8. Ego
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbnPkK76Ask Ego stands as the single most potent mash-up of Beyoncé's two biggest strengths, soulful tracks that bring the house down and provocative wordplay that rides throughout the track. The goofy surface innuendo melts away once she flips the script and declares her own big ego to be something of massive pride. Devastating the swagger of the opposite sex and internalising the more innate experiences of masculinity without ever losing an ounce of femininity in the process is a tricky task Beyoncé delivers on with ease. Everything about the track informs some aspect of bigness, from the production to the amount of sass she slathers throughout. And let's not forget the single most comedic moment in Beyoncé's repertoire where she announces her plans to sing along with just the piano. Then pulling the move off flawlessly without a hint of hesitation. I know of no other artist who can distort the line between improvisation and calculated comedy so deftly. That moment distills the message of Ego into a tight little package; fearlessness at any cost.
Ryan Curtis Outcault
Contributor
Two years on in Los Angeles and I am no closer to unearthing the secrets to its successes and riches as portrayed on inspirational programming like The Hills and NUMB3RS, maybe I just haven't joined the right cult yet. My hobbies include buying music on analog formats, considering the implications of Inception to this day and not sunbathing. I might be bewildered, but its better than sitting pretty and ignorant.
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Ryan