When Beyoncé’s 2016 masterpiece of an album “Lemonade” came out, we, along with the rest of the world, caught a visceral glimpse of the stripped-down human side of her. She was, in fact, a woman, like many others, in a relationship and struggling. She navigated and expressed deep rage and disappointment for her (extremely famous!) husband Jay Z’s infidelity, all on the very public stage of her craft. Between watching her prowl the streets in that flowing yellow dress, wielding a baseball bat at car windows, to the true identity of “Becky with the good hair,” I was sold. In fact, I asked myself, ruminating for a while, if there was anything this woman couldn’t do. But there was indeed something she hadn’t fully covered or explored yet: country music. Enter the second album after “RENAISSANCE” in her trilogy of albums, “COWBOY CARTER.”
This new album boasts 27 songs compared to the 16-song “RENAISSANCE.” Where does one find so much inspiration for all these albums and songs? The truth is, “COWBOY CARTER” might’ve taken root after Beyoncé’s 2016 experience at the Country Music Association Awards. Beyoncé performed the song “Daddy Lessons” with The Dixie Chicks, and the audience’s response was less than stellar. Not even her beloved fans (The BeyHive) could shield her from the idea that many people felt she was out of place at such an event. But the question is, if you’re Beyoncé, what kind of response doesn’t an experience like this produce?
Beyoncé stated she “did a deeper dive into the history of country music and studied our musical archive…the criticisms I faced when I first entered the genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me.” The result of examining a space she doesn’t feel welcome in? Her new album. While she causes a self-professed walk through the South – from Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas – Beyoncé takes aim at American history. In exploring the racist underparts of the term “cowboy,” turning her back on the concept that she may not be in the country space, she also turns her back on quite a fair amount of royalties. Beautiful covers of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and the Beatles’ “Blackbird” show she had no issue with paying to include all these different songs.
The album opens with “AMERICAN REQUIEM,” which immediately grabs the listener’s attention with goosebumps-producing, National Anthem-esque sounds and infectious rhythm. Beyoncé’s striking vocals soar over the country-adjacent production, fusing pop and techno music with the beautiful sounds of an old acoustic guitar. The lyrics are empowering, and the song addictive, telling a story of resilience and determination—which sets the tone for the rest of the album.
One standout track on the album is “YA YA,” which combines elements of country and R&B, as well as Nancy Sinatra’s famous riff and beat from “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’, showcasing Beyoncé’s versatility as an artist. Songs like this spark dialogue in listeners, with Gregory Brooks (Form V) whispering in the hallway that it’s “lowkey better than RENAISSANCE.” Sometimes, this not-so-country album does pay such great homage to the genre all the same. On tracks such as “DAUGHTER and PROTECTOR,” her vocals run from high to low like a slide on a guitar that points straight to country music. Her collaboration with Willie Nelson on “JUST FOR FUN” shows again her exploration into so many new things and artists that go with her own voice…and why? Because she can.
With its genre-blending sound and powerful vocals, I don’t care if this is a country album or an opera: it’s a triumph. With thought-provoking lyrics, the album stands out as a unique and refreshing addition to Beyoncé’s repertoire. “COWBOY CARTER” is a must-listen for fans of the artist and anyone seeking a musical experience that pushes the boundaries of country music itself. The album effortlessly blends elements of country, pop and R&B, resulting in a unique and refreshing sound that pushes the boundaries and limits of traditional genres.
The production on “COWBOY CARTER” is top-notch, with each song featuring lush instrumentals and seamless transitions between genres. The album effortlessly blends twangy guitars with modern beats and electronic elements, leaving us excitedly waiting for the unexpected. Lyrically, “COWBOY CARTER” explores a range of themes, from love, heartbreak, self-empowerment and social commentary. Beyoncé’s lyrics are introspective, delving into personal experiences and societal issues. The album’s storytelling is powerful, with each song serving as a chapter in an overarching narrative.
In conclusion, Beyoncé’s remarkable album “COWBOY CARTER” represents the artist’s boundless talent. With its genre-blending sound, soulful vocals and lyricism, the album stands out as a beyond-impressive addition to Beyoncé’s discography. It’s also important to know that before you judge this album, Beyoncé herself said, “This is not a country album. This is a Beyoncé album.”
