Guest blogger:Marian 1

From Miss Bootylicious to Mrs. Carter, Queen Bey (Beyoncé) has been on top for years with her body popping melodies and soulful vocals. All 15 songs on the album differ from anything ‘Yoncé has ever done. She has broken from her alter egos, and finally came out with a self-entitled album that showcases her life— including Blue Ivy and Mr. Carter himself—with “a soft new focus” and “an insinuating sensuality”. With the release of the album in late, winter of 2013, the most memorable song was “Drunk In Love” featuring Jay Z. The song incorporated that R&B sound we all know and love from Beyoncé, but with elements of hip/hop like “chunky trap beats” executed by Jay Z. Having both artists collaborate like never before —since this is the very first time they are teaming up as a married couple—makes fans excited like never before. While this song is similar to Lauryn Hill’s 2014 song “Consumerism”, and shares the same qualities of Bey and Jay’s past collaborations such as “Bonnie & Clyde”, “Drunk In Love” opens up about Beyoncé’s new love life and beginnings that serve as a different caliber than an easy flow and quick rapping. Considering the caliber of the song, fame doesn’t only come with the melodies, but the lyrics too. The 15th top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 has everyone saying the most random, yet catchy, word of the decade: “surfboard”. The lyric is memorable since it shows the extent of Beyoncé’s singing career and fame, as well as the affective communication used in her music. Like critic Mike Wass, I believe that “Drunk In Love” was “exquisitely produced” and shows the growth from Beyoncé’s love affair with Jay Z in “Crazy In Love”, and, in “Drunk In Love” , show that their “union grew stronger with each passing year”. This song is worth anyone’s time when they want to escape routine, and feel driven to do something different. In addition to this, we see Miss “flawless” get in touch with her vulnerable side by releasing her most breathtaking song yet: “Pretty Hurts”. Unlike “Listen” & “Halo”, this song in the Beyonce album, once again, reveals something about the extraordinary artist as she relates to every girl and women across the world about self-disclosure and self-esteem. The song touches your heart by relaxing your mind and soul with the light and easy background music, along with the loud yet soothing, distinct voice of Beyonce. The artist’s vocals may be compared to Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and Mariah Carey’s “I Still Believe” considering its soft background music, and a strong female R&B vocalist. Something that stands out is the beginning of the song where Beyonce is answering a beauty pageant question. The question is “What is your aspiration in life?”, and Beyonce says, “To be happy”. While this isn’t a lyric, it gives people an idea of the situation the song has to deal with. Besides that, the title of the song is what stands out as a lyric, and that Beyonce encourages and aspires to be “comfortable in her own skin”. Looking at lyrics, the song seems similar to Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” and, looking at difficult situations and oneself, Eminem’s “Gone”, except with an R&B atmosphere. Once again, many critics feel that the empowering song is a “gorgeous plea for self-acceptance”, and I couldn’t agree more. Despite the fact that sanctioning anthems seem overrated and old news, there is nothing wrong with being reminded, and in such a beautiful and textured way. Overall, the song contains the amazing, the unexpected, and the best, and is worth every cent and dime you have.