From their ‘Greatest Singers Ever‘ and ‘Top 200 Songs of the 80s‘ to the ‘Top 15 Rap Songs of 2023‘ and beyond, Rolling Stone is no stranger to getting collective side-eyes from music lovers for their polarizing rankings on “best-ever” tallies.
And, if the response to one of their latest lists is any indication, that criticism won’t be stopping any time soon.
Turning heads this week with the unveiling of the ‘100 Best R&B Songs of the 21st Century,’ the lineup featured some expected entries in unexpected positions alongside some snubs and downright shocking placements.
Among those was the surprise that Beyonce‘s solo rendition of Destiny’s Child‘s 2001 classic ‘Dangerously In Love‘ was crowned the top female R&B song of the century.
While music lovers first became acquainted with the song ‘Dangerously in Love’ courtesy of Destiny’s Child penultimate traditional studio album ‘Survivor‘ (2001), it wasn’t until the tune became the title track for Beyonce’s inaugural solo LP in 2003 that it really gained its wings.
Penned and produced by the then-burgeoning diva with help from Errol McCalla Jr., the ballad – despite not receiving the widespread acclaim as the project’s breakout hits ‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Baby Boy’ – was catapulted into critical acclaim thanks to stunning showings like those found at the 2004 GRAMMYs (seen above).
An enduring fan favorite that even got a nod during megastar’s most recent global ‘Renaissance Tour,‘ ‘Dangerously’ is apparently a fave among the staff at ‘Rolling Stone’ as well as it was ranked the best female R&B song of the century – beating out chart-topping megahits like ‘We Belong Together‘ (Mariah Carey), ‘Be Without You’ (Mary J. Blige), and ‘Fallin’ (Alicia Keys).
Among all songs, it ranked #3 behind Usher‘s ‘Confessions (Pt.2)’ and D’Angelo‘s ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’ as we reported here.
“…’Dangerously In Love 2′ showed that sequels can be better than the original,” the mag said about the tune they also referred to as “timeless,” “show-stopping,” and “undeniable.”
The powerful ballad wasn’t the only Bey song to get love on the ‘RS’ ranking, however, as hits ‘Love On Top‘ and ‘1+1’ also made the cut.
Click here to see the full 100.
Why was this post necessary? Could have just been highlighted in the Usher post…
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
no. there were soooo many other Bey songs that could’ve taken this position. DIL is cool for what it is, a song written by a young star on the rise and taking ownership of her craft.
Ashanti Foolish should be #1 js….
I actually agree it was the most successful of all these songs listed and is constantly played on the radio and streamed like it just came out
Did this song even chart? I never heard it on the radio in my whole life. I bet were it possible they would put this over “I Will Always Love You.” Beyonce has found a way to rig the entire game. People worship this woman for no good reason.
56. Monica, So gone.
I’d place this in the top 30 at least.
Also, Angel of mine should have made this list.
Angel of mine is a cover
And it was released in the 20th century you pathetic b****
You should apply for rolling stone bc they never get it right
Donell Jones “Where I Wanna Be” should be top 10. SWV “Weak” , Musiq “Love”…..
Neither Weak nor Where I Wanna Be were released in the 21st century😐
Yeah you stupid fat b@stard
🤣🤣🤣 Rolling Stones is officially not an expert on black music!
Lol. Rolling Stone is not Billboard. Rolling Stone deals in opinions, not facts or numbers. Remember when they declared Lady Gaga the new Queen of Pop? Yeah, so if you believe that then you can believe this list lol.
I may be biased as a fan but I think it’s a decent selection for the past 20 some years. I think it’s a reasonable choice and equally as worthy among the other songs named above by Mary, Mariah, Alicia, Usher, and D’Angelo.
There was never a solo version of this song. The vocals of Kelly and Michelle are still on the DIL album version. That is Destiny’s Child’s song.
I think those who don’t understand why this song won also don’t understand critic acclaim. Outside of sales, the song is a masterpiece and artistically crafted for listening pleasure. The fact the song wasn’t a single yet is recognized by the world and still does well, streaming in modern times, speaks to its innate power. When artist go on tour, the design their setlist by paying attention to fan favorites. Dangerously in Love has always been a favorite by her fans and that’s because of how we gravitated to it, despite not getting the single treatment. DIL and Die with You are songs that can live beyond time. The lyrics are powerful. The vocals are heavenly and the performances are done like true musical genius would. For the person who wrote that we worship Beyonce for anything.. I believe you’re the type just just can’t mentally accept that a person can be as talented as she is. In short, the song is simply that fire. Leave that woman alone, bruh.