Beyoncé’s Best Deep Cuts, In Honor of Her 45th Birthday

BeyHive members everywhere are getting into formation to celebrate their queen Beyoncé’s 45th birthday. Although it would be easy to press play on some of her biggest chart-topping hits (because we’re definitely doing that), we thought it would be fun to highlight the lesser-known tracks from a music icon who’s given us more hits than we realize.

So we dug deep in her crates and found some of the songs that had us in a chokehold without ever getting top billing. From “Signs” to “Superpower” to “Schoolin’ Life,” these are the deep cuts that deserve their flowers. Keep reading for more!

“I Miss You”

Bey’s “I Miss You” is for those nights when you’re perfectly fine (or at least trying to convince yourself that you are) but are still thinking about somebody you probably shouldn’t be thinking about! The best thing about this song is that she keeps things surprisingly simple here, letting the emotion do most of the heavy lifting. It’s tender, lonely and the kind of song that makes missing somebody feel almost a little glamorous!

Related: Behind Beyoncé’s New Billionaire Status

“That’s Why You’re Beautiful”

Yet another sleeper song that feels like a warm hug after a long day, “That’s Why You’re Beautiful” is all about finding beauty in imperfection and loving somebody for exactly who they are. It’s hella romantic and one of those songs that quietly reminds you that Beyoncé can absolutely do vulnerable love songs, too!

“Poison”

Let’s be honest: we all know someone who knew that their relationship was bad for them, but they kept going back anyway. (Heck, maybe we were that person in a past life!) If either is the case, then “Poison” is basically the soundtrack for that experience, thanks to its push-and-pull feeling of wanting somebody you probably shouldn’t. It’s moody and just toxic enough to make you press replay!

“Schoolin’ Life”

If you’re a 20-something or remember your 30-somethings, or are proud to be a 40-something, then you’ll appreciate this song and what it stands for! “Schoolin’ Life” is really a quiet track that speaks to learning life lessons outside of what your parents taught you or tried to shield you from! While none of us ever gets it 100 percent right, the journey of growing up is always worth it, and this song serves as a good anthem for that!

“Kitty Kat”

While this song may have seen increased popularity on social media in recent years, it’s still one that not many people know as well as Bey’s other hits. And it’s really a shame because it’s a fun bop and the visuals are feline, feminine, and sexy!

“In Da Club Remix”

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but whoever is in charge of clearing this sample (looking at you, 50 Cent) so Beyoncé can put this track on streaming platforms, they need to do it ASAP! This is arguably just as enjoyable as the original song; let’s do the Hive a favor and add it on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, etc. It’s what the people need!

“Superpower”

Talk about a sleeper hit! When Bey dropped this collab with Frank Ocean on her surprise self-titled album, it was such a moment. But due to other hits on the album, it went overlooked. However, those who know, know just how amazing the vocals on this track are.

“Mine”

Say what you want about Drake today, but in 2013, when this song dropped, a feature with him was damn near everywhere. So when we saw that Queen Bey made room for him on her song “Mine,” folks were ready to press play. But again, there were so many fire songs on the “Beyoncé” album that it went under the radar. But take this as your sign to press play on it today.

“Signs”

Will we ever get over songs that are about certain zodiac signs? Probably not! So, it’s not all that surprising that Beyoncé would make a song about catching feelings for an Aquarius! “Signs” is one of those early Bey tracks that feels like a love letter to astrology – undeniably playful, and niche enough to make you wonder why we don’t talk about this one more!

“No Angel”

“No Angel” just might hit a little too close to home. This song showcases Bey’s self-awareness, as she admits that neither she nor her partner is perfect. And honestly, that’s what makes it feel so real. It’s sultry, a little messy—and that’s exactly the kind of Beyoncé we need every now and then.

“Be With You”

One thing about Beyoncé – she never shies away from singing a song about her love for her man, and “Be With You” is just another example of that. The way she goes on about how his loving ways affect her in this downtempo song is sweet and sultry at the same time, and that’s why it’s worth the stream.

“Lay Up Under Me”

If you were keen enough to tap into the deluxe version of Bey’s “4” album, then you might remember her cover of this Sean Garrett song. But unlike the way he approached the track, the Houston native decided to breathe a little more life into it and switch up the lyrics. It was only right!

“I Was Here”

Arguably, one of Bey’s strengths is when she gets in her ballad bag and really lets her raw vocals shine without too much background. That’s exactly what you get with “I Was Here.” The subject matter and POV of this song are also pretty deep and resonant, which makes us love the song even more.