With Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour at a close and our belief that a massive break was on the horizon for the iconic singer, we were happily mistaken as her new era was awoken. As the follow up project to her 2022 album, "Act I: Renaissance" she has entered "Act II: Cowboy Carter". The new body of work seemingly to revolve around the country music genre, which is the first time she's delved into this genre.
Beyoncé | Instagram
After the cover art featuring the queen B on a horse in a full set of American themed cowboy gear, fans were quick to point out the connection to her look from the 2024 Grammys, where she was seen in a cowboy hat, a quiet easter egg alluding to the theme and genre change of her next drop.
As the singer prepared for the official release date, the track list was made public on March 27th and featured iconic country stars, from Willie Nelson & Dolly Parton, to pop singers, such as Post Malone and Miley Cyrus, and even Black country artists, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. In addition to original songs she's written and produced, Beyoncé also included a cover of Dolly’s hit single “Jolene” as well as The Beatles's track “Blackbird”, spelled “Blackbiird”.
In addition to these iconic special features, she also credits music moguls who provided acoustics to multiple songs on the album, including Jon Batiste, Nile Rodgers, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney.
Beyonce | Instagram
The first single to tease the upcoming album, "Texas Hold 'Em", which dropped on February 11th breached multiple charts across the globe, including #1 on US Hot Country Songs, South Africa Radio (RISA), Netherland's Single Top 100, and Billboard's Global 200. Countless established country artists praised Beyoncé's introduction into the country music space and the immense impact she will forever have on Black artists in the genre.
Its vast sound difference from the hit album "Renaissance" was easily recognizable as her 7th studio album focused primarily on the house, techno, and dance music space to express the stories she conveyed. This album's celebration was heightened from the influence of prominent & successful funk, disco, and avant-garde artists who have paved the way for generations. Within "Cowboy Carter" did she focus fundamentally on the folk, blues, soul, and more so stripped down realms of music.
It’s release date on March 29th was met with high anticipation and appraisal from fans across the globe as she reminds us yet again that her artistry spans far & wide while highlighting significant aspects of society and culture.
Her newfound entrance into the country genre has everyone speculating whether Beyoncé will be eligible for nomination at the CMA (Country Music Award) in 2025 where country artists gather to celebrate their work and commemorate the long-standing genre.
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