One of most popular topics of discussion here on ATRL is Beyonce's supposed lack of hit singles, with polls constantly being devoted to when her next hit single may or may not come.

However, I pose this question:

Does Beyonce even NEED a hit single right now in her career?

I'd argue that she's doing quite fine without it. Hit singles are helpful for the girls who don't have much else going on, as it's an easy way to keep them in the public's eye.

However, even without a hit single, Beyonce is currently selling highly critically acclaimed albums, leading the nominations at many award shows, breaking records with her tours, and routinely being praised by the media, the GP, and by other legends in the industry.

It's clear she knows she is beyond racking up quick lil' singles. If her career were in the dumps, I could see how she might need to resort to this....but it's not.

So does Bey even need a hit single or has she found a way to remain relevant without that?

No, she has already proved that multiple times.

She has no interest in hits though, I mean look at how she handled her singles. IF she doesn't care, why should we?

She has already established herself in the industry, and she is on the right path releasing greater albums after great albums. At this point she should just let the music do the talking like she's done with her latest release - and that's what a true musical artist should do. If one of her songs happen to be 'smash hits', that's bonus. I would take her acclaimed album over any 'smash hit' written for chart success any day.

Beyonce is one of the most successful radio artists spending many weeks at #1, she has had huge hits, she just chooses something different now.

Beyonce is that kind of popstar that is her own mold, yes she was deeply inspired by some other legends, but she is slowly creating a different kind of pop star with different needs in able to survive the industry.

She is just ****ing weird

For me, it would legitimize that people are here for her. Not just her fanbase or whatever.

4 didn't do any wonders and I would be willing to bet Beyonce wouldn't have done better if it wasn't released the way that it was. Since none of her singles have taken off since Single Ladies, I personally wonder if that many people are here for her music. Sure pop music stations wouldn't play her but other mainstream stations should. It shouldn't just be urban radio giving her support if she's as popular as I'm lead to believe.

Great answer.

I'd love for those who feel she DOES need a hit to explain how Bey managed to book the Superbowl, have 2 record breaking tours, and have one of 2013's best selling albums without a hit...

Yes if she wants her music to be remembered in 20 years.

To be like her other peers such as Katy, Rihanna, Pink - yep, she does need a smash hit from time to time.

I don't need one from her.

Yes DiL won't even pass 2 mil it's serious

She doesn't need hits to stay relevant because shes more of a celebrity than a musician, celebrities do not need hits to stay relevant.

She doesn't necessarily need them to stay highly relevant, but it wouldn't hurt if she were to have one.

If the radio deal business in the singles market is her issue, so be it, but there's no shame in executing a well thought out single campaign. If it reaps the benefits, it would only add to an artist with such a legacy and staying power.

Same goes for Cher, Ross, Summers and so on.
Let them

Are you serious tho? Beyoncé is more of a celebrity now?

When you say shes on the public eye, all what the public talk about is her instagram photoshop and her relationship with Jay and how its not doing well, not her music.

As famous as Janet was in her prime, she needed a hit to stay relevant. Getting past the scandal and all, if Janet was churning the bops, she would have been in demand despite what CBS did to ha. Beyonce needs a hit.