The same year Jay-Z released what he called his “retirement” album, his new girlfriend and future wife, Beyoncé Knowles, released her debut, Dangerously in Love.
Beyoncé had a successful career already as part of Destiny’s Child, but the trio had begun releasing solo material in order to boost the band’s profile. The move wound up boosting Beyoncé’s profile, no doubt, but Destiny’s Child released only one more album and Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams had less illustrious solo careers.
Dangerously in Love has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and put two #1 hits on the charts (‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Baby Boy’). Two others, including today’s SOTD, reached the top five.
Reading contemporaneous reviews of the album, it’s funny to see critics doubting Beyoncé’s potential as a solo artist. Seventeen years later, she is not just a pop culture phenomenon but an icon in so many other ways. This R&B/pop record is certainly a modest beginning given what was to come.
Unfortunately, for me, this album is a giant bore. Apart from opening track ‘Crazy in Love,’ which I love, the rest is a mix of generic R&B bangers and ballads, none of which stick in my mind for a second. This is a world away from the creative renaissance of Beyoncé’s last two albums.
I love to love you, baby
I love to love you, baby
[Verse 1]
I’m feeling sexy
I wanna hear you say my name, boy
If you can reach me
You can feel my burning flame
I’m feelin’ kind of n-a-s-t-y
I might just take you home with me
[Pre-Chorus]
Baby, the minute I feel your energy
Your vibe has just taken over me
Start feeling so crazy, babe
Lately, I feel the funk coming over me
I don’t know what’s gotten into me
The rhythm’s got me feeling so crazy, babe
[Chorus]
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
We’re gonna turn this party out
I know you want my body
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
I see you look me up and down
And I came to party
[Verse 2]
You’re so sexy
Tonight, I am all yours, boy
The way your body moves across the floor
I’m feelin’ kind of n-a-s-t-y
I might just take you home with me
[Pre-Chorus]
Baby, the minute I feel your energy
Your vibe has just taken over me
Start feeling so crazy, babe
Lately, I feel the funk coming over me
I don’t know what’s gotten into me
The rhythm’s got me feeling so crazy, babe
[Chorus]
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
We’re gonna turn this party out
I know you want my body
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
I see you look me up and down
And I came to party
[Bridge]
I love to love you, baby (I love to love you, baby)
I love to love you, baby (I love to love you, baby)
I love to love you, baby (I love to love you, baby)
I love to love you, baby (I love to love you, baby)
[Chorus]
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
We’re gonna turn this party out
I know you want my body
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
I see you look me up and down
And I came to party
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
We’re gonna turn this party out
I know you want my body
Tonight, I’ll be your naughty girl
I’m calling all my girls
I see you look me up and down
And I came to party
Meet Me In Montauk 
A gant bore? That’s a new one on me.