I’m hopping around different wifi spots trying to get a fast connection so I can multi-task. So I went from the library to Barnes and Noble Cafe, but I didn’t actually shut down or restart my PC before I changed wifi names so my connection was screwy when I got here. I knew I was going to have to disconnect or restart, but I had written a lot for the post I planned to post tonight and I didn’t want to lose it.
So what do I do? I COPY what I had written. I actually copied it THREE times just to be sure I had it. So I move, restart, re-connect, pull up WordPress and think it’s gonna be a simple thing of pasting what I had written. NOPE!!! Because it’s ME for whatever reason the stuff I copied didn’t keep. So I tried to paste three times and nothing.
So … sorry, readers (are you out there?) Nothing today. I’m not staying consistent and I’m a little upset about it, but I’m tired and irritated and just don’t have the energy anymore. So that’s that.
You want to know what it was that I was trying to put together though? My Top 25 Favorite TV Shows of All Time. I might post it next week, who knows, but for now… you can at least see the little pic I made for the post. It’ll give you an inkling of what shows were included.
This post kills two birds with one stone. #BEYONCEWEEK is going ahead full steam, and I’m staying consistent with my Weekly #TopTwentyFiveTuesday, so… yay for me.
But nobody cares about all that, let’s just get into today’s list. MY FAVORITE Beyoncé songs. Being the huge fan I am, I have LOTS of favorites so it was a little difficult to file it down to only 25. There are lots of my other favorites that won’t make the list (“Video Phone”, “If”, “Get Me Bodied”, “***Flawless”, “That’s How You Like It”, “Disappear” to name a few), but what I ended up with I think is a good representation of her best music, her talents as a singer, and her ability to pick tracks that fit her perfectly.
So let’s get started shall we…
25. “1+1”
This slow burner is great because Bey balances subtle vocals which lead into some power notes. It’s a very beautiful, yet simple Alternative/Urban sound. The song definitely stands out as something unique and organic in her collection.
24. “Gift from Virgo”
A short, jazzy, breezy, soulful number that I didn’t immediately like from her solo debut. Now, every time it starts with that beautiful harmony I just can’t NOT listen to it. It’s really cute because it’s definitely an older sound, but the lyrics are more modern. Another instance of Beyonce’s ability to mix the old and the new.
23. “Yes”
I have always loved the writing on this song, one big example is how every other line alternates “You” and “I” at the beginning. I also really love the message of the song, because most people can relate to the idea of “the first time I say NO, it’s like I never said YES”, which can be related to lovers, friends, coworkers, family or anything.
22. “Ego”
Love the wordplay in this song, I love the cocky-ness, I love the “I got every reason to feel like I’m That Bitch”, and I love the groove of the track. Great song.
21. “Me, Myself and I”
One of those self-love anthems that so many people need to take to heart. I also love this song because it’s really fun to sing, and at times it’s pretty funny “no need to front like you’re still with me AAAALLL yo’ homies know!”
20. “Radio”
The best thing about this Electro/Urban/Dance track is the fact that the track is venturing into an area Bey hadn’t really been known for, but the lyrics and her vocal delivery is hilariously #ratchet (“I be on the hotline, like Err’day”) and just overall a really really fun song.
19. “Green Light”
“Give it to Mama”. Much like everything else on “B’Day”, this song is FUNKY and has some incredibly powerful vocals from our King. I also love the Neptunes production and how the song just builds and builds and builds, I never get tired of this song.
18. “Speechless”
This sexy Isley Brothers-esque slow-burner from Bey’s solo debut has definitely stood the test of time and become one of her classics.
17. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”
Can you believe I almost forgot to include this Iconic song. I’ll admit, when I first heard it I wasn’t completely in love (sounded too much like “Get Me Bodied”), but as it became the phenomenon it is, it definitely grew into one of my faves.
16. “No Angel”
It’s hard to even come up with the words to describe why I love this song so much. The production is so beautifully complex, I love the message, and it’s just a cool laid back/almost Indie sounding song that hasn’t grown old for me yet.
15. “Halo”
Her vocals on this are so strong and powerful, but it’s really just a sweet love ballad that has become a staple of her Discography for good reason.
14. “Grown Woman”
Boooo for Beyoncé never OFFICIALLY releasing this uptempo piece of GOLD. From the lovely vocal flow, to the African vibes at the end, and the empowering and confident lyrics. It’s one of her best and most fun songs.
13. “Smash Into You”
Even though I give this song the side-eye because of that whole “Smack” “Smash” songwriting thing, I can’t deny it’s one of my favorite Pop songs from her. I love singing along to it, simply put it’s just beautiful. And I can never shake the images of her performing this on her “I Am Tour” DVD, with all the Diana Ross-styled cape flowing.
(ugh, I wish I could find the “I Am Tour DVD” Version)
12. “Irreplaceable”
OKAY!!! Just like “Single Ladies”, I CANNOT BELIEVE I forgot about this one. I guess with some of her biggest hits (and this is one of her BIGGEST) I tend to look over them, but honestly this is a GREAT GREAT song. I gotta give Ne-Yo his due, because the lyrics on this kiss-off record are HILARIOUS. But Beyonce makes it such a fun song to sing along with, and the attitude and tone of her voice matches perfectly. (I actually published this post and like 10 seconds later remembered I NEEDED to include this. No Harm, No Foul)
11. “Blow”
Well first of all, this song is Funky and Nasty just like a Prince or Rick James song in the 80’s. I love the retro-style of it, and I love how raunchy the lyrics are. Overall though, this is a REALLY good song, great vocals, perfect production, and fun fun fun.
10. “XO”
This song just makes me smile. EVERY TIME. Easily one of her best.
9. “Suga Mama”
Beyoncé and Rich Harrison make a great team, and this is Beyoncé at her FUNKIEST. Her vocals, all those soulful grunts and heft to her voice match perfectly with the track that drips with that hot buttered soul. I also really love the wordplay and the ad-libs and background stuff. I remember listening to this track for the first time and marveling at how Beyoncé knows exactly how to fill up each second of every song perfectly.
8. “Mine” featuring Drake
I could be here all day talking about this song. It’s amazing because it’s a merger of so many things – simple piano and vocal intro, a bounce-like mid-section, the hip hop outro, and the back and forth play of Bey and Drake. It’s all of these things, mixed with amazing lyricism, but it never feels like it’s doing too much. It’s perfectly balanced and a great listen.
7. “Crazy in Love” featuring Jay-Z
Her classic! There’s not much more to say other than it holds lots of nostalgia for us in the Beyhive, and it’s a really fun and up-tempo track that is one of her most infectious.
6. “Countdown”
This track is too much fun, it’s like the amusement parks of Beyoncé songs because there’s so many great elements to enjoy. Her voice is strong in the sung parts, but she gives us that Beyoncé as rapper edge at certain points. The sample from Boyz II Men is creative and perfectly placed. It’s confessional, but not sappy. And all the different changes in the production make it one of those songs that continue to surprise and intrigue the listeners.
5. “I Miss You”
Just beautiful! It’s a very simple song, she gives very simple vocals, but it’s all about the feeling and emotion, which definitely comes through … maybe more so than any of her other ballads.
4. “Drunk in Love” featuring Jay-Z
#SURFBOARD – Look, we all love this song. It’s sexy as hell, it’s funny, it’s something you can dance to or get down (if you know what I mean) to. It has so many elements that made it the hit it is. And I have no doubt this will stand the test of time as one of her essential recordings.
3. “End of Time”
Who is still mad Bey never released this as an official single? *Raises Hand! I just think this song is perfect, it’s a sweet love song set to this infectiously percussion-driven track. She sings her heart out on the first verse and does her little staccato vocals on the second. It’s just everything we love about Beyoncé in 4 minutes, and though it’s a Fan favorite, it would have been nice to have the world fall in love with this song as well.
2. “Sweet Dreams”
Beyoncé steps almost completely out of her element on this Jim Jonson Electro-fied track. Yes it’s what some might call a Dance track, but it’s beautifully layered and the lyrics are so intricate and well done – which isn’t really the standard for modern Dance songs. And her voice is so on point. It’s another one I’ll NEVER tire of.
1. “Upgrade U” featuring Jay-Z
Yup! I loved this song on the first listen, and all through the years I’ve never ever ever ever got tired of this fun up-tempo Hip Hop track. The production is insane, Jay’s verse here might be the best of all of their collaborations, and Beyoncé is on fire vocally. She just kills it.
It’s still Tuesday somewhere. Actually it is here in California, but I’m just now posting this. Sorry for the delay.
Remember that time I posted my Top 100 Favorite Movies!? Well it’s since been deleted, and I re-ordered the list with plans on posting my Top 100 once again. I hadn’t done it yet, and I actually totally scrapped the idea, but it dawned on me that I should post at least the Top 25 for #TopTwentyFiveTuesday. I’m planning another Movie related post this week, and I thought it might be cute to have #TopTwentyFiveTuesday and #TopTenThursday be Movie themed.
So here goes, my Top 25 All Time Favorite Movies.
25. “Working Girl“
This corporate RomCom from 1988 is one of those Movies I’ll watch whenever it’s on. There’s something about the whole working class versus business class angle that appeals to me. Add to that there’s great comedic turns from the female leads Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver and Joan Cusack that make this a film that wins on all fronts. It’s also an inspiring story. I’m no female, but Tess’ struggles for empowerment in male dominated business makes her an easy character to root for and fall in love with.
24. “Cabaret”
Bob Fosse‘s Directorial debut is so classic, so sexy, so dark, and so ahead of it’s time. When I first saw it, I was actually shocked at the topics they covered – Bisexuality, Abortion, Violence – and unlike some musicals, Fosse never sugar-coats anything. The tone, the feel, the look of the movie is appropriately dark and gritty and ultra-sexual, but the performances by Liza Minnelli and Michael York provide a lightness and create characters you truly feel for. Great story and of course amazing dancing and songs.
The clip below I posted just because it’s the song that stuck with me on my most recent viewing of the movie. It’s from a pivotal moment in the movie, but it doesn’t lead where the characters think it will.
23. “South Park : Bigger Longer & Uncut”
Being the big “South Park” fan I am, all I have to say about this movie is that it’s Hilarious, Classic, Witty and Smart, just like the show. Another thing I’ll say… How about a sequel though (and please don’t let Randy Marsh take over like he’s been doing on recent episodes of the show – he gets on my nerves)
Here is one of the more hysterical songs in this off-kilter musical. It addresses the main topic of profanity and censorship that drive the Movie.
22. “Beetlejuice”
Tim Burton at his weirdest and funniest. This dark comedy about the after life has the Burton stamp by being funny, kooky and visually engaging. Add the inimitable acting job of Michael Keaton as the title character, and actually the great acting by the entire cast including Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, and even Glenn Shadix as the snobby Otho. They each bring their own spark to the film, matched with the great visual it’s a fun time Movie.
And of course, the most popular “possessed” scene in the Movie.
21. “Reservoir Dogs”
As you’ll see, I’m a big Quentin Tarantino fan. This film, his Directorial debut, is a master class in his Film making expertise. It’s very simple with hardly any frills, but there is true horror and suspense in just the things the characters say, showing that one can be effective in great storytelling without showing every single thing.
I love this scene, because that’s one thing in my opinion that Tarantino excels at… writing dialogue that feels and sounds like REAL people talking. Also, there’s some exposition here that is so subtly placed, another one of his gifts.
20. “Star Trek”
Not only is the casting great here, but the genius idea to take this beloved franchise and put it in a parallel universe was original in a time when originality seemed dead. JJ Abrams did a bang up job with the pacing, the look, and again the casting which is the movies biggest coupe. Go Read my Original Review, which I wrote after I was blown away the first time.
I love this scene because it was a great, intense, fast paced, and actually kind of funny scenes (like the Red suit guy being all amped!) in the whole Movie. One of many thought.
19. “Do The Right Thing“
This classic was a really big deal when it was first released in 1989, and watching it all these years later I see why. Spike Lee, in his finest Movie ever, gives us vivid characters and a colorful backdrop to address issues of race. In the end, viewers are forced to have discussions about what happened in the Movie and what is happening in our world. In that respect, Lee succeeded in a major way. Almost 25 years later, people still have heated discussions about this hot summer day in Brooklyn.
18. “What’s Love Got To Do With It”
Tina Turner had a hell of a life. Ups, Downs, Triumphs, Struggles, and while this Biopic seems to only scratch the surface of her volatile marriage to Ike Turner and her Epic comeback, it’s damn entertaining and has become a classic. It’s well-paced and features some great music, but most importantly it features two incredibly strong performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.
And of course, the highlight of the movie Music-wise is the “Proud Mary” montage which is one of the best Musical moments in Film.
17. “Poltergeist“
This is undoubtedly a Horror movie, and one of the Best, it’s full of ghosts and slime and terrorizing clowns. But what makes it great, is the humorous and satirical commentary on suburban living, and the laughs that come from a seemingly very normal and relateable family. It’s an interesting layer to the movie that adds to the fright.
16. “The Avengers”
This EPIC could have easily failed. If it was from bad casting, trying to do too much with the visual effects, adding a sappy love story, or if it was directed by Michael Bay. Luckily, the Marvel Universe picked the perfect Director in Joss Whedon, managed to draft the perfect script, and casted the perfect actors to bring these comic book heroes to life in a huge way. Flawless film.
And this is my favorite action sequence in the Movie, Thor versus Iron Man in a true “knock down drag out” fight.
15. “There Will Be Blood”
I’m a big Paul Thomas Anderson fan, and the genius he displays with this Excellent film confirms he’s one of the modern greats. Not only does Daniel Day Lewis act his ass off, with Paul Dano being a worthy nemesis, but the risk taking Direction from Anderson makes this his finest movie. The opening scene which has no dialogue, the horrific beauty of the oil eruption are cinematic art. There’s also lots of layers and complexities with the characters, it’s undeniably engaging and intriguing. It’s a perfectly done movie that speaks to many a issue.
This scene is one of my favorites, and one I think back and analyze over and over, shows the supposedly “godly” Eli trying to humiliate Plainview. Really powerful scene that says a lot about both characters.
14. “National Lampoon’s Vacation”
The Griswolds and their road trip to Wally World is an 80’s Comedy Classic, and one that I can watch over and over and laugh every single time. Chevy Chase was really in his prime playing this goofy suburban dad who is pushed to the brink of insanity trying to give his family the best Summer vacation ever, but failing hilariously at every step.
Poor dog!
13. “Grindhouse”
This collection is underrated among both Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez fans, but both films are actually incredible on their own. Put together with those hysterical mock-trailers, this was a creative idea that pays homage to classic B-rate cinema. “Planet Terror” is nearly perfect with it’s casting, one liners and b-movie gore, Rodriguez definitely succeeded in emulating that ohn Carpenter style of Movie while putting together an great story with stand out characters. Tarantino’s “Death Proof” has some of the best car stunts you’ll ever see, along with some great writing. Oh and Kurt Russell is both menacing and hilarious in maybe one of his best performances.
This scene is an example of the greatness of “Death Proof”, and Ill admit I have a sick side… I cracked up laughing the first time I saw this, because it was too good and unexpected.
12. “The Exorcist“
Though it still gives me chills to this day, I remember being 9 years old watching this movie for the first time. A week after, I still couldn’t sleep, making it the scariest Movie I’ve ever seen (“The Shining” probably gets the runner up prize). Watching it as an adult, you have to appreciate the fine performance by Ellen Burstyn and the suspenseful direction that William Friedkin took with the heart stopping story.
11. “West Side Story”
The quintessential Musical, the Musical that showed all the other Musicals how it’s done. The opening scene (below) sets the tone perfectly. With the ultra-cool choreography from Jerome Robbins, reality is gone and the viewer is sucked into this violently tragic love story set to beautiful and legendary songs and dancing.
10. “Jaws“
The amazing thing about Steven Speilberg‘s box office classic is that even with the limitations of technology at the time, the titular Great White Shark is still scary as hell. It’s because Speilberg is such a creative Director, armed with a great cast and down to earth script that put the viewer right on the beach with the people in the film.
9. “Inglourious Basterds”
The casting in this movie is phenomenal, the script is flawless (okay except for one thing – ask me in my comments what that one thing is), and the Direction is genius. But at this point, what else would you expect from the Master Tarantino? I honestly thought I’d be let down for some reason, but once you experience the tour de force performances from Christoph Waltz and Melanie Laurent (who was robbed of at least an Oscar nomination), once you dig into the meaty and highly entertaining script, there’s no way you can say this isn’t a Masterpiece.
This is one of Tarantino’s most well-written scenes, it includes one thing I can’t figure out, I love how suspenseful and unpredictable it is, and how it turns out.
This is the scene I was talking about in that post.
7. “Pulp Fiction”
Though I’ll admit, some parts of this Classic are hard to watch, overall you have to appreciate the genius of Tarantino in his big breakthrough flick that changed the entire Movie making industry.
One of my favorite scenes, and this is a fairly early scene to set the tone.
6. “Thelma & Louise“
It’s a Road Trip Movie, it’s a Car chase Movie, it’s a Female bonding Movie, it’s a coming of age movie. Ultimately it’s just an Amazing movie with two fine actresses giving us their best work, and a new screenwriter showing Hollywood that sometimes you have to look outside of the machine to bring something truly timeless and groundbreaking to the table. This Movie always gives me that combination of laughter and sadness and terror and edge of my seat action, and all perfectly balanced and handled expertly by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.
5. “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy”
Like “The Avengers”, this Trilogy had so much potential to fail, but thanks to Peter Jackson, WETA and Andy Serkis , along with the rest of the cast of course, these three Masterpieces will definitely stand the test of time.
This is probably my favorite scene from all three, I only wished I could have seen it on the big screen. (I’m sure that time will come again though, just hopefully not in a botched re-release a la Lucas!)
4. “Airplane”
This is the definition of Slapstick, a quintessential Comedy flick that should be studied. It’s the FUNNIEST movie you ever will see, with so many hilarious running gags and one liners and parodies that have stood to the test of nearly 40 years.
3. “Chicago”
This is what I’d call a Modern Classic, and that’s because it’s excellent any way you look at it. An amazing cast with strong characters, a constantly unpredictable script and story, Amazing dance numbers and staging. Great songs, great costumes, great cinematography. Everything about this Musical is excellent and I can’t get enough.
And obviously if I’m picking scenes to highlight why one should watch said Movie, “Cell Block Tango” is gonna be the one. Just amazing, truly one of the Best Musical Sequences of All Time… and High on the list.
2. “Batman“
Read about this in my “Best/Worst Comic Book Movies“, but I’ll just quickly say that Tim Burton’s version of “Batman”, and his dark take on the Comic Book world was so different it blew my mind as a child and made me want to become a Director. Not many Movies have that influence, just great ones. Clearly this is a Great one.
1. “Purple Rain“
What can I say? I Love music, I Love Movies and I Love Prince. This semi-autobiographical Movie about the Purple one, though lacking in any real acting talent or screenwriting skills, remains a highly entertaining Movie I can enjoy, reminisce and dance my ass off with. The amazing music and performance sequences seal the deal, laced with some humorous bits, it’s great because it’s a true time capsule of that time of Music and a peak into who the “mysterious” Prince was.
#TopTenThursday didn’t really happen, but that IS a weekly thing I want to keep going on this here blog. But, in the effort of trying to keep this blog active, I’m going to add another weekly list – TopTwentyFiveTuesday, or maybe this will monthly, we’ll see. (Mind you, BOTH the TopTenThursday and TopTwentyFiveTuesday won’t be exclusive to Music)
This post is to make up for two things actually, the #TopTenThursday thing AND the post I planned on making about my favorite music of 2014 so far. I could have easily posted something quick and easy at the end of June, the official halfway mark of the year, but I have downloaded so much music that I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to yet. I wanted to give those albums (Agust Alsina, The 1975, Beck, Jack White, et. al.) a fair listen and have a broader, more researched list of my favorite albums of 2014. Unfortunately I still have a bunch of albums in my iTunes that have zero plays… and it’s damn near August already. SO – instead of doing that (it’ll just have to wait until the end of the year) I’m just going to post the songs that I’ve been obsessed with this year. Some new, some old, all great.
And here we go…
25. Toni Braxton & Babyface “Roller Coaster”
Their “Love, Marriage & Divorce” album is really good, and this opening track is one of the stand outs.
24. Shakira featuring Rihanna “Can’t Remember to Forget You”
Sexy video. Fun song. And… well, RIHANNA!!!
23. Robin Thicke featuring Tamar Braxton “For the Rest of My Life Part 2”
22. M.I.A. “Bad Girls”
I was obsessed with this song my last month in New York City. Nice flow.
21. Pharrell Williams featuring Alicia Keys “Know Who You Are”
My absolute favorite from Pharrell’s “GIRL” album.
20. Jessie J “Thunder”
19. Justin Timberlake “Not a Bad Thing”
This is such a cute little Pop song, don’t “fuck around” and sleep on it.
18. The Black Keys “Waiting on Words”
Black Keys’ “Turn Blue” is an excellent album, and this has become my favorite.
17. Calvin Harris “Summer”
16. Christian Falk featuring Robyn and Ola Salo “Dream On”
I OWNED Robyn’s self titled 2008 album, but somehow never paid attention to this. I really got into it this Spring as I was easing back into the Bay Area life.
15. Drake “Connect”
14. K. Michelle “Can’t Raise a Man”
Great great song with a strong message that ladies NEED to pay attention to.
13. St. Vincent “Digital Witness”
Randomly saw St. Vincent on “Saturday Night Live” this Spring, and I fell in love with this quirky (and seemingly Prince-inspired) track. YAAAH!
12. Andre 3000 & Beyonce “Back to Black”
I was late to the party on this one, but this Amy Winehouse remake is so weird and strange – right up my alley.
11. Kanye West “Hold My Liquor”
10. Jhene Aiko “The Worst”
Thank the BET Awards for this, I seriously had never heard the song before the show. Really addictive song.
9. Coldplay “Midnight”
Just one word : AMAZING! (it reminds me of How To Dress Well though)
8. Jessie J “Sexy Lady”
Probably the most FUN song I’ve discovered this year, this girl is so terribly underrated and under-promoted. This song could be HUGE, but oh well.
7. Robyn & Royksopp “Monument”
Robyn and Royksopp’s collaboration album has highs and few lows, but this opening track is just EPIC!! Amazingly textured and one of the best aural experiences of the year. (It’s just a tad long, but worth it when you get to that Saxophone effect)
6. Beyonce featuring Drake “Mine”
I always find myself coming back to this beautifully complex track.
5. Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones “I Got U”
I heard this on some random commercial and just had to have it. The steel drums, the low-key House bump and the Whitney Houston sample just make this one of the best FEELING songs I’ve gotten into this year.
4. Mariah Carey “Make It Look Good”
3. A Great Big World featuring Christina Aguilera “Say Something”
Can’t even explain why I love this song, it’s so simple but makes such an emotional impact. Great stuff.
2. Mariah Carey “Faded”
This song is so sad, but the groove of it and Mariah’s vocals make it very addicting for me.
1. Coldplay “Magic”
Everything about this song is on point, the lyricism, the production and even Chris’ vocals are … well, they fit the song and mood.
