Lost Hit: Beyonce’s “Radio” Should Have Been A Single

Mike Wass | July 9, 2017 8:01 am
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In this franchise, we highlight album tracks that should have been released as singles.

Beyonce released nine singles from I Am… Sasha Fierce, but slept on the most obvious one. A soaring dance-pop detour with a massive chorus, “Radio” was a no-brainer for chart glory. While it lacked the sophistication of “Sweet Dreams” and felt a little vanilla next to “Ego,” the banger had undeniable appeal at a time when songs like “Just Dance,” “Womanizer” and “Disturbia” were vying for number one. Jim Jonsin’s production was very much on-trend and international fans, at least, were eagerly devouring Pop-yonce.

Instead, Beyonce rolled insomnia-curing ballad “Broken-Hearted Girl” and the unlistenable “Video Phone.” The latter was worth a shot given the Lady Gaga connection (it was her hey-day), but they both flopped — leaving the slightest stain on an otherwise golden era. Time hasn’t been particularly kind to “Radio” and it has the dubious distinction of being the last time Beyonce really chased a trend. That doesn’t make it any less of a missed opportunity, however, or diminish its capacity to evoke an era when ballsy synth-pop reigned supreme.

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