With the release of new Destiny’s Child compilation ‘Love Songs’ drawing nearer, this week’s The Best You Never Heard celebrates the legacy of the iconic chart-toppers.
Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, part 1 of this two-tier special sees us spotlight an array of gems from DC’s various solo offerings. Remember, as ever, we want to know who YOU felt chose the best song! Let us know below…
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Beyonce – ‘Be With You’
A calculated continuation from King B’s work with Destiny’s Child, sensual groove ‘Be With You’ serves as a stand-out offering from her 2003 solo debut ‘Dangerously In Love’. Breezy cool and chill in nature, the cut sits comfortably in the underrated slower section of the LP.
With its verses based around The Brother Johnson‘s ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ and its chorus an interpolation of Bootsy Collins’ ‘I’d Rather Be With You’, the gem was written by Ms. Knowles and produced by none other than Rich Harrison, also renown as the man who gifted her her first solo classic ‘Crazy In Love’.
The mellow number is complemented by the then-21 year old’s gorgeous vocal performance. Starting off seductively, she almost coos for the first half of the track before blossoming into Sasha midway through; concluding with what can only be described as an ad-lib festival.
Although Bey has seen her status soar over the years, reaching heights even artists twice her age never could, one thing has remained concurrent. She has never turned her back on the very band, experience, and most importantly sound that had put her on the map in the first place. Destiny’s Child. {JOE}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”wsvxMVKnlY4″]
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Kelly Rowland – Better Without You
Criminally underrated, Kelly Rowland’s sophomore album ‘Ms. Kelly’ is the home of many a “coulda, woulda, shoulda” hit. Indeed, the 2007 set boasted a number of solid songs beyond sole smash ‘Like This’.
Case, point ‘Better Without You’.
The stirring ballad blends influences from the likes of Brandy and Sade, while showcasing the richness embedded in Rowland’s middle and lower registers.
More than anything, it’s the song’s uplifting and universally accessible message that resonates most. Stellar track. {SAM}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”Euok11aLWPs”]
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Michelle Williams – Change The World
After the first announcement that Destiny’s Child was breaking up to pursue solo interests, the Pop/R&B trio took three very different paths into the “music-sphere”. While Kelly Rowland boarded the Pop train, Beyonce looked to cruise R&B waters. The most unexpected transition, however, came in the form of a full gospel album from Michelle Williams – 2002’s ‘Heart To Yours’.
Showcasing her criminally overlooked range, most of the tunes featured a refreshing take on Gospel music and delivered a fusion of Williams’ loves – R&B and Gospel. However, the most radio friendly tune on the album, which went on to be the year’s top Gospel seller, was the bass heavy ‘Change the World’.
A slow-groove featuring slick harmonies and a mellow vocal performance, ‘Change’ makes it hard to decide whether to bob your head or break into a chilled praise session. Easily posing potential to spin side-by-side with R&B cuts of the year, this gem is one of many oft-missed by the underrated songstress. Press ‘Play’ to see what we mean. {RASHAD}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”xwbt3m8JleA”]
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LeToya Luckett – Obvious
Following the “drama” which saw original member LeToya Luckett depart the group in 2000, few could have predicted the Platinum colored success that she’d achieve solo six years later.
An underdog if there was ever one, the Houston native hit #1 with debut ‘LeToya’ in 2006. And while much of that feat is attributable to her DC following as well as break-out hit ‘Torn’, the album itself packed many a gem – one of brightest shining being ‘Obvious’.
Produced by piano-ballad maestro Brian Michael Cox, the song packs with it much vocal conviction, really driving home of the narrative of love gone wrong. Soaked in pain and heartache, Lady Love’s delivery on the bridge and final chorus are sublime.
Bring on album number 3…please! {DAVID}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”ADA25qZH8uI”]
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Whose Pick Was Best This Week?!
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Destiny’s Child’s ‘Love Songs’ hits stores on January 29th and includes the newly recorded ‘Nuclear’.
