Beyoncé
John Lewis, Populous, May 2014
IF YOU WANT an embodiment of the contradictions that seem to define Beyoncé Knowles, just listen to her 2008 anthem 'Single Ladies'. Sonically, it's one of the most thrilling and futuristic R&B songs of recent years. Beyoncé's vocals emerge over a series of handclaps, foot-stomps and chirruping ringtones, as if a clutch of children in a playground have formed a circle around her and forced her to improvise a song.
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