Since the dawn of time we have pitted diva's against each other to discover who we love more. And you don't get bigger diva's right now than Beyonce and Rihanna. To some it may seem like a one sided competition, Beyonce all the way, but Rihanna is pretty massive here in Australia and singles sales would point the competition to Rihanna.
I've been asking people this question all week, and it's been an even spread, and some of the discussions have been getting hectic. Love it. So let's plead the case for both.
BEYONCE:
Right from the beginning of Destiny's Child, Beyonce was the breakout star. Amazing vocals that match perfectly with her pop and R&B hits. She is not just a pop star, she is an icon, a style leader, and her influence is so massive, Kanye West crashed Taylor Swift's acceptance speech to declare that Beyonce had the best video of all time with "Single Ladies" (above).
Beyonce has sold over 118 million records throughout the world, if including Destiny's Child, add another 60 million. She's won 17 Grammy awards and must be worth like a gazillion dollars (not an official amount). Plus there's the amazing songs, so many great songs including "Crazy in Love", "Halo" and "Drunk in Love". She is a true star!
So here are my favourite three Beyonce songs, these songs prove why she is a true force of nature:
1 - Telephone (featuring Lady Gaga)
What an amazing collaboration! This song has everything, two amazing divas, a great hook, catchy chorus and cultural phenomenom film clip. Sure it's meant to be a Gaga single, but Beyonce owns her parts. Her voice sounds flawless here. Could listen to this one on repeat over and over.
2 - Irreplaceable
This could have easily been my favourite, even though it's 9 years old I still love it just as much. Co-written by Beyonce and Ne-Yo, this mid tempo ballad is a little pop, a little R&B and all awesome. So easy to get "To the left, to the left, everything you own in a box to the left" stuck in your head. A pretty perfect pop single that rightfully went number one world wide.
3 - 1 + 1
This wasn't an official single, but was released as a promo, video included. This power ballad is a complete showcase for some flawless Beyonce vocals. She sounds so desperate and impassioned on this track, you can't help but gush as she emotes. And those lyrics, wow, "We ain't got nothing but love, and darling you got enough for the both of us". I truly adore this beautiful song.
RIHANNA:
Rihanna has been releasing albums since 2005 and already has released 7 albums featuring some massive songs, in fact, here in Australia she has had 8 number ones (more than Beyonce). She's sold 54 million albums and 190 million singles worldwide. Her clips are pieces of art and she's an amazing fashion icon.
Let's talk hits, and there have been many. And these songs show the beauty of Rihanna, crossing from pop, hip hop and reggae and filling the gaps in between. "Umbrella" was massive, and for reason, there's her duets with Eminem, "Love the Way You Lie" and "The Monster" which were incredible, and then a beautiful ballad like "Stay" showcases her vocals. I was just dancing along to "Only Girl She is a singles artist and does it with style and flare.
Here are my favourite three Rihanna songs:
1 - Unfaithful
This, like "Irreplaceable" was co-written by Ne-Yo and this haunting power ballad is a perfect showcase for Rihanna's unique vocals. Lyrically it's about someone who regrets cheating. It's a great sing along ballad and a song I remember playing on repeat when it was first released. Beautiful stuff I still adore.
2 - S&M
Rihanna can make a wonderful dirty song, and this bit of pop brilliance proves it. This great track celebrating the love of S&M proves why Rihanna has often called herself, "The Black Madonna". The beat is deep and makes you want to dance, and you can't help but sing along with she belts, "Now come on". And extra points for re-recording this as a duet with the fantastic Britney.
3 - Diamonds
Speaking of catchy lyrics, most of us would have had, "Shine bright like a diamond" stuck in our heads. This is a Sia penned track, and proves again why she is songwriting gold. This mid tempo ballad is a grower, working your way into your self conscious and sticking there for days, weeks, on end. I am a big fan of this song.
MY VERDICT:
Okay, I love Beyonce, and love her Destiny's Child stuff, but for me the answer is Rihanna. For me it's about her versatility and as a massive pop music fan, Rihanna is more of a pop artist. Cue the screaming from Beyonce fans!
YOUR VERDICT:
Time to vote in the comments section below. Tell me who you prefer, Beyonce or Rihanna. Let's see who wins!!!
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