With 17 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades to her name, Beyoncé Knowles is so legendary that she needs only be known by one name. From her role as the frontwoman of Destiny's Child to her career as a solo artist, Beyoncé's voice is instantly iconic and her songs have been pushing musical boundaries for the better part of three decades.
Counted down here are ten of Beyoncé's most memorable and groundbreaking songs, ranging from her greatest commercial successes to her more experimental offerings.
10. "Listen"
Writers: Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, Beyoncé Knowles
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #61
Written for the movie musical Dreamgirls, "Listen" is a sweeping R&B ballad sung from the perspective of Deena Jones (as portrayed by Beyoncé). In the song, Deena rises above being underestimated and counted out by those around her. It's a powerful anthem of self-empowerment that features one of her finest vocal performances to date.
09. "XO"
Writers: Ryan Tedder, Terius Nash, Beyoncé Knowles
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #45
As the lead single off of Beyoncé's history-making surprise self-titled album, "XO" was one of the album's few radio-friendly tracks. With its celebratory pop composition and heartfelt lyrics, the song helped to introduce a more mature side of Beyoncé as a singer. It's an honest love song that honours the preciousness of life.
08. "I Was Here"
Writer: Diane Warren
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: N/A
Having written hits for the legendary divas Cher and Celine Dion, songwriter extraordinaire Diane Warren penned the power ballad "I Was Here" for Beyoncé's fourth album 4. Its concerns with the legacies we leave behind speak brilliantly to Beyoncé's status as a role model. Paired with her flawless vocals, this track is one of her most stirring ballads.
07. "Run the World (Girls)"
Writers: Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Beyoncé Knowles, Wesley Pentz, David Taylor, Adidja Palmer Nick van de Wall
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #29
Female empowerment has long been a recurring theme in Beyoncé's career and "Run the World (Girls)" is easily her most anthemic song. Rather than reflecting upon the inequalities women face, this track takes a more positive spin on feminism and celebrates the power of the female sex. It also marked a significant shift in her career as an artist and provided her fans with a more ambitious sound.
06. "Pretty Hurts"
Writers: Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler, Beyoncé Knowles
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: N/A
As the flipside to "Run the World (Girls)," "Pretty Hurts" takes an honest look at the unrealistic expectations society places on the physical appearance of women. Thanks to the genius of lyrical "It Girl" Sia Furler, this song examines the darker side of beauty and it allowed Beyoncé to explore her own insecurities. The result is both haunting and beautiful.
05. "Countdown"
Writers: Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Beyoncé Knowles, Ester Dean, Cainon Lamb, Julie Frost, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #71
"Countdown" is a brilliant piece of ear candy that is deliciously catchy and experimental. This dance track serves as one of the standouts from 4 and was a major return to form for the singer. Combined with its stunning music video (complete with Audrey Hepburn references), "Countdown" is the musical equivalent of a pick-me-up.
04. "Irreplaceable"
Writers: Shaffer Smith, Beyoncé Knowles, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjorklund
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1
After the lacklustre performance of the lead singles off of her sophomore effort B'Day, Beyoncé released "Irreplaceable" as the album's third single and it led to a definitive moment in her career. Her sassy attitude on the track paired with the chanting lyrics "to the left, to the left" made this guitar-led kiss-off a masterpiece.
03. "Halo"
Writers: Ryan Tedder, Beyoncé Knowles, E. Kidd Bogart
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #5
As Beyoncé's signature ballad, "Halo" is a transcendent downtempo R&B track from her seminal I Am… Sasha Fierce album. The song showcased a more vulnerable side to the singer and allowed her to indulge in her lower register. "Halo" continues to be one of her most memorable singles and is routinely performed as an encore during her concerts.
02. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Writers: Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and its Bob Fosse-inspired music video lit the music industry on fire upon its release. The song inspired countless people to record themselves re-enacting the video's choreography and Beyoncé's brash attitude on the track cemented her status as a pop culture icon.
01. "Crazy in Love"
Writers: Beyoncé Knowles, Rich Harrison, Shawn Carter, Eugene Record
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1
With the release of her debut single "Crazy in Love," Beyoncé announced her presence as a solo star and established herself as a force to be reckoned within the music industry. The song's bombastic horn section paired with Beyoncé's exuberant vocals and Jay-Z's memorable rap verses skyrocketed this record to number one. Even though Beyoncé and Jay-Z have since paired up on many other songs, "Crazy in Love" is a truly magical collaboration that stands strong as Queen Bey's greatest solo effort.
With the release of her debut single "Crazy in Love," Beyoncé announced her presence as a solo star and established herself as a force to be reckoned within the music industry. The song's bombastic horn section paired with Beyoncé's exuberant vocals and Jay-Z's memorable rap verses skyrocketed this record to number one. Even though Beyoncé and Jay-Z have since paired up on many other songs, "Crazy in Love" is a truly magical collaboration that stands strong as Queen Bey's greatest solo effort.
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