The first time I heard Beyoncé’s 4, I didn’t like it. It was different than what we normally get from her. That’s not to say that I thought it was bad; I just wasn’t quite ready to embrace this new, mature Beyoncé. Because I have a 3-go’round rule when listening to new music, I kept playing 4 in the hopes that something would eventually stick. By the time I was finished with my third listen, I was impressed.
It’s hard for an artist to go outside of what is expected of them and do something different. Yes, there are still songs on 4 that make you dance, and even some that could be adapted as personal anthems, but they all have a different feel to them. This is not the teenaged Beyoncé who is trying to establish herself. No, this is the married, about to be a mother, grown-ass Beyoncé. I like her.
This is also the Beyoncé that is still digging deep and finding herself. In my opinion, Beyoncé is probably the closest thing to the ultimate entertainer that we have seen since Michael Jackson (R.I.P.). I in no way believe that this is Beyoncé’s Thriller album…she’s branching out, but still holding on to the things that made her popular in the first place.
I thought it appropriate since it seems like everyone is on Baby Jayoncé watch that I give her CD another listen. 4 turned into one of my favorite CDs of 2011, and it leaves me wondering what she is going to do next. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow, both as a woman and artist.
We’re halfway through and I’m going with a classic for # 5. It is the impeccable and stylish voice of none other than Nancy Wilson. I love Ms. Nancy’s voice…it is soothing and enchanting. Her version of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve is one of my favorites.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on December 19, 2009 by LittleMissLounge
This song reminds me of the times that my family gathers. I imagine my aunts, my mom, and my granny in the kitchen whipping up tasty treats with this song playing in the background. It is full of joy, and gently reminds us why we celebrate Christmas. Let’s listen to Soul Holiday by The Sounds of Blackness.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on April 14, 2010 by SoundsBlacknessVEVO
Up next is something a little different. I always hear this song in the mall during the holiday season, and it always makes me snap my fingers and sing along.
Plus…it’s George Michael. Enough said.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on October 25, 2009 by WhamVEVO
Christmas doesn’t begin until I hear Let It Snow by Boyz II Men. It has been that way ever since Christmas Interpretations was released; I have full faith that tradition will continue. And when I hear Let It Snow, my mind kicks into Christmas gear. I make myself and The Boy big mugs of hot chocolate and stoke up the fireplace and sit and listen to the entire album. I usually lose The Boy around the second or third song…this year, I’m not even sure if I can get him to sit through the first.
But I’ll still be there, by the fireplace, candles lit, Boyz II Men crooning softly. Since I put Let It Snow on the list last year, I have to choose a different song…and I choose Who Would Have Thought. Whew…those harmonies!
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on November 17, 2009 by Perdecat3
Last year I did a countdown of my favorite Christmas songs. I spent a great deal of time trying to whittle that list down to just 10. I figured that since I’ve been blessed to see another Christmas, why mess with a good thing? I’ll just do another countdown of my favorites this year.
So we are going in no particular order (because really, last year’s Silent Night by the Temps and This Christmas by Donny Hathaway are still #1 and #2, respectively), and we begin with the voice of an angel.
Whitney Houston in the BEST Joy to the World version, period.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on September 6, 2008 by selujlyrad04
The first time I heard Beyoncé’s 4, I didn’t like it. It was different than what we normally get from her. That’s not to say that I thought it was bad; I just wasn’t quite ready to embrace this new, mature Beyoncé. Because I have a 3-go’round rule when listening to new music, I kept playing 4 in the hopes that something would eventually stick. By the time I was finished with my third listen, I was impressed.
