Ranking Beyoncé’s unreleased B’Day tracks

Marking two decades since the release of her influential sophomore album, Beyoncé has issued a deluxe edition of B’Day, expanding the record to 31 tracks. Released on September 4, coinciding with her 45th birthday, this edition revisits the original 2006 album while unveiling a trove of previously unheard recordings and alternate versions.

The anniversary set features all songs from the standard B’Day album alongside nearly all tracks from the 2007 deluxe release, although notable exclusions include “World Wide Woman” and “If.” A significant addition is the inclusion of the original Spanish-language versions of “Irreplacable,” “Beautiful Liar,” and “Listen,” which originally appeared on the 2007 Irreemplazable EP. This choice underscores a pronounced Latin American influence that permeates the expanded edition.

Among the unreleased material are songs initially omitted from the 2006 album, including “Creole,” “Back Up,” “Lost Yo Mind,” and “Can I Watch You,” the latter featuring Pharrell Williams. Additionally, “Morning Dew (Donk),” a track recorded in 2013 during sessions for Beyoncé’s self-titled album, makes its official debut in this collection. The presence of multiple versions of key tracks, such as five renditions of “Get Me Bodied” — including a reggaeton remix with Colombian artist Maluma — and four versions of “Irreplacable,” one of which samples Selena’s iconic “Como La Flor,” further enriches the listening experience.

This release arrives amid Beyoncé’s ongoing album trilogy, initiated by Renaissance in 2022 and followed by Cowboy Carter in 2024. While speculation about the trilogy’s concluding entry continues, some fans hypothesize that this deluxe edition could serve as an unexpected Act III, with a potential Act IV still anticipated. Clues during her recent Cowboy Carter tour, such as references to counting in Spanish, hint at a deeper engagement with Latin culture that aligns with the bilingual content of the B’Day reissue.

Vocally, the album juxtaposes Beyoncé’s matured voice with her earlier falsetto, creating a dynamic interplay that reflects her artistic evolution. The unreleased tracks, characterized by their mid-2000s R&B and dance aesthetics, evoke a nostalgic energy reminiscent of the era’s pop culture, including cinematic moments akin to those in dance films like Step Up.

Pharrell Williams’ collaboration stands out once more, with “Can I Watch You” adding to his significant contributions to Beyoncé’s catalog. While this track might lean more toward Pharrell’s signature style, it complements notable hits like “Kitty Kat” and “Green Light” from the original album.

The Spanish-language material represents a heartfelt homage to influential Latin artists and Beyoncé’s own heritage. The version of “Irreplacable” that incorporates Selena’s “Como La Flor” serves as a tribute to the late Tejano music star, highlighting Beyoncé’s appreciation for cultural icons who inspired her linguistic and musical exploration.

Tracks such as “Back Up” channel a high-energy, dance-oriented vibe, conjuring imagery akin to dance battles and urban choreography. Curiously absent from the soundtracks of contemporaneous dance films, these songs demonstrate Beyoncé’s ability to create compelling movement-driven music that could have easily complemented such media.

The track “Creole” offers a personal connection to Beyoncé’s family history, celebrating her mother Tina Knowles’ Louisiana Creole roots. This acknowledgment aligns with previous references in Beyoncé’s work, including visual themes in Lemonade and the tribute to her uncle Johnny on Renaissance. The song’s cultural specificity may also point towards thematic directions for forthcoming projects in her ongoing trilogy.

Overall, the B’Day 20th anniversary deluxe edition serves not only as a nostalgic archive but also as an insightful showcase of Beyoncé’s artistic trajectory. By blending previously hidden gems with fresh interpretations of familiar tracks, the release provides both longtime fans and new listeners a richer understanding of the album’s legacy and its place within Beyoncé’s expansive discography.