Bey extends royal reign over country music with ‘Cowboy Carter’

¨Queen Bey¨ has officially replaced her crown with a cowboy hat after a career spent redefining a generation of musicians. After gaining prominence as a member of the iconic 90’s band, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé has become one of the most famous female pop stars in the world. Her biggest hits include “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and “Crazy in Love (featuring Jay Z)”. Now, Beyoncé has taken a new, bold twist with her music by releasing an album steeped entirely in country. The rollout for the album began with a Verizon commercial during the Super Bowl this year, which ended with an announcement that new music was about to drop. Sure enough, that same evening, the first two songs off the album, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” were released. The album, titled Cowboy Carter, stands as the second act of a three-album project, which began with the 2022 album Renaissance. 

Although Cowboy clocks in at a bloated 27 songs, some are not as traditional as her prior works, as they are voice overs and less than a minute long. Despite this, the album is still one hour and 18 minutes, a lengthier time than previous releases. Carter opens with “American Requiem,” which asserts her place in the country genre, despite any barriers set out for her. She forcefully reclaims the country roots she established growing up in Texas.

 The second song is a cover of “Blackbird” by The Beatles. The original’s history resonates as it was written using metaphors to chronicle the struggle for Civil Rights. As a black singer, it became a powerful moment for Beyoncé, one recognized by Paul McCartney in a tweet expressing his pleasure over the reimagining. 

 Backed by a steady drumbeat, “16 Carriages” sends a message of the loss of innocence, sacrifice, perseverance, and the legacy left behind. Beyoncé describes the hardships of trying to make it as a singer at only 15 and later turns to the present day, where she is an overworked mother struggling to balance career and family. The song provides an intriguing retrospection at her fame and career.

“Protector” is a sweet lullaby blooming with motherly love and protection. The song begins with an adorable spoken intro from Beyoncé’s youngest daughter, Rumi Carter. It is a sweet, pure, and powerful song. The next song, “The Rose” is only 53 seconds long. Though it is very short, it sends a theme of self-acceptance.

Following “Rose” is an interlude from country singer Willy Nelson. It contributes to the authentic feel of the album as it mimics a country radio station. The interlude also serves as an introduction to the title track, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” a fun, danceable, country tune featuring a banjo. Being the first single off the album, it provides listeners with an accurate look at the vibe of Cowboy Carter.

The next transition, “Dolly P” comes from Dolly Parton, arguably one of the most famous female country singers of all time. Her introduction is followed by a cover of Parton’s “Jolene.” The song details Jolene, an astonishingly beautiful woman who the narrator believes is going to steal her lover. Beyoncé puts her own spin on it, adding some of her own lyrics to the song. The additional lyrics add a modern perspective, one more biting than the original, as the narrator in this version acknowledges her own power and assures Jolene that nothing will take her lover away from her.

The dark, fierce “Daughter” is a sinister song that chronicles Beyoncé’s violent thoughts. Ultimately, she threatens to become like her father, implying her father was a cruel person. It is sinister, backed by haunting instrumentals. Following is “Spaghetti,” which begins with an intro from Linda Martell, who reflects on the concept of genres, saying that they create limits within music. This is then followed by artist Shaboozey mixing a Brazilian song, “Aquecimento das Danadas”. Beyoncé then comes in with a passionate rap, proving the point that Martell had previously made.

Next up is “Alligator Tears'', a slow and powerful song. Backed by a steady guitar, explains how her lover has been manipulating her but she still loves him deeply. After this, Nelson introduces the song, “Just for Fun.”  It features Willie Jones, who is calm and healing and teaches listeners that even in the darkest times, there is still light.

This is followed by another collaboration, this time with former Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus.  “2 Most Wanted” is a beautiful duet and a touching love song. Both Cyrus and Beyoncé’s vocals come across strong and clear, giving it a distinct feeling.

“Levi’s Jeans” features the popular singer and rapper Post Malone. The song references the collaboration between Destiny’s Child and Levi’s. Listeners are taken back in time to this iconic moment, where the group showed their impact on both music and fashion. 

“The Linda Martell Show” is another introduction, but this time from Martell herself, to help transition to the next song, “Ya Ya”. “Ya Ya” is lighthearted and playful, yet still makes a big statement as it celebrates the musicians who toured the Chitlin Circuit.

Parton returns on “Tyrant,” a song where Beyoncé asserts her power.  ¨Star Honey Buckin¨ features Shaboozey once again. It touches on her feelings about not winning Album of the Year at the Grammys and encourages people to ignore criticism.  Finally, the album closes with ¨Amen,” a church-like hymn that soothes and uplifts.

Cowboy Carter is a stunning country album, though lengthy. It features many collaborations and though it is predominantly country, it samples several music styles. It is a powerful album that has undoubtedly left its mark on the country genre. 

Grade: B+

Summary: Beyoncé, adorned in full cowgirl gear, tips her hat to her country roots, leaving a powerful message at the end of a very long journey.

by Chloe Lusvardi

Published April 29 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue VII