper “Show Me Love,” Big Freedia’s “Explode,” and Beyoncé’s own unrestrained vocals. Suffice it to say, this might just answer the question of what she has in store for her new album!
Formation for the Future
The song in question, ‘Formation,’ apparently has a lackluster melody and hooks, but it’s more than made up for by Beyoncé’s biting social commentary on racial and political issues.
Worth Listening Indeed
As far as ballads go, ‘Listen’ takes the cake for being the most thought-provoking. Beyoncé’s performance as Deena Jones of a great song in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls was one of four brand-new songs composed for the movie.
R&B’s Most Dynamic Pair
As Beyoncé and Jay-Z dance to the R&B banger hit ‘Deja-Vu,’ the underlying chemistry between them is palpable. Since then, no other pair in hip-hop history could top their dynamic screen presence. The lead single was successful in further solidifying Beyoncé's position as a rising icon.
One of Her Best Ever
The song ‘Best I Never Had’ was released in 2011, and Beyoncé's delivery of the lines is anything but soft, despite the song’s lovely piano accompaniment and swooping ballad trappings. Those searching for a song about an empowered woman will surely adore this single.
Girl Power Everywhere
Beyoncé has made a significant impact by continuously advocating for women with rousing, unsubtle anthems of empowerment. The song “Run the World (Girls)” is a hip-hop hit that oozes with confidence as it celebrates women's strength, propelled by sultry backing vocals. A crowd favorite, for sure.
The Sweetest Dreams There Is
Beyoncé's electro-pop masterpiece from I Am ... Sasha Fierce was first dubbed ‘Beautiful Nightmare,’ but they eventually changed it to ‘Sweet Dreams.’ Interestingly, many listeners thought it sounded a bit similar to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’
A Man’s Not Irreplaceable
Beyoncé’s ex-boyfriend was told to go “to the left, to the left” until he finally left her life for good when she sang ‘Irreplaceable.’ The track is so catchy; it’s no wonder it eventually became a catchphrase for single women.
Making Men Understand Women
Beyoncé's performance in ‘If I Were a Boy’ is a perfect fit for the reflective tone of the song. She thoroughly immerses herself in the gentle reflection of the ballad, even though the song is technically a cover and was released by its co-writer BC Jean.
A Love So Crazy
Beyoncé used a sample from The Chi-Lites’ 1970 song ‘Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)’ for her solo debut, ‘Crazy in Love,’ and she used that to let her fans know she was here to have some fun!
On Top of the World
Not only does ‘Love on Top’ feature a beautiful variety of keys, but it also serves as a platform for Beyoncé’s undervalued range by having her vocals rise to dizzying heights reminiscent of Diana Ross.
Being Single Isn’t So Bad
Finally, ‘Single Ladies’ takes the number one spot as it takes the world by storm. For this, Beyoncé received three Grammy trophies, a true testament to her remarkable talent!
This list is just the tip of the iceberg, as we’re confident there’s still a handful of Beyoncé hits that deserve further recognition. In June, she gave fans a taste of what was to come with the release of the mirror ball-worthy first song, ‘Break My Soul,’ and she has stayed true to that musical direction on her new album. In any case, we can’t wait to hear what else she has in store for us!