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One thing is clear: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter (Houston, Texas, 1981) came into this world to change it. The singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur has completely transformed the realm of music and art, taking entertainment to another level and arguably becoming the greatest performer of the 21st century.

Queen B is not just a pop culture icon but much more; she began performing in singing and dancing competitions at a very young age, even as a child. In the late 90s, she gained significant prominence as a member of the legendary group Destiny’s Child, alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Their debut hit «No, No, No» (1997)  and their best-selling album The Writing’s On The Wall (1999) paved the way for them to become one of the most successful musical groups.

The final separation from Destiny’s Child marked the birth of a new solo star with the release of Dangerously in Love (2003), followed by other major successes like B’Day (2006), I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), and 4 (2011). With a career solidified as one of the great divas of our time, her experimental albums, coupled with impressive visual work, elevated her artistic projection to another level. This is evident in Beyoncé (2013) and the highly acclaimed Lemonade (2016). In the latter, the artist delves into social issues, ranging from infidelity to feminism, and advocates for the rights of marginalized individuals.

A nearly 30-year journey reached its zenith with her latest album, Renaissance (2022), making Queen Bey the first solo artist to have her first seven albums debut at number one in the United States. This studio work pays homage to vogue culture, serving as both an artistic and social-political statement. It’s a cry for inclusivity and musical liberation, demonstrating experimental mastery as only Beyoncé has shown.

After the artist completed her third consecutive show in Los Angeles this week as a parf or her Renaissance World Tour, she was honored by her fans and even honored with a special «Happy Birthday» by Diana Ross herself. Now we in LOS40 USA want to pay our own tribute by recalling 42 of the hits that have propelled this diva to the highest heights!

42 Songs for 42 Years

1. No, No, No Part 1

In this early hit, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child sing about the complications of love and how sometimes saying «no» is necessary to protect oneself from a relationship that isn’t healthy.

2. Independent Women, Pt. 1

Featured on the «Charlie’s Angels» soundtrack, this song celebrates financial independence and the strength of women who can provide for themselves and their loved ones without relying on others.

3. Survivor

This anthem speaks of resilience in the face of adversity, with Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child expressing their determination to overcome challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

4. Crazy in Love ft. Jay Z

A passionate declaration of being head over heels in love, where Beyoncé’s powerful vocals convey the exhilaration and intensity of romantic feelings.

5. Irreplaceable

This song emphasizes self-worth and empowerment in a relationship. Beyoncé asserts her independence, making it clear that she won’t tolerate mistreatment.

6. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)

An iconic anthem that celebrates female independence and confidence. Beyoncé encourages women to embrace their single status and self-worth.

7. Halo

A beautiful love song that compares the feeling of love to the warmth and brightness of a halo. Beyoncé expresses deep affection and admiration for her partner.

8. Run the World (Girls)

An empowering track that celebrates female strength and leadership, asserting that women can conquer the world and should be recognized for their contributions.

9. Formation

A socially and politically charged song addressing issues of race, identity, and feminism. Beyoncé proudly celebrates her African-American heritage and demands respect and recognition.

10. Black Parade

Released during the Black Lives Matter protests, this song celebrates black culture, resilience, and unity. It’s a call to support black-owned businesses and uplift the black community.

11. Be Alive

Featured in the film «King Richard,» this song reflects on the challenges of life and the importance of perseverance and determination.

12. Already

Celebrating African culture and identity, this song featuring Shatta Wale and Major Lazer showcases the richness of the continent’s music and traditions.

13. Brown Skin Girl

A beautiful ode to women with brown skin featuring Blue Ivy SAINt JHN, celebrating their unique beauty and encouraging self-confidence.

14. Savage Remix

An empowering track that celebrates self-confidence and individuality. It features a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.

15. Black Is King

Part of a visual album, this song celebrates African culture and heritage, with Beyoncé as a symbol of empowerment and pride.

16. Diva

A song about self-confidence and embracing one’s own power and influence.

17. If I Were a Boy

Explores gender roles and empathy, imagining how life would be different if the roles were reversed.

18. Love On Top

A joyful love song that expresses happiness and devotion in a relationship.

19. Best Thing I Never Had

An empowering track about moving on from a failed relationship and realizing that it was for the best.

20. Countdown

Celebrates love and commitment, using a countdown theme to express the excitement of being in love.

21. Drunk in Love

A sensual and passionate song about desire and intoxicating love.

22. Partition

A provocative and seductive track that explores the intimate moments of a relationship.

23. Sorry

Empowerment and unapologetic self-expression, addressing infidelity and self-worth.

24. Hold Up

Expresses vulnerability and jealousy in a relationship while acknowledging the importance of trust.

25. Freedom

A powerful anthem for freedom and justice, highlighting the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities.

26. MOOD 4 EVA

Here, Beyoncé, together with her husband Jay-Z and Childish Gambino, celebrates success and living one’s best life while addressing the pressures of fame and wealth.

27. Water

A collab featuring Salatiel and Pharrel Williams that reflects on healing and transformation, comparing life’s challenges to water’s ability to shape and mold.

28. Telephone ft. Lady Gaga

This iconic hit was released at a time when pop divas were breaking free, showing their most provocative side and defying canons. Telephone is a classic and here two titans of the genre join forces: Mrs. Lady Gaga and Mrs. Beyoncé!

29. Bigger

Inspires confidence and self-worth, encouraging individuals to embrace their greatness.

30. My Power

Empowers women to embrace their strength and independence, highlighting their influence.

31. Ring the Alarm

Expresses anger and betrayal in a relationship, capturing the emotions of jealousy and frustration.

32. Beautiful Liar

A duet with the Colombian legend Shakira that explores the theme of deception and mistrust in love.

33. Check On It

«Check On It» could be described as a playful and flirty track that exudes confidence and charm. Here, Beyoncé collaborates with rappers Bun B and Slim Thug

34. Upgrade U

Celebrates personal growth and ambition, with Beyoncé expressing her desire to uplift and empower her partner.

35. Flaws and All

Expresses unconditional love and acceptance in a relationship, flaws and all.

36. Pretty Hurts

Critiques societal beauty standards and the pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals.

37. 7/11

A carefree and fun song that invites listeners to let loose and dance.

38. Heaven

A touching tribute to loved ones who have passed away, reflecting on their memory and the afterlife.

39. Daddy Lesson

Blends country and pop, discussing lessons learned from her father and the importance of family.

40. Sandcastles

Reflects on repairing a broken relationship and the emotions that come with reconciliation.

41. Cuff It

Beyoncé brings us another iconic dance-pop hit, matching the groove in Renaissance. Here she talks about falling in love, partying hard and getting to where she has never been before. A savage night out.

42. Break My Soul

Queen Bey has made history with this epic anthem in which she revindicates her self-empowerment and the influence of other black singers and songwriters like Rosetta Tharpe, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, her sister Solange Knowles, Kelly Rowland or Lizzo, among others.