50. Beyonce "If I Were a Boy"

This entry kicks off my annual year end music bonanza. Starting with my 50 songs of 2008. Enjoy!

I have this theory that Beyonce is a neo-feminist icon for the generation of girls who have Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan to look up to. From her “Independent Women” days of Destiny’s Child to her all-female backing band, Beyonce has made shrewd career choices that strengthened her and by extension made her an exceptional role model for young girls. Songs like “Irreplaceable” and “Ring the Alarm” are assertive and heartfelt. Though many times she does sing a lot about men or her relationships with men, it’s how she sings it. She’s no ho, she’s not a bitch. She’s a woman, through and through.

“If I Were A Boy” is probably Beyonce’s most vulnerable and emotional songs in her oeuvre. The song presents a role reversal (more explicitly seen in the music video) in which Beyonce plays the man, snubbing and ignoring her partner. The song is an extremely successful ballad with some of Beyonce’s best vocal work. Her voice is emotive, with just the right amount of mourning and torment balanced with a mature restraint. Despite the scorned nature of the lyrics, Beyonce remains poised and retains her strength and that’s something to be admired.

Beyonce - If I were A Boy (New)
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