"If I Were a Boy" (2008)
Some critics have called it Beyoncé's best vocal performance, a potential award-winner, and others disagree, but while the pop arrangement tires after repeated listens, nothing beats Beyoncé's voice.
I Am...Sasha Fierce (2008)
This album was conceived as a split-personality deal with one disc of heartfelt ballads—including "If I Were a Boy" and "Halo"—and another dedicated to Beyoncé's alter-ego, the dangerous and dance-oriented Sasha Fierce.
I Am...Sasha Fierce (Deluxe Edition) (2008)
The deluxe version of I Am...Sasha Fierce adds five more tracks to the package. Considering that Beyoncé recorded 70 tracks for the two-disc album, it's no big surprise that these additional tracks are actually really good, especially "Smash Into You" and "Ego."