Beyoncé is a master of incorporating of-the-moment influences à la the ever-shapeshifting Prince, but R&B remains at the core of her sound. Her soulful balladry descends from the smooth passion of Anita Baker and Luther Vandross; genre-melding tracks like “Don't Hurt Yourself” recall the rock edge possessed by Teena Marie. A true scholar of soul, Beyoncé's musical curiosity informs her always-expanding vision.