1. Crazy in love
“Crazy in love” was the first single from the singer’s 2003 debut solo album “Dangerously in love”. The smash hit spawned two Grammy wins for Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
The track, which sampled Chi-Lites’ minor hit “Are you my woman ? (tell me so)”, has an iconic music video choreographed by Beyoncé herself.
Carmit Bachar of The Pussycat Dolls appeared in the clip.
2. Halo
The intimate power ballad is taken from her third studio album “I am… Sasha Fierce”. It received praise from music critics.
Written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder and Evan “Kidd” Bogart, the song faced criticism for having similarities with Kelly Clarkson’s single “Already gone”, another track penned by Tedder.
The music video features American actor Michael Ealy (Barbershop, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Takers). He also appeared in the clip for Mariah Carey’s 2005 hit “Get your number”.
3. Irreplaceable
Originally written for Faith Hill and Shania Twain, the girl power anthem was released as the third single from Beyoncé’s 2006 album “B’Day” topping charts worldwide including in the US for ten consecutive weeks.
Ne-Yo wrote the lyrics inspired by his aunt and her unfaithful lover.
4. Single ladies (put a ring on it)
Recorded at the Boom Boom Room studios in California, the song was an instant success thanks also to the music video.
The black and white clip was directed by Jake Nava who had previously worked with Beyoncé on two other music videos: “Crazy in love” and “Baby boy”.
The success was such, that thousands of homemade versions were posted on Youtube.
5. Love on top
Released on September 12, 2011, this mid-’80s r&b influenced tune is taken from Beyoncé “4” album.
The music video, filmed in a penthouse studio in New York, is inspired from some of her favourite male groups. “I remember seeing videos from New Edition, The Jackson 5 and The Temptations, bands I love for their beautiful harmonies, and precise choreography and I always wanted to make a video and be part of a boy group myself. It was so much fun. I put my heart and soul into ‘Love On Top’” she said at the time.
