Here is round two of Beyoncé! Last week I started a series on Beyoncé songs according to their respective album. For those of you who are fans of Beyoncé but do not know some of her lesser known songs, here is the ultimate guide for Beyoncé songs. I definitely recommend listening to all of them because Beyoncé is my love and her voice is goals.
“Deja Vu”
I think we can all agree when I say that Beyoncé and Jay-Z duets are magical. Bey’s first album featured their hit “Crazy in Love” and in her second solo album, she truly showcases her vocal range. Additionally, this song is so catchy that I would sing it in the shower.
“Get Me Bodied”
This song is what I would work out to, and by work out, I mean speed walk to my 8 a.m. class in the freezing cold. This song is the start of Beyoncé’s feminist playlist. I feel very empowered and inspired to work out or dance at an Old K party. Don’t be surprised if you see me hard-core jamming to this on Middle Path or in Peirce.
“Suga Mama”
Imagine you are a pop singer in the Wild West during the Jazz Age. Interesting, right? Well that’s exactly what this song reminds me of. While Beyoncé does compare herself to a Jolly Rancher in the first line, I think this represents every girl when she wants a man. I know I would serenade a guy using this song.
“Upgrade U”
First thing’s first—this is mine, Amelia Yeager, and Maddie Rule’s ultimate jam. We would sit in the Upper Gund common room and have a dance party. Also, this is the first song that comes to mind when I get an upgrade on my phone, because let’s be honest: a relationship with your phone is better (and more trustworthy) than any man. Jay-Z makes another appearance; talk about relationship goals.
“Ring the Alarm”
This song starts out very intense, but then takes a turn into a very chill song. Like I would “rock chinchilla coats” if it means that I can listen to this song all day.
“Kitty Kat”
Not going to lie—I thought this song was going to be about Kit Kats. It’s most definitely not. Basically, Yonce is fed up with her beau and wants nothing more to do with him. She goes on about how great she is and embodies a feminist character.
“Freakum Dress”
Not only does this song start out with the first line of my favorite Hamlet soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” it also has a poppin’ beat. I think every girl has her own “freakum dress” that they would have no trouble strutting around in.
“Green Light”
I listen to this in the car as I drive through the streets of my hometown (Seattle). I’m either frustrated or very chill, regardless, Beyoncé adds a carefree and happy mood on my drives to the grocery store and Starbucks.
“Irreplaceable”
Oh my gosh! This is the end of my existence. As a placeholder in my top five Beyoncé songs, “Irreplaceable” holds a special place in my heart. It always reminds me of getting over a crush…or that one friend who just automatically exited your life. Beyoncé’s vocals in this are absolutely flawless and soothing and make me sound like a dying animal if I sing it in the shower.
“Resentment”
Dear whoever hurt Beyoncé enough to make her write this song, I hate you but love you at the same time. Honestly, Bey did amazing work with this song both vocally and emotionally; I could hear the pain in her voice and got the sense that she was trying to move on as best as she can. Go Bey, go!
“Check On It”
Three words: Guys. At. Parties. They sneak up on you just to dance with you, or at least they try to. Little do they know that us women know that they want to dance with us even before they even consider approaching us.
“Listen”
Vocals. Vocals. Vocals. Emotions. I can’t handle Beyoncé’s talent. I hear and feel her emotion in this ballad. Let’s just say if you see me crying and screaming these lyrics anywhere, I’m okay…a little emotionally unstable, but okay.
Overall, Beyoncé’s second solo album brings out her feminist vibes, which were not so present in her first album. Almost every one of these songs was a top hit in the pop industry and are still popular today. Her influential style and unique voice are what makes Beyoncé the top female singer in modern day society.